Lapierre Zesty CF 6.9 on test: This all-mountain bike actually wants to be an enduro bike

The Lapierre Zesty is the newest all-mountain bike in this test group and was only launched a few months ago. The CF 6.9 is the most affordable of a total of five variants, which range up to a price of 9299 euros. What all models have in common is the carbon frame developed from scratch, which has a storage compartment with a large opening. The cover of the compartment also serves as a down tube protector and allows tools and spare parts to be positioned with the centre of gravity in mind.

Trimmed for downhill

With 150 millimetres of travel at the front and rear, the Zesty has the longest travel in comparison. The choice of equipment and geometry also speak for themselves. The Lapierre leaves nothing to be desired downhill and craves challenging descents.

Even on rough terrain, the fresh French bike surprises with its sensitivity and absorption capacity - despite the inexpensive Fox Rhythm suspension elements and the lack of a reservoir on the shock. The Zesty sits extremely well and glides smoothly through rock gardens like an iron over a cotton shirt.

With a steering angle of 64.5 degrees and the 1260 millimetre wheelbase, the Zesty tracks smoothly through the terrain. The Maxxis Assegai front tyre in the sticky Maxxgrip rubber compound also contributes to the downhill performance, which is why one or two testers even raved about its enduro qualities.

Equipment Lapierre Zesty CF 6.9

• Fork: Fox36 Float Rhythm
• Shock: Fox Float Float Performance
• Gear system: Shimano Deore, SLX, 1x12
• Bandwidth: 510 %
• Brakes: Shimano SLX / 203/180 mm
• Telescopic support/stroke: TranzX / 200 mm
• Wheels: Shimano hubs, Rodi Type 30 Evo rims
• Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 3C Maxxgrip Exo+/Dissector Exo 29 x 2.5/2.4
• max. system weight: 120 kg
• Warranty: 5 years
• Special features: Storage compartment, steering stop, SAG indicator

From the test lab

• Total weight: 15.42 kg without pedals
• Weight of wheels: 5742 g
• Impeller inertia: 4317 kg x cm²

>> An overview of our 3 tested All Mountain bikes can be found here.

Looking forward to the departure

Nevertheless, thanks to the short chainstays, the heavy bike is willing to turn corners, at least when gravity is supporting it. At 15.42 kilos without pedals, the Zesty brings up the rear on the scales and, despite the Maxxis rear tyre with thin Exo casing, is the heaviest on the market. Impellers.

The sticky tyres and the plush but not very poppy suspension limit the playfulness of the Lapierre. Uphill and on flat terrain, cosiness and anticipation of the descent dominate. A steep seat angle and therefore plenty of pressure on the front wheel as well as a slightly pumpy rear end make even tricky climbs possible and offer a promising basis for tuning.

Favourable equipment

Despite the price tag of 4499 euros, the equipment is rather weak. Above all, the favourable Shimano brakes with long three-finger levers and heavy wheels fall somewhat short in comparison. The Lapierre also falls short in terms of serviceability with its cables routed through the headset and press-fit bottom bracket.

Also unusual: the stiffness of the main frame is at a low level, while the rear triangle is rather stiff under lateral load. Most likely a tribute to the large storage compartment opening.

Conclusion on the Lapierre Zesty in the test

The new Lapierre Zesty is primarily aimed at downhill riders. Full suspension, long wheelbase and grippy tyres leave nothing to be desired on the downhill and scratch the enduro category. For flat trails and long distances, there are lighter-footed candidates. - Adrian Kaether, BIKE test editor