Test from Dilecta Grammont: the accessible class

French carbon elegance

Dilecta's first carbon monocoque model, the Grammont perfectly embodies the French brand's philosophy, aimed at cyclosportives and competitors seeking performance and elegance. Lively, accessible, and meticulously finished, the Dilecta Grammont stands out in today's cycling landscape, particularly for its excellent value for money. Here is the test of a bike that is attractive in more ways than one.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: © Vincent Lyky

Founded in 1913 in the small town of Le Blanc, the French brand Dilecta has made its mark on the history of competitive cycling. with 36 seasons at the top, five yellow jerseys, 14 stage victories in the Tour de France and seven triumphs in the legendary Tour of Flanders. Relaunched in 2021 by Éric Vanhaverbeke, the new version of Dilecta perpetuates this legacytagand with a touch of modernity.

Dilecta first took over the route with handcrafted steel and aluminum frames (the models The White and Convict), intended for the route and gravel. Since 2024, the brand has reached a milestone with the Grammont, its first bicycle route carbon monocoque and the spearhead of a so-called "Performance" range, set to evolve in the years to come. This bike, different in its design, remains faithful to the behavior of the first models and to the target audience: cycling epicureans, those who prioritize pleasure, freedom and sensations, with a touch of class and distinction.

Much lighter than the brand's steel or aluminum frames, the Dilecta Grammont changes category without denying its origins. It is a real tour de force.

A name full of history

The Grammont takes its name from two emblematic references : the legendary wall of the Tour of Flanders, where Dilecta shone seven times, and the Avenue de Grammont in Tours, scene of the finish of Paris-Tours, won twice by the Dilecta-Wolber team (in 1938 and 1951). Near this avenue, the brand's historic workshop has been making custom frames since 1937. This name pays homage to the champions and the craftsmanship of Dilecta.

Carbon monocoque is not a French specialty today. Dilecta does not hide the fact that Grammont is manufactured by a well-known Asian subcontractor., according to precise specifications defined by the brand.

With modern, clean lines and full cable integration, the T700/T800 carbon fiber frame keeps its weight to 830 g in size XS, while offering comfort, strength, durability and a certain elasticity. The use of higher modulus fibers (T1000/T1100) would have allowed a few dozen grams to be saved and a stiffer behavior to be obtained, like the bikes used in the World Tour, but at the cost of a higher price and a possible departure from the brand's philosophy.

Design and customization

The Grammont immediately seduces with its neat aesthetics. Its slightly profiled tubes and sleek design give it an identity that blends tradition and modernity. The paintwork, done in France, is impeccable, with a Dilecta logo on the fork and a signature red border on the top tube. Via the online configurator, six main colors are offered: Dilecta yellow and blue, black, pearl white, red and metallic cosmic purple. The Flamme Rouge program allows two- or three-tone customization (fork and chainstays) for an additional €300, offering a touch of exclusivity.

The frameset is available in five sizes, from XS to XL, with a classic geometry favoring a balance between stability and maneuverability. Compatible with tires up to 30 mm, the Grammont can adopt an even more comfortable behavior, ideal for venturing onto the cobblestones of the Flanders mountains. Equipped here with 28 mm Hutchinson Black Bird tubeless tires, it effectively filters vibrations while remaining precise during changes of support.

The D-shaped seatpost passively absorbs vibrations, a proven solution, reflecting Dilecta's technical choices for this Grammont, perfectly in tune with the times. The frame kit can be completed with an integrated Dilecta carbon cockpit (with seven width/length combinations), featuring a flare promoting an aerodynamic position, with elbows resting on the top of the handlebars.

A montagand for all budgets

The Dilecta Grammont is available as a frame kit starting at €2 (€2 with the cockpit) and in several monthstagfrom €3, with Shimano (990, 105 Di105, Ultegra Di2, Dura-Ace Di2) or SRAM (Force, Red) groupsets, and Mavic, Fulcrum or Corima wheels.

Our bike test, equipped with a group SRAM Force AXS, with Corima R45 wheels and a Dilecta cockpit, is sold for €6, for a weight of 590 kg in size SThis price/weight ratio is competitive, comparable to the best offers on the market, such as those from Origine or Canyon.

A machine that makes you smile

From the first turns of the wheel, The Grammont impresses with its ease of picking up speedIts balanced geometry and lively frame provide immediate responsiveness, particularly appreciated during accelerations. The bike responds vigorously when you stand on the pedals, regardless of the gear chosen.

Less rigid than a World Tour bike, the Grammont takes advantage of this characteristic in most situations, especially at more moderate speeds or with power accessible to the majority of cyclists. It remains sufficiently laterally stable not to come apart during changes of pace imposed by the terrain or traffic. Unlike some bikes that are too typical or designed for high-level athletes, it does not penalize the pedal stroke when energy or strength is lacking.

On the long stretches facing the wind, its stability and ease of pilotingtagand Corima R45 wheels are a pleasant surprise. The latter, with their 45 mm U-shaped profile and integrated spoke heads, correctly absorb the roughness of the route and seem to be relatively insensitive to crosswinds.

On climbs, the Grammont proves to be easy to handle and efficient. Its reasonable weight and its more nervous than rigid behavior facilitate the passages in dancer, where it gives a slight boost to every swing of the bike. Equipped with a 10-36 tooth cassette, it allows you to overcome almost any difficulty, although the transition from one development to another sometimes lacks progressiveness due to the gaps in the range. Even on steep slopes, the Corima wheels remain neutral and never constitute a handicap, despite their profile.

Comfort and versatility

On the descent, the Grammont excels thanks to its stability and low sensitivity to side winds. The steering, remarkably precise, allows you to attack tight bends with confidence.The liveliness of the frame facilitates rapid trajectory corrections, an asset for avoiding obstacles or gravel.

Despite its performance orientation, The Grammont does not sacrifice comfortThe D-shaped seatpost effectively absorbs vibrations, and compatibility with 30 mm tires reinforces this quality on the routedamaged. On rolling but demanding courses, the bike remains pleasant, even after several hours in the saddle. This versatility makes it an ideal companion for cyclosportives, intensive training or long-distance outings..

Affordable performance

The Dilecta Grammont is a well-born bike. Without reaching the extreme performance of a very high-end model in terms of weight or rigidity, it perfectly meets the expectations of its designers.. Dynamic, comfortable, safe and accessible, it is reasonably priced. Beyond the elegance of its finish, it is aimed at a wide audience for whom pleasure takes precedence over figures. By combining the heritagetagThe glorious brand with a modern carbon design, the Grammont stands out as a bike route unique, both versatile and elegant. It's a real favorite for us..

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