Stop, take your rucksack off, take a photo, put your rucksack on, get on your bike and continue. The everyday life of a BIKE photographer consists of repetition. This is particularly gruelling for the gears and brakes. Constantly stopping and starting again at the right photo location wears you down. That's why the Lapierre Zesty with its stable components was my choice.
The cheapest Zesty model in Lapierre's portfolio is the 314, which has the same frame as its big brothers, the only difference to the 514 and 914 models being the spec. During the first setup, I was particularly pleased with the SAG indicator on the seat tube. It allows the suspension to be set up quickly. Also great: the carbon derailleur guard.
Actually, I think the beautifully designed frame is far too good for the trail. Maybe I should hang it on the wall in the living room? No! I have an order from BIKE, so off to the trail!
Right from the first ride round the house, I missed a drop fork. Doesn't that automatically belong on an all-mountain bike? On steep climbs, I had to fight hard to keep the front wheel on the ground. Wasted energy. In terms of agility and handling, the Lapierre has nothing to criticise. It does a confident job here. Downhill, however, I missed a 180-millimetre brake disc. Especially as a heavy rider or photographer with heavy luggage, a 180 millimetre disc at the rear is a must. I therefore needed a lot of finger strength on steep sections. On the other hand, the sensitive rear suspension impressed with plenty of travel and worked in blissful harmony with the suspension fork.
The Zesty is a low-maintenance all-mountain bike with great suspension and clever details. It's a shame that there's no space for a water bottle and the saddle can't be lowered completely.
Change:
- Coats: Conti Mountain King 2.4: The original tyre was too narrow
- Brake: 180 mm disc on rear wheel: 160 mm disc too small
Web: www.lapierrebikes.de
Photos: C. Stewart, marathon-photos.com, D. Simon
