Lapierre eZesty AM LTD Ultimate first ride review

Lapierre’s new 150mm travel eZesty has a subtly integrated Fazua motor and battery to give you a helping hand uphill.

The French brand even includes a ‘dummy’ motor pack so you can ride it without the drive-unit attached if you want to rely on pedal power alone.

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Lapierre eZesty AM LTD Ultimate frame and kit

The carbon frame holds its load low and central, for optimal weight distribution, with the motor and battery in the down tube and the shock nestling above the bottom bracket.

That shock is actuated at both ends by the four-bar linkage that provides the bike’s 150mm of rear travel. Numerous neat touches – including a shock fender and chain guide – show attention to detail.

The Fazua system has a small 250Wh battery (half the capacity of most others), but this contributes to the eZesty’s 18.5kg all-in weight, which is light for an e-bike.

LEDs on the bar-mounted controller indicate mode and battery levels, but it’s not the most refined head unit.

Fox provides a stiffer e-bike version of its 36 Factory fork, with a FIT4 damper and a matching DPS shock.

Lapierre’s own carbon wheels are shod with 2.5in Maxxis High Roller II tyres, while SRAM provides an NX/GX/X01 Eagle drivetrain and Guide RE brakes, although the crankset is a carbon FSA number.

Lapierre eZesty AM LTD Ultimate first ride impressions

With less weight than usual, the eZesty blurs the line between MTB and e-MTB in terms of ride feel, with improved agility over its e-competitors.

It’s a great shape – with a generous 470mm reach on the large, a slack 65.5-degree head angle and short-ish 435mm chainstays – and this gives it a confident demeanour on descents, which is highlighted by the plush-feeling rear suspension.

That suspension does feel under-supported though, leading to some wallow through berms and a sluggish feel when pushing hard on the pedals. A piggyback shock would match the fork better and provide a more consistent feel on longer descents.

I’d also prefer a GRIP2-damped fork – the FIT4 damper and stiff carbon wheels combine to give a harsh feel through the bar on rocky descents. The fat mushroom grips also leave the steering feeling somewhat disconnected.

The Fazua motor’s assistance is like a gentle push up the hill, rather than the powerful kick you might expect. This makes it feel like a regular bike that’s just a bit easier to climb on and pedal at lower speeds.

When the motor cuts out, it’s subtle, rather than feeling like the brakes have been hauled on. If you do choose to remove the motor and battery, there’s virtually no penalty in terms of drivetrain feel, other than the system having two freewheels (hub and crank).

The 2.8kg weight drop is definitely welcome too. Charging requires the removal of the battery, as does turning the system on, which is unfortunate because the release button is stiff and the lock a little vague.

Overall, the eZesty is an impressive bike. It won’t give you the same powerful boost as an e-bike with a Shimano, Bosch or Brose motor, but if you ride with a group of mates and struggle to keep up, it could be the perfect assistant – especially because you can remove the motor whenever you like.

Lapierre eZesty AM LTD Ultimate early verdict

Not your typical e-bike, the eZesty is a confident, adaptable ride that gives a little help on climbs.

Lapierre eZesty AM LTD Ultimate geometry (L)

• Seat angle: 75 degrees
• Head angle: 65.5 degrees
• Chainstay: 17.13in / 43.5cm
• Seat tube: 18.11in / 46cm
• Top tube: 25.04in / 63.6cm
• Head tube: 5.71in / 14.5cm
• Stack: 24.45in / 62.1cm
• Reach: 18.5in / 47cm