With a focus on delivering high performance in achievable packages for the regular mountain biker, Lapierre’s 2013 line is mainly about refinement. The XR 29 is a brand new cross-country bike with, you guessed it, 29in wheels.
All the 2013 frames feature slacker head angles and longer cockpits than the current models. Plus, all the bikes get 12mm x 142mm thru axles, along with 15mm axle forks.
The big news from Lapierre this year is the automatically adjusting rear suspension system — the E.I Shock — which is available on the XR 29, Zesty and Spicy bikes.
Here’s an overview of the range.
XR 29
Brand new for 2013, the XR is a 100mm travel full carbon XC frame, rolling on big 29in wheels and featuring a single pivot and flexible chain stays instead of using the more conventional chain stay or seat stay mounted pivot in addition to the main pivot.
Despite being a superlight XC weapon, we couldn’t get enough of the XR; it’s incredibly capable off road, and we really pushed it hard in Les Gets over the last couple of days. Look for a review in What Mountain Bike magazine soon.
- XR 29er frame; full Toray aeronautic grade carbon fibre; 1,800g
- 100mm travel
- 12mm x142mm bolt thru
- Asymmetrical chain stays
- Integrated cable routing
- Fox rear shock specifically tuned for the XR platform, and features manual 3 position: Climb, Trail and Descend
- E.I Shock compatible
- 3 models with Fox shock; 3 models with E.I shock
The new XR 29
Zesty
This popular bike got longer and slacker, plus it’s now compatible with the formidable E.I Shock system.
The bike sits fantastically on the trail, and can really be pushed hard.
- Head angle is slackened from 67degress to 66.5degrees
- New 12mm x 142mm drop out
- 140mm of rear wheel travel, 150mm fork travel
- Longer chain stays to increase stability: 430mm instead of 425mm
- Improved leverage ratio gives fantastic traction and the bike sits in to the travel
- Modified reach: 10mm on the large, and 25mm on the XL
The 2013 Zesty
Spicy
Dubbed as the Big Mountain bike, the slightly burlier Spicy is back and better than ever. It’s also longer, lower and slacker than before and is offered with the option of using the E.I Shock system.
The seat tube is shorter than last year’s model to take advantage of dropper seat posts, and the chain stays are longer too for better handling at speed and through the turns.
The bottom bracket yoke is also stiffer.
- Shorter stems, wider bars
- Increased reach (5mm) on the size S
- Improved leverage ratio on the rear end improves how the bike sits on the trail
- E.I system available
The 2013 Spicy
Pro Race 29
The popular hardtail was launched last year, and has been updated and improved to be a demon on the climbs, but super fast through the woods. Out back is a 12mm x 142mm axle and the chain stays are wider, and now allow a 2.2in tyre to be used.
- 4 carbon models (frame weight 1,100g) and a hydroformed aluminium version
- There is also a new entry-level 29er called the Raid, which is available in M, L and XL sizes, plus a S with 26in wheels
The 2013 Pro Race 29
X-Flow
Using the Pendbox system that was launched last year, the lightweight trail hacker now has a 130mm fork, and is a far more capable bike, with a playful ride that’s not fazed by any trail condition.
For a 120mm frame, it’s one of the most inspiring bikes we’ve ridden. We can’t wait to try out on our local trails.
- Seat angle was 72.5degrees, and is now 74degrees
- Head angle was 69degrees, now 67.5degrees
- Rubber down tube protection on carbon fibre models
- New stiffer bottom bracket yoke
DH
Not just tweaked, the DH frame for 2013 has had the full Nico Vouilloz treatment, ironing out niggles and making it one of the best race platforms out there.
There is now three sizes, including a large which is based around taller riders, like the pro race team’s Cam Cole.
- 220mm travel compared to last year’s 190mm
- Over-sized BB shell for better chain line and increased stability
- New stiffer dropouts
- 63degree head angle
The 2013 DH