Issue #037, Review - February 22, 2019

Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate 2019 review

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

**Lapierre** Spicy Team Ultimate | 160/160 mm (f/r) | 14.56 kg | € 5,999

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

**Big trunk**
There is enough space for a spare tube and small tools in the compartment under the down tube.

**Top!**
The rear suspension of the Lapierre gives plenty of feedback and doesn’t wallow in compressions while effectively ironing out trail chatter.

**Underpowered**
The SRAM Guide brakes lack power and reliability on long downhills. CODEs should be mandatory on an Enduro bike.

**Grippy**
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

**Helmet** 100% Aircraft | **Goggle** 100% Accuri | **Jersey** Mons Royal Icon T-Shirt | **Shorts** iXS ASPER SHORTS | **Knee pads** ION K-Pact | **Shoes** ION Rascal

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!

**Tuning tip:** More powerful brakes | Possibly a slightly longer stem (45-50 mm)

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