Now in its third generation, Lapierre relies on its patented VPP rear suspension system for the X-Control. The high-quality, beautifully shaped 2600 gram frame with its gold anodised parts exudes a purebred race look. The beautiful picture is spoilt by the noticeable influence of the drive. Uphill, this manifests itself in the form of an insensitive rear end, the bike feels like it is in a permanent lockout at the rear and only reacts to really big hits. The X-Control owes its good downhill handling impression to the 67.5 degree slack head angle and the outstanding 120 millimetre fork from Fox, which sets the benchmark in this test field. Overall, the overly firm 95-millimetre rear only matches the sensitive fork to a limited extent. Deore XT tubeless wheels round off the visual impression.
Conclusion: A superbly styled marathon racer. The noticeable drive influences cost a better BIKE judgement.
+ Beautiful race look
+ Good suspension fork
- Noticeable drive influences
- Insensitive rear end
Web: www.lapierrebikes.de
