Endurance test: Lapierre Spicy 916

Endurance test performance: 2,700 km | 22,000 altitude metres

I maintain my bike like people in the Middle Ages maintained their bodies: once a month is enough. Especially in winter, the Lapierre had a painful existence. Mud and salt aged the drivetrain in fast motion and grated the brake pads like parmesan on a cheese grater. Continuous use in muddy weather and frosty temperatures don't seem to be good for other components of a mountain bike either: telescopic seatposts don't seem to like adverse conditions - the Kindshock i950 R was no exception: sometimes it wouldn't lower, sometimes it wouldn't stay put, and the remote lever was also increasingly reluctant to do its job.

I also found the performance of the 36 mm Fox Float less than inspiring this time. Despite the soft setting, this model struggled in vain to fulfil its 160-millimetre promise. Criticism of individual components for which the bike is actually not responsible. The basis and key data of the Spicy correspond to the ideal type of enduro bike: 12.4 kilos total weight and a potent chassis with 165 mm travel at the rear and 160 at the front - that meets my expectations as a trail-loving training grump. The compact geometry with short chainstays, slack steering and steep seat angle results in a successful symbiosis of uphill and downhill qualities. Thanks also to the feather-light Easton carbon wheels, the Lapierre sprints off like a racing dachshund and whizzes nimbly through rough trails. For high-speed downhills and park rides, the 2688 gram frame (including shock) lacks the final stiffness.

ConclusionMany months of dirty weather took their toll on some components. But the mix of filigree lightweight construction and robust chassis is impressive.

Functionality *****
Shelf life ****
(max. 6 stars)

TUNING

- 10 km - Swapped handlebars: For better control: 74 Crank Bros instead of 72 Easton carbon handlebars
- 400 km - Chain guide: Better safe than sorry: The Shimano Shadow Plus rear derailleur is supported by a Bionicon chain guide.
- 400 km - Wide front tyre: The 2.2 tyre at the front has been replaced by a 2.4 Conti-Rubber-Queen. At the rear, you have to make do with a 2.2 due to the lack of tyre clearance.

DEFECTS
- 1200/2000 km - Brake pads: The semi-organic pads had a short service life.
- 1400 km - Chain replaced: Wetness and road salt turned the chain into a rust bucket.
- 1600 km - Bottom bracket cracks: Bearing cleaned, greased
- Various times - Tele post tight: clamp loosened, cable suspension checked, post lubricated, Bowden cable replaced