Lapierre Spicy Team 1 (2017)

High-performing enduro racer proves looks aren't everything

Pros

- Exceptional performer
- SRAM Eagle 1x12 drivetrain
- Fine-tuned suspension cushions like a sofa and performs like a hardtail

Cons

- Frame so ugly only a mother could love it

Review

Since its inception a decade ago, the Spicy has made gradual, steady improvements in frame geometry, composition and suspension. This is a good thing, as it was a high quality, versatile and dependable bike to begin with. Now it’s even better.

The 2017 version of this high-end full suspension Enduro MTB has had significant upgrades, both in frame design/geometry and components.

The new SRAM Eagle 12-speed groupset offers unrivalled versatility in the 1X range — and, if the need should ever arise, the option is there to add a front derailleur and a double front chainring. An integrated chainstay protector and a carbon derailleur deflector offer protection at the rear.

The 27.5” frame, with its carbon front triangle and alloy chainstays, follows the current trend of longer, lower and slacker geometry — this is true Enduro race geometry, allowing for fast riding in rough steep terrain, efficient pedalling and aggressive descending. The rear triangle has also been widened by 10mm for extra tire clearance.

The electronic Ei Shock suspension is coupled with RockShox front and rear, offering 165mm of progressive, intelligent travel. The Ei suspension adapts its behaviour based on data sent from sensors on the fork and bottom bracket, changing the stiffness and travel of the ride between three pre-configured settings: Open, Mid and Firm. There is also a 10mm spacer at the bottom of the head tube that can be removed if desired, upgrading the fork travel to 170mm. The Ei system sounds like a gimmick until you ride it — the seamless adjustments in the suspension are barely detectable but for the beeping of the sensors as they send information to the rear of the bike far faster than a rider could react. The result is amazing: a soft sofa to carry you over the gnarliest rock garden, and the firmness and rigidity of a hardtail for climbing or hammering along fast forest trails. All cabling, including the shock system wiring, is internally routed.

The DT Swiss EX1501 wheelset coupled with Michelin Grip’R2 tires has drawn some criticism for being slightly heavy and cumbersome, but my experience did not confirm this. The wheels felt light and agile and responded perfectly under pressure, and SRAM’s hydraulic centerline Guide RSC disc brakes provided awesome stopping power.

The other criticism this bike has come under is perhaps slightly more deserved — the enormous humped top tube is not exactly beautiful. In fact, viewed independently it’s downright ugly; as part of the overall bike it’s not much better, but it does have a kind of functional beauty about it, as it creates enough space for the Ei suspension power pack and a bottle cage. An optional tube-shaped side-mounted power pack is available direct from Lapierre dealers which allows a full-sized bottle to be used. Pricing for this varies wildly, but at less than $100 in most places it’s a worthwhile investment.

The SDG Fly Custom saddle is good, albeit slightly slippery, and the Nico Vouilloz signature alloy bars are comfortable and well-designed — although at 780mm wide plenty of riders will opt to trim them down.

On paper (especially without seeing a picture!) this is a bike stacked with brilliant components and designed thoughtfully by engineers who know their Enduro bikes. In reality, it’s better than that: it is simply wonderful to ride.

It’s at its absolute best descending through rough steep terrain, but still feels right at home on technical climbs and flowing single track. It’s fast, aggressive and agile, and represents the Spicy heritage with style. Go ride one.