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Lapierre Zesty 714 (10)
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The Zesty 714 offers tremendous versatility

BikeRadar verdict

5 out of 5 stars

" Spritely, versatile all-mountain machine that’s had a great makeover"

By Robin Weaver, Mountain Biking UK

The Zesty is already a firm favourite with trail centre riders, and now Lapierre have expanded the range to include two full-carbon versions with some significant tweaks to their geometry and components. We put the new Zesty 714 to the test on some true all-mountain terrain.

Ride & handling: Superb handling means you can hit everything without fear

The 714 is a breeze to get up to speed. Hammer the pedals to your heart’s content and it feels as if nearly everything you put in is delivered into the rear wheel. It accelerates and pedals well.

The combination of the stiff frame, OST virtual pivot suspension and Fox rear shock make this a super-efficient bike to ride. And let’s not forget weight. At around 11.8kg (26lb), this is a super-light 140mm (5.5in) travel bike.

Point the 714 uphill and the shorter cockpit (compared to the old alloy Zesty) still allows enough room to get tucked into a great traction-inducing position.

Flicking the ProPedal lever on the rear shock to activate the firmer platform was only needed on arduous road climbs. Fox’s new Boost Valve technology, combined with the OST suspension design, did a great job of keeping the pedalling efficient, and grip on the climbs was never an issue.

Over rougher ground, the 714 gives a suppler ride than its alloy counterpart, making it a little more forgiving. The front and rear suspension is well balanced and produces that smooth Fox feel.

The changes made to improve handling have worked wonders. A shorter stem, top tube and straight seatpost, combined with a wider bar, have opened this bike up to new opportunities.

Big travel and low weight make for a high speed trail weapon: big travel and low weight make for a high speed trail weapon

Frame & equipment: 100 percent carbon frame construction plus some of the finest kit out there

Carbon frame manufacturing technology has come on in leaps and bounds over the past couple of years. Using a monocoque frame construction, the 714 was inspired by the flowing hydroformed tubes of the alloy version, but with some obvious additional benefits.

Lapierre claim the new carbon front triangle is 300g lighter than the aluminium version, as well as stiffer and stronger than ever.

Working closely with Fox Racing Shox has also helped. The new Boost Valve technology of the Fox RP2 rear shock keeps the OST virtual pivot system extremely well controlled and stable even on the steepest of climbs.

The Zesty now has a 5mm shorter top tube to enhance control and manoeuvrability. Our test bike was a 46cm frame, with a 595mm (23.4in) top tube.

Lapierre have made the wise move of speccing the Zesty range with shorter stems and wider bars to increase the versatility and fun factor of the bikes. The 80mm stem and 680mm bar are a great compromise and make the bike much more of an all-rounder.

Formula’s RX1 brake with custom anodised parts works well and adds an element of cohesion that many manufacturers tend to overlook.

Smooth and fl owing lines are the order of the day: smooth and fl owing lines are the order of the day

User Reviews

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  • User review of Lapierre Zesty 714 (10)

    i was impressed with one i rode on a demo day you could straight line some gnarly stuff without any flex and it climbed well.but sadly havent got a few grand to spare.this is the latest improved version if its as good as they say then it should be well impressive.

    0.3
  • User review of Lapierre Zesty 714 (10)

    I want one!!!

    0.3
  • User review of Lapierre Zesty 714 (10)

    had mine for 2 months and cannot fault it. Frame proving very strong. Had a big off and it's done no harm. No creaks or anything. High and wide handlebar position feels odd at first but soon makes sense. Very efficient climber despite slightly upright posture you do need to lean into the front when you climb. Great handling downhill that just makes you want to go faster and harder. Travel soaks up everything I throw at it (I'm 95Kg, 5ft 7 and 46 frame). A great bike.

    0.3
  • User review of Lapierre Zesty 714 (10)

    What a great bike. Fast efficient and totally stable on single track or down hill. If your looking for a new bike you wont be disappointed this bike lives up to all the hype. Acceleration and descending has to be experienced - simply amazing.

    All the components are first class, tubeless, Gobi seat, XT, XTR, etc

    I did put some Maxxis 2.35 Highrollers (front) and 2.0 Minions (rear) on though. Loads of clearance and no mud traps.

    80kg 5'8" using 46cm medium frame.

    0.3

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Specification

Name:
Zesty 714 (10)
Built by:
Lapierre
Price:
n/a

Available Sizes:
42, 46, 50, 54
Weight (kg):
11.7
Weight (lb):
25.9

Frame & Fork:

 
Frame Material:
New Full Carbon / OST 140mm
Fork Model:
Fox 32FRL FIT 140mm 15mm
Rear Shock Model:
Fox Float RP2 XV2 Boost Valve 200x57
Headset Type:
Alloy Semi-Integrated Cartridge

Geometry:

 
Seat Angle:
72 Degrees
Head Angle:
68 Degrees

Brakes:

 
Brakes Model:
Formula RX1 180/180

Transmission:

 
Cranks Model:
Shimano XT 22X32X44
Bottom Bracket Model:
Press fit cartridge
Rear Derailleur Model:
Shimano Deore XT
Front Derailleur Model:
Shimano Deore XT
Shifters Model:
Shimano XT
Chain Model:
Shimano HG80
Cassette:
Shimano HG80 9S 11X34

Wheels:

 
Rims Model:
Shimano XT M778 UST
Front Hub Model:
15mm Through-Axle

Contact Points:

 
Saddle Model:
Fizik Gobi XM Mg
Seatpost Model:
Thomson Elite 31.6X367mm Black
Stem Model:
Lapierre XM 31.8X80mm
Handlebar Model:
Lapierre XC Pro Alu 31,8X680mm

:

 
Seat Tube (in):
18.1 in
Standover Height (in):
28.7 (in)
Top Tube (in):
23.4 in
Wheelbase (in):
45.1 in
Tyres:
Continental Mountain King UST 2.4in/ Race King UST 2.2in
Front Wheel:
Shimano XT M778 UST 15mm
Rear Wheel:
Shimano XT M778 UST QR
Bottom Bracket Height (in):
13.7 in
Chainstays (in):
17.2

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