At 15.5 kilos ready to ride, the Spicy is the heaviest bike in our test, but also the cheapest. Uphill you sit comfortably in the centre, but look in vain for a platform lever on the shock. The suspension is efficient, but still bobs slightly. Coupled with the high overall weight and the heavy wheels, there is little joy on the climbs. Downhill all the more so. The sturdy Michelin tyres are not only puncture-proof, they are also bursting with grip on the dry test track. The rear suspension works very well. It levels out root carpets without any problems and motivates the rider to push the limits. The Rock-Shox Yari fork provides a generous 169 millimetres of travel, but works somewhat more rudimentarily, and despite the lack of a guide, the chain did not fall off during the test.
Conclusion: A fun device for downhill riding! The high weight is a problem on tours. If you spend a little more money, you can also get a lightweight carbon frame from Lapierre.
The alternative: Although the Spicy 527 costs 1100 euros more, it also has a carbon frame and should be significantly lighter.
