EWS Race Bike Group Test: Lapierre Spicy Team

High-end and high-tech often go hand in hand with one another. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Lapierre Spicy Team! Many cables hide behind the elaborate carbon frame, complete with cyclometer and controls for the electronically controlled suspension, collectively known as the e:i shock.
With a compact, slightly elevated seating position, we proceed with our first ascent. Having set the e:i shock to auto-mode, the rear is totally still. Efficiently and fleet-footedly, the Spicy sprints uphill. No bobbing, just pure propulsion! The only thing that causes discontent is the very wide rear end. At first, we only noticed the feel of our shoes swiping along the chain- and seatstays, but after a while it was visible, too – in the form of countless little scratches in the carbon coating.
Would this be noticeable on the trail as well?
Unfortunately, yes. According to Lapierre, the final version will be equipped with narrower rear end – let’s hope so! Furthermore, the Spicy does not lack in spice at all – thanks to its lively, agile and playful handling. In steep terrain, setting the e:i shock system from auto to open mode results in more sensitivity and more sag. As a result, the angles level out a bit (66.5° head angle, 73.5° seat angle).
Switching between the single modes (open, medium, closed, and adjustable automatic mode) is easily done via the controller unit next to the grip. Overall, the e:i shock system works just fine; however, we had slight fluctuations with the cyclometer during our test rides, sometimes displaying unrealistically high figures – like a 99 km/h maximum speed. If you don’t want to stare at a screen, the cyclometer can be dismounted from the bars– the e:i shock still works without it! The 150mm of rear travel operates at the stiffer and less forgiving end of the spectrum, but still works in harmony with the 160 mm Rockshox Pike, tending to stay relatively high in its travel. As soon as the rear suspension reaches its limits, the Pike still offers control and support. The progressive chassis offers total control and feedback from the ground, resulting in excellent handling.
With many advanced features and technologies, the Lapierre Spicy Team leads us towards the future. However, steadiness and durability are not fully tested yet. Avant-gardism has its price! The pre-series-Spicy with a weight of 12.6 kg is available at a price of 6599 Euro. In terms of technologies and high-quality equipment, the price is justifiable. We are looking forward to our first test rides with the final production version.
Go back to the article: “Tested: Six Fast Enduro Racing Bikes”