Nobody doubts that former downhill champion Nicolas Vouilloz knows a thing or two about suspension tuning. Lapierre has now consistently implemented his ideas in the new "Spicy". The four-bar rear suspension, which replaces the "VPP" lever position from last year, works surprisingly well. Uphill, the bike hardly bobs at all, despite a very sensitively tuned shock. Downhill, the rear suspension offers 163 millimetres of usable travel. The rear really twitches at the slightest bump. And on single trails, the "Spicy" pedals almost like a cross-country bike. Nevertheless, the bike divided the test crew into two camps. The reason: the extremely slack steering angle. Some felt very comfortable with it, while others noted tipping steering behaviour and a certain imbalance in their test sheets. The fact is: if you can grip firmly and are travelling fast, you will hardly notice the negative effect. So much for the inner values. What really makes the "Spicy" unique, however, is the aesthetic design of the frame and the many small details that you won't find on competing bikes. For example: the carbon derailleur guard or the indexing for setting the correct sag (negative suspension travel).
CONCLUSIONBeautiful frame with attention to detail, sophisticated chassis, but a geometry that is a matter of taste.
TUNING TIPNo tuning necessary.
