Lapierre Crosshill CF: First carbon gravel bike from Lapierre - from race to trail

In typical Lapierre style, the new Crosshill CF stands out from the crowd. The rear triangle is particularly striking, as the seat stays do not end at the seat tube as usual, but run past it and flow into the top tube at the rear. This design is something of a brand face for the French company's road bike models. In the case of the new gravel bike, however, this is not just for visual reasons. The seat tube, which is free-standing along its length, should flex better and offer the bike more comfort than classic designs. The seat stays also describe S-shaped curves in the upper section, which should also improve the bike's suspension. The press release promises "up to twelve per cent more vibration damping at 40 km/h", although it is not entirely clear to which value the comparison refers.

Some models come with a suspension fork

In any case, the tyres on a gravel bike are decisive for the riding comfort experienced. The Crosshill CF doesn't offer an outstanding amount of space here with a maximum of 45 millimetres, but there is probably enough room in the rear triangle and fork for most applications. The bike is fitted with 44-millimetre tyres from WTB as standard, which means that the potential is more or less exhausted. For use on rough terrain, the frame is prepared for the installation of gravel suspension forks, and two versions are offered as standard: The Crosshill CF 6.0 S comes with a Suntour fork with 40 millimetres of travel, while the 8.0 S variant comes with a 30-millimetre fork, the Rudy Ultimate from Rockshox. However, according to the manufacturer, both variants weigh just under ten kilos in total or more.

Lapierre moves with the times

With a bridge between the seat stays, the Crosshill CF offers the option of attaching mudguards. However, it is not clear from the manufacturer's information whether narrower tyres need to be fitted. When it comes to carrying luggage, the bike offers options on the fork, where there are two threaded eyelets on each side for small pannier racks, as well as the typical mounting option on the top tube. The semi-integrated cables in the aluminium stem and the UDH derailleur hanger are contemporary, which means that the bike is prepared for (upcoming) transmission gears from SRAM - as the range does not include a version with the new 13-speed SRAM Red gears. The frame can be ridden with one or two chainrings; all Shimano models are equipped with a 2x setup as standard, all SRAM models with a single drivetrain.

More comfortable geometry and more sizes

Compared to the aluminium Crosshill, the geometry of the bike has been changed. It is slightly shorter and the riding position is correspondingly more comfortable. The built-in handlebars with a rise of 12 or 20 millimetres make it even more upright. Slightly shorter chainstays are intended to emphasise the sporty character of the bike, and the frame also has a UCI label, which means it is also approved for competitions and races. Good news for tall riders in particular: instead of five, there are now six different frame sizes; the Crosshill introduces an XXL to the geometry table.

Lapierre offers a total of seven different equipment variants. Starting at a fair 2799 euros, the top model with SRAM Force XPLR, DT Swiss carbon wheels and Rochshox suspension fork costs 6999 euros.

Lapierre Crosshill CF: Variants, weights, prices

Crosshill CF 5.0

• Weight: 9.7 kilos
• Circuit: Shimano GRX RX820 (46/30, 11-36 t.)
• Impellers: Lapierre Gravel 25mm Alloy 700C
• Tyres: WTB Raddler TCS LIGHT 700x44c black 60TPI
• Price: 2799 Euro

Crosshill CF 6.0

• Weight: 9.6 kilos
• Circuit: Shimano GRX RX820 (48/31, 11-36 t.)
• Impellers: DT Swiss G1800 Spline
• Tyres: WTB Raddler TCS LIGHT 700x44c black 60TPI
• Price: 3199 Euro

Crosshill CF 6.0 S

• Weight: 10.3 kilos
• Fork: Suntour GVX32-S 40mm
• Circuit: SRAM Apex XLPR AXS (40, 11-44 t.)
• Impellers: DT Swiss G1800 Spline
• Tyres: WTB Raddler TCS LIGHT 700x44c black 60TPI
• Price: 3499 Euro

Crosshill CF 6.0 AXS

• Weight: 9.1 kilos
• Circuit: SRAM Rival XLPR AXS (40, 11-44 t)
• Impellers: DT Swiss G1800 Spline
• Tyres: WTB Raddler TCS LIGHT 700x44c black 60TPI
• Price: 3699 Euro

Crosshill CF 7.0

• Weight: 9.0 kilos
• Circuit: Shimano GRX 825 Di2 (48/31, 11-36 t.)
• Impellers: DT Swiss G1800 Spline
• Tyres: WTB Raddler TCS LIGHT 700x44c black 60TPI
• Price: 4199 Euro

Crosshill CF 8.0

• Weight: 8.7 kilos
• Circuit: SRAM Force XPLR AXS (40, 10-44 t.)
• Impellers: DT Swiss GRC1600 SP
• Tyres: WTB Raddler TCS LIGHT 700x44c Tan Wall 60TPI
• Price: 5999 Euro

Crosshill CF 8.0 S

• Weight: 9.9 kilos
• Fork: RockShox Rudy Ultimate Race Day, 30mm
• Circuit: SRAM Force XPLR AXS (40, 10-44 t.)
• Impellers: DT Swiss GRC1600 SP
• Tyres: WTB Raddler TCS LIGHT 700x44c Tan Wall 60TPI
• Price: 6990 Euro