Lapierre DH 727 on test

Chris Schleker

· 01.12.2016

Photo: Wolfgang Watzke

Lapierre DH 727 on test

The fourth representative of the Motolink generation in this test. Lapierre relies on a normal-low pivot point and squeezes a favourable Fox Van shock by means of a double-ratio lever position.

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Deathgrip-friendly: On the Lapierre, you can still leave the brakes on when you're already pulling on the lever in panic on other bikes. The extremely plush feel of the Motolink rear suspension gives you confidence, also because it doesn't lose traction when braking (late).

Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Deathgrip-friendly: On the Lapierre, you can still leave the brakes on when you're already pulling on the lever in panic on other bikes. The extremely plush feel of the Motolink rear suspension gives you confidence, also because it doesn't lose traction when braking (late).

The affordable Boxxer RC also provides suspension at the front. The extra sticky rubber compound (Vert Star) of the tyres is the first choice for racing, but only lasts for a short time, especially on the rear wheel. The long reach and slightly higher bottom bracket give you a balanced position on the bike. The kinematics of the rear suspension work impressively from the very first moment: maximum hoover feeling despite the simplest shock. The progression is perfect: super-sensitive in its response behaviour, stable in the mid-travel range and with almost infinite reserves on hard hits. Only the Commencal offers comparable traction. We were able to gradually increase the air pressure of the Super Gravity tyres, thereby reducing rolling resistance and puncture susceptibility, while still being able to ride very narrow and high lines. Ideal for racing. Amazingly, the Lapierre remains agile and manoeuvrable. A nice combination. The fork was more active than on the Bulls, but is weaker than the Team version on the Commencal and can't quite keep up with the sensational rear end. The Guide brake tends to fade.

ConclusionThe 2015 world champion's bike works great even with simple suspension elements. Full suspension and brilliant handling for racing AND fun in the park.

Marcus Klausmann (38): "I liked the rear end almost as much as the Commencal. I had extreme grip despite the rather hard rubber compound of the tyres. You feel comfortable on the bike and never feel at the limit. However, the fork can't quite keep up with the great rear end."

Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Lapierre DH 727

Manufacturer information
Distribution Lapierre SA
www.bikes-lapierre.de
Material/sizes Alu/S,M,L
Price/weight without pedals 3799 Euro/17.9 kg

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Measurement data
Front/rear suspension travel 200 mm/200 mm
Rear suspension system SLT Link (supported single-joint)
Reach 430 mm
Stack 623 mm
BB-Drop -12 mm

Equipment
Fork/damper RockShox Boxxer RC/Fox Van RC Coil
Cranks/gears Ethirteen LG1/SRAM X01
Brake system SRAM Guide R
Impellers Formula DHL/Ethirteen LG1+ rim
Tyres Schwalbe Magic Mary SG Vert Star 27.5x2.35

Lapierre DH 727: Comfort zone: The elaborate lever linkage gets the maximum performance out of the simple shock. The bike sucks its way through the terrain with sensational grip.

Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Lapierre DH 727: Comfort zone: The elaborate lever linkage gets the maximum performance out of the simple shock. The bike sucks its way through the terrain with sensational grip.

Borderline case: The Boxxer RC was installed in several bikes, but never worked the same. Sometimes overtaxed on fast hits, sometimes super-fluffy. On the Lapierre, it was the limiting factor.

Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Borderline case: The Boxxer RC was installed in several bikes, but never worked the same. Sometimes overtaxed on fast hits, sometimes super-fluffy. On the Lapierre, it was the limiting factor.

Photo: FREERIDE Magazin Test 2016 - Downhiller: Lapierre DH 727

FREERIDE RANKING: The number (maximum 10 points) reflects the overall impression and is not an addition of fun and race points.

Photo: Martin Söderström You can find this article in FREERIDE 2/2016 - you can order the magazine here > FREERIDE IOS App (iPad) FREERIDE Android App

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Lapierre DH 727 on test

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