Test: All-rounders with a penchant for downhill riding - all-mountain bikes up to 4500 euros
Peter Nilges
· 27.01.2025
There are rarely test fields in which the bikes are so similar in terms of colouring as in this all-mountain shoot-out. Maybe the soft mint grey is the spirit of the times, maybe it's just pure coincidence. What is certain is that although the look can certainly contribute to the customer's purchasing decision, it plays no role in our test procedure. We prefer to stick to the facts. And here, too, there are some similarities in addition to the colour scheme: All test candidates have a suspension fork with 150 millimetres of travel and 140 to 150 millimetres of travel at the rear. In terms of price, the All Mountains range between 3999 and 4499 euros, while the average weight is around 15 kilos without pedals.
The bikes in the test
Lapierre, Propain and YT all use carbon frames in this price range - including the rear triangle. The frame details make it easy to recognise which model year it is from. While flip chips for geometry adjustment or for changing to a 27.5 rear wheel are now standard, storage compartments in the down tube or cables routed through the headset are predominantly a new trend. While the latter is more of a "nice to have" and is often deliberately avoided in favour of better ease of maintenance, the storage compartment has now become an absolute must-have. The option of being able to store important items safely on the bike and thus do without a rucksack or hip bag for short trips increases user-friendliness.
The Propain Hugene, which was launched back in 2021, has to make do in this respect as well as with the geometry adjustment, while the newer models from YT and Lapierre offer the full spec. However, the opening for the storage compartment above the bottle cage on the Jeffsy is very small. The Zesty, on the other hand, has a large flap on the underside of the down tube, which is very easily accessible. However, the large opening reduces the frame stiffness, which is why the main frame of the Zesty is the softest in comparison. For a tidier look, the cables on the Zesty also run through the headset into the frame.
Specialist or all-rounder?
Nestled between the Trail and Enduro categories, this test field is aimed at bikers who prefer to ride downhill rather than uphill, but should still be able to climb under their own steam so that even extended alpine tours are no problem. In terms of these requirements, the three candidates differ considerably. With ample suspension travel at the rear, the most forgiving suspension, but also the highest weight, the Lapierre Zesty is a downhill specialist and even tends towards enduro. The Propain weighs almost a kilo less, rolls on faster tyres and has high-quality equipment. It's actually a clear tourer with uphill expertise, if it weren't for the somewhat rear-heavy riding position, which is particularly noticeable on steep climbs. The Jeffsy, on the other hand, combines uphill and downhill characteristics best, although it is only slightly lighter than the Lapierre. With its faster tyres and reactive suspension, it is the best choice for bikers who are looking for a bike with the widest possible range of uses in addition to a contemporary colour scheme.
Conclusion Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
The new Lapierre Zesty and the YT Jeffsy are pretty close. The Lapierre's strengths lie more in downhill riding, while the YT climbs better and has more all-round qualities. Due to its geometry and poorer rear suspension performance, the Propain only comes third.
