If you look at the smaller brother, the all-mountain bike Lapierre Zesty, which we tested in the last issue of BIKEso the clear downhill orientation is hardly surprising. The Zesty already has decent downhill potential and is flirting with the enduro category. In order to set itself apart and avoid duplication in the model range, the Lapierre Spicy inevitably has to go one step further.
We have tested these bikes
- Forestal Siryon Diode 16.17 kg / 170/170 mm / 29" / 8899 Euro
- Lapierre Spicy 8.9 16.16 kg / 180/180 mm / 29/27.5" / 6999 Euro
- Merida One-Sixty 8000 15.61 kg / 170/170 mm / 29/27.5" / 7899 Euro
- Norco Sight C1 15.68 kg / 160/150 mm / 29" / 8499 Euro
- Propain Spindrift 5 CF 16.25 kg / 180/180 mm / 29" / 7029 Euro
- Scott Ransom 900 RC 15.46 kg / 170/170 mm / 29" / 9999 Euro
- Transition Sentinel Carbon 14.91 kg / 160/150 mm / 29" / 8990 Euro
Lapierre Spicy: Two rear suspension systems in one
However, it's not just the unconditional gravity orientation that makes the Spicy special, but also the rear suspension concept. In the factory set-up, as we tested it, the rear triangle has a high-pivot kinematic system in which the chain runs over an additional idler pulley. However, the main pivot point can also be lowered as an option by dispensing with the linkage. In DH trim with a high pivot point, the rear triangle benefits from a more forgiving wheel lift curve, while the low-pivot configuration is intended to enable better propulsion.
Equipment Lapierre Spicy 8.9
- Fork: Fox 38 Grip2 Factory
- Shock: Fox Float X2 Factory Shifter
- Gear system: Shimano XT, 1x12
- Bandwidth: 510 %
- Brakes: Shimano XT / 203/203 mm
- dropper post/stroke: Tranz X wheel dropper / 150 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss EX 1700
- Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Ultrasoft / Big Betty Soft 29 / 27.5 x 2.4
- max. system weight: 120 kg
- Warranty: 5 years
- Special features: Convertible from high to low pivot
From the test lab
- Total weight: 16.16 kg without pedals
- Weight of wheels: 5507 g
- Impeller inertia: 4324 kg x cm²
On our test track, it quickly becomes clear that the Spicy makes no compromises. The riding position with a very slack head angle of less than 63 degrees, a huge wheelbase of 1290 millimetres and a low position on the bike create a big bike feeling. The Spicy conveys safety and smoothness en masse, especially on steep sections. In tight bends, on the other hand, the rider needs to be committed. Here, the long-stroke enduro bike feels very sluggish. The rear suspension was also a little lifeless at first, but could be shaken up by a faster rebound and a little more pressure in the shock.
Despite identical suspension travel, the Propain has even more capacity to swallow. The Spicy acknowledges short intermediate sprints and uphill sections with a lot of bobbing. It loses a lot of energy, which requires you to reach for the platform. A tribute to the high-pivot setting. A little annoying: the seatpost cannot be lowered completely due to the kink in the seat tube. The telescopic seatpost only has 150 millimetres of travel.
Deviation in the geo
Be careful when choosing the size: Compared to the manufacturer's specifications, our laboratory measurements deviate significantly. The reach is a whole 13 millimetres shorter and the steering angle is 0.6 degrees slacker according to our measurements. This means that the Spicy in size L also marks the extreme in terms of wheelbase. Optionally, the bike could also be ridden with a 29-inch rear wheel.
BIKE review of the Lapierre Spicy
The affordable Lapierre Spicy is an uncompromising downhill bike that combines extremes in terms of geometry and suspension travel. This results in a very wide range of use. Ideal for pure downhillers and difficult trails, less good for all-round use.
