Feature

Pro Bike Check: Alex Lupato’s 2014 Lapierre Zesty AM

21.01.2014
by Manne Schmitt
manne


Alex Lupato is a big character on the enduro scene, notorious for excellent facial hair and for being a powerhouse on the pedals. The FRM Factory Racing Team athlete became the Italian Enduro Champion in 2013 after a close battle with David Sottocornola.

In a hard-fought race in Madesimo, Alex managed to put some time into Sottocornola in the final special stage, proving that not only he is he dominant on the pedals but also on purely technical tracks.We caught up with Alex in Finale to check out his 2014 27.5″ Lapierre Zesty AM with its innovative E:i Shock technology.

Weighting in at 13kg the Lapierre is an effective enduro weapon!
Weighting in at 13kg the Lapierre is an effective enduro weapon!
A full XX1 drive train keeps weight down. Alex chooses to race with no chain device!
A full XX1 drive train keeps weight down. Alex chooses to race with no chain device!
Alex raced the Finale Ligure EWS with a 34T FRM Narrow Wide ring!
Alex raced the Finale Ligure EWS with a 34T FRM Narrow Wide ring!
The rear swingarm was slimmed down slightly from those tested in pre production!
The rear swingarm was slimmed down slightly from those tested in pre production! You too can own one of these exclusive I <3 Enduro stickers, click here to find out how!
The brains! The Spicy comes fitted with the new E:i shock system, with full electronic control over damping settings. Optimizing suspension damping up to 30 times a second.
The brains! The Zesty comes fitted with the new E:i shock system, with full electronic control over damping settings. Optimizing suspension damping up to 30 times a second.
You can choose to run the shock in manual settings, or just let the onboard computer handle it in 'full automatic'.
You can choose to run the shock in manual settings, or just let the onboard computer handle it in ‘full automatic’.
The control unit for the E:i shock sits at the top of the stem!
The control unit for the E:i shock sits at the top of the stem!
FRM Urano hubs laced to FRM Urano carbon rims make for a very lightweight wheelset!
FRM Urano hubs laced to FRM Urano carbon rims make for a very lightweight wheelset!
Alex chose Maxxis Highroller 2 tyres for the rocks of Finale!
Alex chose 650b Maxxis Highroller 2 tyres for the rocks of Finale!
The carbon Spicy frame is the same as that of the Zesty, and has neat internal cable routing.
The carbon Zesty frame is the same as that of the Spicy, and features neat internal cable routing.
Alex uses Formula T1s brakes for deceleration.
Alex uses Formula T1s brakes for deceleration.
Alex uses Marzocchi's new forks, the top of the range 350 NCR.
Alex uses Marzocchi’s new forks, the top of the range 350 NCR.
A Reverb Stealth and FRM Aspen Ti saddle finish the high end build.
A Reverb Stealth and FRM Aspen Ti saddle finish the high end build.
Alex in Finale
Alex shredding one of the Finale stages
The LUPATO-Brothers
Behind many fast riders you often find an equally as fast sibling. The LUPATO-Brothers are no exception

For more information, check out Alex and FRM’s sites at

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lupato-Brothers/623815707685203?fref=ts

http://lupatobrothers.blogspot.it/

https://www.facebook.com/alex.lupato

http://www.frmbike.com/

Words: Trev Worsey Photos: Manne Schmitt

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About the Author

Manne Schmitt
Authorized Officer

Manne Schmitt is a Procurator at 41 Publishing, contributing a wealth of methodological expertise from his career as a Chief Analyst for a state authority. This background ensures the journalistic depth of his research, and the acquisition of exclusive news for E-MOUNTAINBIKE, ENDURO, GRAN FONDO, and DOWNTOWN. Active in cycling since 1989, he combines operative test support with administrative responsibility, strengthening the quality of editorial processes. The world of racing remains a passion; no one on the team knows the EDR professionals better than Manne.

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