The old hands of cross-country sport know this Lapierre X-Control since 2001 as an efficient XC fully. In 2013, the French then launched the Model XR will follow as a consistent further development. The third generation of the Lapierre XR is now rolling onto the starting line for 2022, bringing with it a potent brother for marathon and down-country use in the form of the XRM.
The new Lapierre XR builds directly on the chassis and the competitive qualities of the proven X-Control, but at the same time brings some innovations, such as a significantly lighter carbon frame. With the new spearhead in the race bike line-up, Lapierre is pursuing no less a goal than to return to the top of the sport, because for the French company, cross-country racing is still "the showpiece discipline of mountain biking".
Cross-country courses are becoming increasingly faster and more technical. In order to achieve the ambitious goals it has set itself, Lapierre has completely redesigned the XR for the 2022 generation. The number one criterion was to reduce the weight of the frame. The Lapierre developers have been relying on unidirectional prepreg carbon constructions since 2010. In order to reduce the thickness of the carbon moulds where weight can be saved, new, lighter and stronger Torayca carbon fibres are used on the Lapierre XR and XRM 2022. The UD SLI carbon frames are assembled from over 300 individual parts and form the high-end version of Lapierre's carbon range.
Racefully XR: Frameset almost 400 grams lighter
Thanks to an optimised carbon design, Lapierre promises a reduced frame weight while maintaining the same high suspension quality and strength. During the draping phase of the carbon layup, Lapierre therefore uses a new and stiffer polypropylene for the XR and XRM frames. This should provide more stability and improved compression in the mould. The carbon fibres can be compressed more evenly and the higher resin output makes the frames even lighter. Compared to the previous model, Lapierre wants to save just under 110 grams on the standard XR frame and around 200 grams on the frameset including shock. An even more elaborate carbon layup is used on the top-of-the-range XR 9.9 model and is intended to save 307 grams on the frame and up to 393 grams on the frameset including shock.
Flexing seat stays instead of additional rear suspension mounts
Lapierre has been optimising the suspension of its bikes for over 20 years - also thanks to the input of mountain bike legend Nicolas Vouilloz. The suspension behaviour, similar to the X-Control, should also be unique on the XR and XRM with Flex-Stay concept. During development, the weight-saving omission of a pivot point in the rear frame triangle was clear from the outset. The design of the new Flex-Stays is intended to optimise the kinematics of the rear triangle. Its stroke is characterised by a degressive curve at the beginning and a progressive curve at the end. Overall, the flexing carbon seat stays should only deform half as much as the competition in a neutral position with 26 % SAG during suspension. Nevertheless, the new rear suspension promises no loss of traction, sensitivity or comfort. The high pivot point in the bottom bracket area is designed to counteract pedal kickback in the compression phase and decouple the suspension from the chain tension in the damping phase to maximise pedalling efficiency.
In order to do justice to modern race tracks and to optimise the riding position and weight distribution, the French also worked on the geometry. The Modern down-country flow had a decisive influence on the development of the new XR and XRM bikes, according to Lapierre. Lapierre shortened the chainstays by a whole eight millimetres for a livelier rear end, while the reach and top tube are progressively longer for 2022 for every frame size. The seat angle is now one degree steeper, while the head angle has been slackened by a whopping 2.5 degrees.
Lapierre XR and XRM: models, suspension travel and prices
The new XR and XRM frames come with two bottle cage mounts and are optimised for single drivetrains with 30 to 38 teeth on the chainring. A small guide keeps the chain in place. Naturally, the cables and lines for the suspension remote, gears and brakes are routed in the frame. All XR and XRM bikes from Lapierre come with the new UDH derailleur hanger, 29-inch wheels and Boost standard. The XR bikes have 100 millimetres of travel at the front and rear. Lapierre offers the XR in three model variants ranging from 3799 euros to 6899 euros.
The new Lapierre XRM comes with 110 millimetre rear suspension travel and a 120 millimetre fork. Lapierre equips all XRM models with a retractable seat post. There are XRM models for 4099 euros and 5199 euros, a classy Special edition for the company's 75th anniversary costs 8699 euros.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
