This Enduro is So Hot

Lapierre Spicy in Review

The Lapierre Spicy has not only revolutionized the market once but is trying to do so again with its latest version. With the adjustable high to low pivot on the rear suspension, the French have introduced a feature that has not been seen on the market before. What’s it all about?

Lapierre Spicy Review
The shock is positioned deep in the frame, while the main pivot of the rear triangle is set high. At least, if you want it to be. Because Lapierre offers an adjustment option on the rear triangle that also allows the main pivot to be mounted low.

A flip chip to adjust the geometry has become standard on full-suspension MTB bikes. However, the option to convert the entire rear triangle from a conventional four-bar linkage to a high pivot rear suspension has never been available until now. Lapierre is breaking new ground and putting the choice of the perfect rear suspension setup in the hands of its customers.

High pivot rear suspensions have become super popular in recent years. Bikes like the Cannondale Jekyll or the Trek Slash have revived a trend that had long been declared dead. When the main pivot point of the rear suspension is particularly high above the bottom bracket, it is referred to as a high pivot rear suspension. The advantage of such a construction: The axle path of the rear suspension moves backward during compression. As the rear stays lengthen during compression, the rear wheel can hang on an obstacle for a fraction of a second, while the rest of the bike can continue charging towards the descent unimpeded.

However, there are also disadvantages. High pivot rear suspensions require an idler pulley for the chain. Without this pulley, the suspension would compress like an accordion with every pedal stroke. And this idler pulley increases the complexity and weight of the entire bike. Lapierre is aware of this and does not want to offer its customers a take-it-or-leave-it solution, but rather the choice of how they want to ride.

Lapierre Spicy experiences
If the main pivot of the shock rear triangle is positioned low, the drivetrain operates without an idler.
Lapierre Spicy Frame Details
If you mount it high, a longer chain and a jockey wheel need to be installed.
Lapierre Spicy Low Pivot Rear Suspension
In the low setting, you can't take advantage of the rearward axle path on the trail.
Lapierre Spicy High Pivot Suspension System
Mounting the pivot high creates a gap between the bottom bracket and the main pivot. However, this results in a smoother ride on rough terrain.

Geometry and Sizes of the Lapierre Spicy

The Spicy is radical. 180 mm of travel and a 63.5-degree slack head angle make it a force among downhill bikes. The chainstays that grow with the frame size show a well-thought-out geometry concept. A reach of 480 mm in size L is more or less the status quo for enduros today.

The geometry changes significantly depending on the position of the main pivot point. The table shows the geometry with a high pivot point and mullet wheels. There is also the option to install a 29er rear wheel or to lower the main pivot point.

SIZE XXS XS S M L XL XXL
Sizing of Manufacturer
-
xs
s
m
l
xl
-
Wheelsize
-
29 / 27,5 Mullet
29 / 27,5 Mullet
29 / 27,5 Mullet
29 / 27,5 Mullet
29 / 27,5 Mullet
-
Stack
-
627
636
641
645
654
-
Reach
-
410
435
460
480
505
-
Top Tube Length
-
543,5
570,4
596,4
617,3
644,2
-
Seat Tube Length
-
370
370
400
430
460
-
Seat Tube Angle
-
78
78
78
78
78
-
Head Tube Length
-
100
110
115
120
130
-
Head Tube Angle
-
63,5
63,5
63,5
63,5
63,5
-
Bottom Bracket Drop
-
15
15
15
15
15
-
Bottom Bracket Height (absolut)
-
335
335
335
335
335
-
Chainstay Length
-
439,8
439,8
439,8
444,8
449,8
-
Wheelbase
-
1201
1230
1258
1285
1319
-
Standover Height
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Lapierre Spicy Experiences
The Spicy is not a touring bike. It's a bike that likes to feel the spurs of its rider downhill. Uphill, it prefers support via lift or shuttle due to its relatively high weight.

All Lapierre Spicy models at a glance

The new Lapierre Spicy is available in 4 builds starting at €5499, all featuring the same carbon chassis. We took a look at all the options. With the arrow symbol Bikes directly compare you can also compare the individual models with any other bike from our extensive market overview.

The most exciting Lapierre Spicy

They are all heavy. But with a slick 16 kilograms, the Lapierre Spicy CF 8.9 remains somewhat pedal-able. However, considering its price of €7,000, the weight seems too high for our taste. For comparison: The cheaper entry-level version costs €1,500 less but weighs 500 grams more. 16.5 kilograms is not an option for bikers who prefer moving under their own power. That’s why our Editors Pick goes to the second most expensive model, which at least features a full Fox Factory suspension setup and a truly solid braking system.

The drivetrain and wheels, however, could be better for the price. Here, Lapierre charges a premium for the unique frame characteristic.

The most importanten ratings of the Spicy CF 8.9 in comparison to the competitor bikes of following categorie: (Enduro up to 8000 €) .

Lapierre Spicy 9 Review
The most exciting Lapierre Spicy costs €7000 and weighs 16 kg. That doesn't make it a lightweight.

The toughest competitors

If you flinch at €7000 and think “they’re crazy,” the Radon Jab MX presents a significantly cheaper and lighter enduro option on the market. The Liteville 303 in our test also weighs significantly less than the Lapierre Spicy and has already convinced us with its aluminum frame in Finale Ligure. If you absolutely want a high pivot bike, you should take a look at the Cannondale Jekyll or the Trek Slash. We’ve set up a comparison for you in our comparison feature.

Radon Jab MX
It's lightweight, it's affordable, it doesn't have much frills. The Radon Jab MX is the sensible alternative to the Lapierre Spicy.
Liteville 301 Enduro
The Liteville 303 has 170 mm of travel at the fork and, despite an aluminum frame, is over a kilo lighter than the Lapierre Spicy. A great alternative for weight weenies.

Experience with the Lapierre Spicy

The Lapierre Spicy impresses with its technical finesse. It’s clear, however, that this bike is neither cheap nor light. With an entry-level model priced over 5000 €, it’s evident that the Spicy will not be a mass-market model. It remains a bike for technically inclined riders who love to twist the throttle on descents and enjoy debating different rear suspensions over a beer in the evening. Thus, it is a real asset to a market that all too often drifts into monotony.

Conclusion on the Lapierre Spicy
Behold and marvel: The new Lapierre Spicy is a technological marvel.

About the author

Ludwig

... has spent more than 100,000 kilometers in the saddle of over 1000 different mountain bikes. The essence of many hours on the trail: Mountain bikes are awesome when they match your personal preferences! With this realization, he founded bike-test.com to assist cyclists in finding their very own dream bike.

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