So far, I've been riding Trek's Remedy 8 with 150 millimetres of travel and 27.5-inch wheels. But in the bike park, the trail bike was often overstretched; I had to manoeuvre around the big drops. That's why I was looking forward to the Lapierre Spicy 6.9 as a long-term test bike. Admittedly, 29 inches, 170 millimetres at the front and rear, a fat 38 mm fork and coil shock sound like heavy legs on the climbs. But there are no more excuses in the bike park! The red Lapierre was delivered in frame size L.
Surprise in the FREERIDE lab: the reach is a whole 20 millimetres shorter than the French company claims. The laser test sensor shows 445 millimetres. But even during the first test ride, it became clear that the short reach is good for the Spicy. It feels balanced and playful. Whether it is stable enough on rough downhills remains to be seen when the bike parks finally open. I have nothing to complain about so far, but am happy about practical features such as the bottle opener on the rear axle - ha, ha! And the storage compartment on the bottom bracket.
Lapierre Spicy 6.9 CF
Spring travel: 170 mm/170 mm
Frame size: Large
Reach / Stack: 445 mm / 639 mm
Weight15.7 kilos (without pedals)
Price: 3999 Euro
