The all-new Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate hasn’t got it easy. It’s got really big shoes to fill with its predecessor delivering an outstanding package. With 29″ wheels, new geometry and cleverly integrated tools, the new model promises to be even better. We were itching to try it out!
For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy
The first improvement is clear from the very first glance at the new Lapierre Spicy: the shape. Gone are the days of the hump in the top tube – the straight lines of the new design look a lot cleaner. Depending on the frame size, Lapierre specs either 27.5 “(S and M) or 29” (M, L, XL) wheels. The French brand also adapts the contact points to suit the rider and the flex of the frame is designed to be tailored to the respective frame size. One of our highlights has to be compartment Lapierre created under the bottle bosses on the down tube with enough storage space for tools and a tube. The top model Spicy Team Ultimate we tested is priced at € 5,999 and comes with a good choice of components. The suspension consists of a RockShox Lyrik RCT3 fork and a Super Deluxe coil shock and shifting is handled by a SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain. The reliable DT Swiss EX 1501 SPLINE ONE wheels are fitted with very grippy and puncture resistant Michelin Wild Enduro tires. Unfortunately, the SRAM Guide RSC brakes aren’t powerful enough for a bike of this calibre.
The Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate in detail
Fork RockShox Lyrik RCT3 160 mm
Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Coil RCT 160 mm
Brakes SRAM Guide RSC 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle
Seatpost LP 7075 Dropper 150 mm
Stem LP FULL CNC 35 mm
Handlebar Race Face SixC Carbon 785 mm
Wheels DT Swiss EX 1501 Spline
Tires Michelin Wild Enduro 29″ x 2,4″
Weight 14.56 kg
Price € 5,999
There is enough space for a spare tube and small tools in the compartment under the down tube.
The rear suspension of the Lapierre gives plenty of feedback and doesn’t wallow in compressions while effectively ironing out trail chatter.
The SRAM Guide brakes lack power and reliability on long downhills. CODEs should be mandatory on an Enduro bike.
Thanks to the soft rubber compound, good damping properties and a sturdy casing, the Michelin Wild Enduro offers plenty of grip. A real insider tip!
The geometry of the Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate
| Size | S (27,5″) | M (27,5″) | M (29″) | L (29″) | XL (29″) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 400 mm | 430 mm | 430 mm | 460 mm | 500 mm |
| Top tube | 573 mm | 607 mm | 610 mm | 639 mm | 668 mm |
| Head angle | 90 mm | 105 mm | 105 mm | 120 mm | 135 mm |
| Head angle | 64.5° | 64.5° | 65 | 65° | 65° |
| Seat angle | 75° | 75° | 74.5° | 74.5° | 74.5° |
| Chainstays | 425 mm | 425 mm | 433 mm | 433 mm | 433 mm |
| BB hight | 15 mm | 15 mm | 28 mm | 28 mm | 28 mm |
| Reach | 415 mm | 445 mm | 440 mm | 465 mm | 490 mm |
| Stack | 602 mm | 615 mm | 622 mm | 636 mm | 649 mm |
The Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate on the trail
You shouldn’t be in a hurry when you’re climbing on board the Lapierre. This is partly due to the slow rolling tires. Moreover, without the climb switch engaged on the shock, the rear end bobs while pedalling. The sitting position is somewhat tail-heavy too. Once at the top, the bike rewards the rider for all their efforts. Descending, you’ll immediately feel at home on the bike. The weight distribution of the 14.56 kg trail-rocket is spot on, and in combination with the low centre of gravity of the shock, its handling feels balanced and intuitive. The Spicy responds to steering inputs with precision, and even when you’re at the limit, the bike stays extremely predictable. The rear suspension is not quite as plush as the other coil shock suspensions in the test field, but it responds sensitively while also offering a lot of pop and support through compressions. As a result, the Lapierre is quick to pick up momentum and directly transfers the rider’s every input. The RockShox Lyrik RCT3 fork is not quite as sensitive as the RC2 version we would have preferred to see on the bike. The mix of agility and composure is excellent and the Lapierre wasn’t once phased by the steepness of a trail or the roughness of the terrain. The Michelin Wild Enduro tires also impressed our test team, providing excellent grip and damping on all kinds of surfaces.
Get on and go – you won’t need any time to get used to the Spicy!
Conclusion
The all-new Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate is a superb Enduro bike that looks great on any downhill terrain. The biggest strengths of the Spicy are its balance, the rear suspension and the good-natured handling. Unfortunately, the clever integration of tools can’t hide the mediocre climbing performance and the flaws in the componentry spec. Too bad, the base for this bike is awesome!
Tops
- Very balanced in corners
- Perfectly tuned rear suspension
- Clever tool integration
Flops
- Seat tube angle too slack for climbing
- Brakes lack power
Uphill
Downhill
Stability
Agility
Value for money
For more info head to: lapierrebikes.com
For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy
All bikes in test: Bold Unplugged | Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team | Commencal META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE | Giant Reign Advanced 0 | Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | Nukeproof Mega 275c RS | Orbea Rallon M-LTD I9 | Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 | Pole Machine EN | Santa Cruz Nomad CC | Scott Ransom 900 Tuned | Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 | Trek Slash 9.9 | YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race
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