Lapierre have released full details of the 2014 Zesty All Mountain bike. For 2014 the Zesty is being offered as two very different models - the 150mm, 650b wheeled Zesty AM and the Zesty TR, a 120mm travel trail-orientated 29er. We take a closer look at the Zesty AM below.
As an all-new frame for 2014, the Zesty AM uses 650b hoops. That's because Lapierre believe they are the best choice for all mountain riding. Interestingly, the Zesty AM frame is identical to the frame used on Lapierre's 2014 Spicy model, the difference between the two bikes comes from the longer 160mm fork (and resulting slacker angles) fitted to the Spicy.
The two most affordable Zesty models will feature a fully aluminium frame whilst the rest of the range will use a frame produced nearly entirely from carbon fibre, with only the chainstays aluminium.
Four of the five builds available will be available with Lapierre's trick new e:i auto-adjust suspension technology (a £450/$800 option, but comes standard with the range-topping Zesty AM 927) whilst all models will benefit from new oversized pivot hardware and an action pioneered by 10-time World Downhill Champion and chief test pilot Nico Vouilloz.
The range-topping Lapierre Zesty AM 927
All bikes are kitted with a 150mm Fox 32 fork, a 2x10 or 1x11 drivetrain, 180mm Formula stoppers and bars with a minimum width of 740mm. A frame-only Zesty AM will not be available, although there's nothing stopping riders from buying a Spicy Team frame and running it with a 150 fork.
Prices start at £2,299/US$2,900 for the Zesty AM 327 and top out at £5,899/$8,000 for the AM 927. Claimed weights range between 11.9 and 13.6kg. UK distributor Hotlines are expecting their first stock in two weeks time.
We tested the Zesty AM amongst other Lapierre bikes a few months back at their launch in Chatel, France. Here were our first impressions of the bike.
Lapierre - zesty all-mountain 2014
Serge Lopez, product manager at Lapierre introduces the Zesty AM
