First Ride | The all-new LAPIERRE Zesty AM 2016

Heaped in heritage, France’s LAPIERRE chose Morzine as the location for their launch of the 2016 collection. We were present and not just for the PowerPoint presentation either – instead, we managed to take the new Zesty AM out for its first test ride on the amazing trails in the mecca of Morzine.

Just a few days ago we presented you with all the vital stats for this revamped LAPIERRE Zesty, which is now set to come in two different versions for the 2016 season. There’s the Zesty AM, the 27.5″ aggressive all-mountain with 150mm travel and the Zesty XM, which marks the successor to the Zesty Trail that formerly took 29″ – but also here, LAPIERRE have opted for 27.5″ wheels, teamed with 120mm rear travel and 130mm at the front. This report focuses exclusively on the 150mm travel bike, as the time was too tight to test ride the 120mm Zesty XM.

Both models now have modern geometry; on paper it’s defined by a top tube that’s 5mm longer, a reach that’s 10mm longer as well as a shorter seat post and a slacker 66.5° head angle. The XM and the AM will be available in both aluminium and carbon frames. Compared to last year’s model, the carbon frame has shaved off a whopping 500g, while the aluminium has lost a slightly more modest 50g.

Covering the spectrum of small to extra large frame sizes, both the Zesty AM and the XM will be available with four different specs. In addition, there are three further options that boast the E:I Shock technology. According to LAPIERRE, these have been updated too, and now more than suit their current purpose. Summed up, that means a shorter stem, wider bars and wider rims, which have been selected in collaboration with developer and racing legend Nico Voilloz.

Climbing

As I stand at 183 cm tall, the guys from LAPIERRE chose to hand me the large framed Zesty AM 827. I duly took the gondola up to the middle station in the bike park so that I could test the riding position and see how the bike climbs.
And here’s what I found out: the Zesty had no issues at all when it came to the climbs, which are pretty steep and technical at times. Given the rider’s good positioning, power transfer is efficient and accelerations a given. Even when climbing, there’s palpable support thanks to RockShox’s E:I Shock technology. With lightning quick automatic opening of the shock on sudden, big bumps, you really reach a new level of comfort. And as it closes equally as quick, the pedal exertion just gets more effective.

Descending

With countless high-speed sections, roots and giant tabletops, Morzine’s downhill and bike park trails could be a touch too heavy for a lightweight 150mm trail bike. But this is where the revised geometry makes its presence known – and it couldn’t be more pleasing. The long frame (large, reach 461mm) gives a stable ride, which inspires confidence in you, and begs to be pushed harder, braked later and ridden faster.

With the revised rear end, the RockShox Monarch rear shock works optimally in unison with the Pike forks at the front, and thanks to the E:I technology its effectiveness never once subsides. Controlling the shock from a bar-mounted lever is a thing of the past, and you’re got the luxury of undivided concentration on the trail.
Due to the revised spring rate, there’s now nice progression generated in the mid-travel range, and the Zesty proves very capable at smoothing out bumps. We tested the suspension out with two volume spacers in both the forks and the shock, which rendered them firmer rather than plusher. But this actually suits the playful character of the lightweight bike (12.1kg), which is essentially screaming to be ridden actively with its nimbleness, while always offering a decent degree of stability – at least until you hit any significantly big jumps that is. Twitchy is as twitchy does; the Zesty AM doesn’t quite mastered big jumps because it loses stability in the air.

If you’ve already taken a good look at the Zesty in 2015, you were probably equally as hesitant about the width of the rear end. As the brake has been mounted on the inside of the seat stay, the result is a very wide rear end, which many riders have found irritating. But we’re happy to clear this issue up and reveal that LAPIERRE have returned to a classic rear design and during our testing we didn’t once encounter any contact with the seat stays.

Conclusion

The team at LAPIERRE have certainly done their homework! The 2016 model of the Zesty AM brings modern geometry to the table, as convincing in real life as it is on paper. Any criticisms that were heaped on the former model have been wiped away, and the new cohesive spec proves that the designers have nailed the Zesty fit for its intended purpose. If you’re after an agile trail bike, with a top model that cashes in at 5,899 €, LAPIERRE should be your next port of call. And for everyone else, the aluminium version is an equally wise but more affordable alternative.

For more information visit: lapierre-bikes.co.uk

Words: Daniel Schlicke Photos: Daniel Schlicke / Damian McArthur

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.