The new new Lapierre XR is a classic old-school race bike: 100 millimetres of travel, rigid seatpost, lockout for the fork and shock on the handlebars. To reduce the weight, the French have dispensed with a link between the chainstays and seat stays and rely on the flex of the carbon fibres on their single-pivot bike. Similar to the Trek Supercalibre. This does not seem to harm the chassis.
In conjunction with the slightly raised main pivot point, the rear suspension sensitively filters small vibrations, but remains pleasantly calm when pedalling from a seated position - the more tension on the chain, the more the suspension seems to tighten up. The shock only starts to move when pedalling out of the saddle. However, this can be tightened together with the fork by turning the Rockshox Twistloc lever. Unfortunately, there is no platform as an intermediate stage.
"It's the same every time. As soon as I get on a race bike, the horses run away with me. The cosy home lap turns into a chase. I take short climbs standing up. Bikers who I usually let go seem to be magnetically attracted to me - which my body always responds to with gasping for breath." Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor
At 2017 grams, the frame does not achieve top values. However, together with the high-quality equipment, the Lapierre XR weighs in at a race-ready 10.7 kilos and should be particularly enjoyable on long rides.
Lapierre XR - the relaxed racer
Even if the carbon wheels are not the strongest in sprints, the wide Maxxis tyres provide good grip and acceptable damping. For a classic race bike, the Amazingly relaxed riding position on the Lapierre XRalmost like on a trail bike. However, we had also swapped the flat bar for a handlebar with minimal rise due to a defect - a recommended option. Tuning measure for more comfort.
Thanks to its short chainstays, the XR scurries nimbly over winding trails, but remains sufficiently stable with its 67 degree steering angle when you're sucking up to the rider in front of you on the forest trail descent. However, when the terrain gets steeper and more technical, you quickly pull the ripcord with the help of the moderately powerful Sram brakes.
Even if the 100 millimetre suspension responds finely, the final progression sets in early. But the real downhill fun-killer is the lack of telescopic seatpost. As soon as you shift the centre of gravity behind the high saddle, you are degraded from pilot to passenger - only real experts retain control here. For everyone else, it's all about holding on tight on steps and roots.
The Lapierre XR remains a sporty bike for easy kilometre orgies. If you want to keep up with the competition on the descents, it's better to go for the down-country version Lapierre XRM with telescopic seatpost and a little more travel.
Conclusion from Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor:
Surprisingly comfortable and well within the price range - the Lapierre XR is a classic race fully with a comfortable riding position for marathons and long days in the saddle. The limited suspension travel and the lack of a dropper post require a lot of downhill confidence or courage from the rider. If you want more safety and comfort here, it's better to go for the down-country version, the Lapierre XRM.
Technical data Lapierre XR 9.9 2022
General information
- Price: 6899 Euro¹
- More info about Lapierre
- Material / Size: Carbon / S / M / L / XL (tested size 47 cm)
BIKE measured values
- Weight: 10.7 kg
- Front / rear suspension travel: 102 / 104 mm
Equipment
- Wheels: Lapierre SL system wheels
- Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Race Exo TR 29 x 2.35
- Fork: Rockshox SID SL Ultimate
- Shock: Rockshox Luxe Ultimate
- Brakes: Sram Level TLM 180 / 160 mm
- Gear system: Sram XO1 Eagle 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 34; 10-52 / 520 %
- Post / ø: Lapierre / 31.6 mm
¹ Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
Stefan Frey
Editor
