Anyone here own a Lapierre Spicy 2010?

[a11y_m]

I know there's a lot of gravity-orientated riders out there, hence this question.

I've had a ride on a Spicy at the weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it, now considering one to replace my 2007 Giant Reign. Obviously a teeny bit more travel at the back and should be a reduction in weight (my Reign's 35lbs but that's with Marzocchi 66SL forks and a DRS device). I've also not bought a (brand) new bike in over 10 years, so this would be a bit of a departure for me. I tend to hit the classifieds and ebay hard for frames/forks in the past and I feel like treating myself

Any ownership stories - good or bad - would be good to hear.

Also, any comments on suitability for my intended use would be appreciated: mostly trail centre use (Glentress and Innerleithen) with a bit of UK DH chucked in (e.g. Inners and very occasionally Fort William), and forays into the Alps and beyond for some summer fun. I'm concerned it might be a bit overkill for a lot of the time and that I might be better off with the Zesty (140mm), but it did feel like it climbed very well for a 160mm bike!

Cheers
Ally

[Session]

Been selling them this year in my shop and been very happy with them. When they've come back in for free services there really have been no problems. Good weight, good value, great spec, go for it.

[Adrian W]

My Nephew was sponsored by them last year, he kept breaking swing arms, this year he is using Scott

[Session]

Was he sponsored to ride Spicy's or the DH bike? Sure it wasn't a Commencal or Sunn, their DH bikes have a common issue with the swingarms cracking.

Either way, any and all bikes can be broken, there is no one make that has earnt a reputation for never breaking ime. I spent years racing DH and saw everything break from Brooklyns, Santa Cruz, Orange, Intense to super thin wall Scotts. The only relatively common issue Lapierres have had are BB shells cracking on last years models, haven't heard anything about this years yet.

We've not had a single warranty issue on any Lapierre we've sold yet and that includes Dh bikes.

[a11y_m]

Yeah I heard of the BB shell issue with the 2009 model, but from what I've read they've changed something on it for the 2010 model. Buying new will give me a warranty I suppose, although I'd never want to need it...

TBH I don't think I'll be pushing a 160mm bike to it's limits - I don't yet (and probably never will) have the balls for that! I'm enjoying my Reign though, it's been a good bike, but I don't like the new one and just preferred the feel of the Spicy, particularly climbing. Not that the Giant's a bad bike, more that the Spicy IMO moves it on a bit. My lack of nerve is what's made me consider the Zesty instead - might be more suitable for me.

Just noticed Lapierre's have a 100kg rider limit, hmmmmmm. I'm 81kg so no issue, but I'm a bit surprised by that.

[subsea99]

was up glentress last week with a lad that had the 314 zesty and he loves it,ive been looking at the 914 but gonna leave it until next year when prices come down as a newer model should be out

[Adrian W]

Session said:

Was he sponsored to ride Spicy's or the DH bike? Sure it wasn't a Commencal or Sunn, their DH bikes have a common issue with the swingarms cracking.

Either way, any and all bikes can be broken, there is no one make that has earnt a reputation for never breaking ime. I spent years racing DH and saw everything break from Brooklyns, Santa Cruz, Orange, Intense to super thin wall Scotts. The only relatively common issue Lapierres have had are BB shells cracking on last years models, haven't heard anything about this years yet.

We've not had a single warranty issue on any Lapierre we've sold yet and that includes Dh bikes.

Cross country in Spain, He broke two, he's over this weekend doing a national in Sussex, I'll ask him what model it was.

[custardkid]

Carbon swing arm?

not sure carbon is such a good idea on MTB

[subsea99]

was up glentress last week with a lad that had the 314 zesty and he loves it,ive been looking at the 914 but gonna leave it until next year when prices come down as a newer model should be out

[Session]

Zesty 514, 714 and 914 have been sold out at the UK supplier for ages so chances of finding one cheap is gonna be a challenge especially when 2011 models are almsot defintiely gonna be more money.

There is always a warranty although the best warranty is the one you never need to use.

[neil_bolton]

I've a 2009 Spicy. I can answer any question you want - this one's been used as it was designed for.

[a11y_m]

neil_bolton said:

I've a 2009 Spicy. I can answer any question you want - this one's been used as it was designed for.

Cheers Neil. I presume you like yours? I recall seeing pics of your riding before so that's reassuring that it's bee used as intended with no problems.

I actually went ahead and ordered one first thing this morning: 2010 Lapierre Spicy 216, 46cm, with £400 off the RRP. An absolute bargain IMO and didn't want to hang around as the shop only had one left in that size

I compared the spec of the 216 with the 316 and 516 and struggled to see how they justify the extra £500 for the 316 over the 216: only a change of forks (RS Domain vs Fox 36 Float R), a better rear mech (Deore vs SLX) and chainset (Deore vs SLX), everything else is identical. I don't know much about the RS Domain 302's but I'll fit my '06 Marz 66SLs instead anyway. Should knock a healthy 400g off the weight too according to figures online. I'll swap bits and pieces like the chainset, rear mech, wheels and brakes with my Reign before punting it on, so I'll end up with a nicely specced 216...

Roll on Friday when I take delivery! I'm quite excited, I've not bought a brand new bike in years and only once bought a brand new car, so this is a new experience

[a11y_m]

Session said:

Zesty 514, 714 and 914 have been sold out at the UK supplier for ages so chances of finding one cheap is gonna be a challenge especially when 2011 models are almsot defintiely gonna be more money.

There is always a warranty although the best warranty is the one you never need to use.

Zesty 214 for £1,399 (£400 less than RRP) in stock in 42cm and 46cm - surely that's a bargain?

Agree with you strongly on your opinion on warranties!

[custardkid]

Which shop?

[neil_bolton]

a11y_m said:

neil_bolton said:

I've a 2009 Spicy. I can answer any question you want - this one's been used as it was designed for.

Cheers Neil. I presume you like yours? I recall seeing pics of your riding before so that's reassuring that it's bee used as intended with no problems.

I actually went ahead and ordered one first thing this morning: 2010 Lapierre Spicy 216, 46cm, with £400 off the RRP. An absolute bargain IMO and didn't want to hang around as the shop only had one left in that size

I compared the spec of the 216 with the 316 and 516 and struggled to see how they justify the extra £500 for the 316 over the 216: only a change of forks (RS Domain vs Fox 36 Float R), a better rear mech (Deore vs SLX) and chainset (Deore vs SLX), everything else is identical. I don't know much about the RS Domain 302's but I'll fit my '06 Marz 66SLs instead anyway. Should knock a healthy 400g off the weight too according to figures online. I'll swap bits and pieces like the chainset, rear mech, wheels and brakes with my Reign before punting it on, so I'll end up with a nicely specced 216...

Roll on Friday when I take delivery! I'm quite excited, I've not bought a brand new bike in years and only once bought a brand new car, so this is a new experience

I've had no real problems to speak of apart from:

• Make sure you leave extra outer cable in the loop for the rear deraillier - when the suspension compresses, it can stretch the cable and cause issues.
• Zip tie that cable to the front deraillier outer - it keeps it away from the front chainset
• You will end up rubbing the rear chainstays with your feet. No amount of tape will stop that
• Bottom brackets are unique. They were (at least when I checked last) a Shimano only part. Which is an arse.
• The rear deraillier protector does feck all. And doesn't fit non shadow mechs.
• The rear deraillier hangers are made of cheese. Buy the best you can afford - I think BETD are the best?

Other than that, they thing is utterly utterly awesome to ride - if a little heavy for the UK - but then the Zesty is more a UK bike - the Spicy a crossover freeride bike for the Alps.

[a11y_m]

custardkid said:

Which shop?

http://www.lexs.co.uk/Default.aspx?Product=2010%20... but only got 42cm and 46cm left...

neil_bolton said:

I've had no real problems to speak of apart from:

• Make sure you leave extra outer cable in the loop for the rear deraillier - when the suspension compresses, it can stretch the cable and cause issues.
• Zip tie that cable to the front deraillier outer - it keeps it away from the front chainset
• You will end up rubbing the rear chainstays with your feet. No amount of tape will stop that
• Bottom brackets are unique. They were (at least when I checked last) a Shimano only part. Which is an arse.
• The rear deraillier protector does feck all. And doesn't fit non shadow mechs.
• The rear deraillier hangers are made of cheese. Buy the best you can afford - I think BETD are the best?

Other than that, they thing is utterly utterly awesome to ride - if a little heavy for the UK - but then the Zesty is more a UK bike - the Spicy a crossover freeride bike for the Alps.

Thanks for those tips Neil.

• Wasn't sure about the BB system, that's a pain. I wonder if the likes of BETD, Hope or even Chris King will develop press-in BBs in future if this becomes another standard for BBs (although considering the amount of time CK took to bring one to market I wouldn't hold my breath).
• I've got some of Venture Shield (same stuff used to wrap the front of cars), chainstay's will get covered then.
• Cables - thanks, I'll check that. I used to own an original Specialized Enduro and it arrived with the cable under the bottom bracket being too short - cue some comedy gear shifting under compression on the first ride...
• I'll order a spare mech hanger, I always carry one for my bikes anyway. I'll be changing the Deore for my XT shadow mech also.

Roll on Friday. Saturday's going to spent exchanging a few bits with better stuff from my current bike: forks, rear mech, shifters, bars/stem, maybe the brakes too. Quite fancy a remote seatpost but that'll have to wait. Aiming to be at Fort William to ride the DH on the 31st July to test it out properly. It's going to be a bit overkill for large parts of my UK riding, but I'm looking at this bike as a bit more of a skill compensator when I go abroad

[neil_bolton]

a11y_m said:

custardkid said:

Which shop?

http://www.lexs.co.uk/Default.aspx?Product=2010%20... but only got 42cm and 46cm left...

neil_bolton said:

I've had no real problems to speak of apart from:

• Make sure you leave extra outer cable in the loop for the rear deraillier - when the suspension compresses, it can stretch the cable and cause issues.
• Zip tie that cable to the front deraillier outer - it keeps it away from the front chainset
• You will end up rubbing the rear chainstays with your feet. No amount of tape will stop that
• Bottom brackets are unique. They were (at least when I checked last) a Shimano only part. Which is an arse.
• The rear deraillier protector does feck all. And doesn't fit non shadow mechs.
• The rear deraillier hangers are made of cheese. Buy the best you can afford - I think BETD are the best?

Other than that, they thing is utterly utterly awesome to ride - if a little heavy for the UK - but then the Zesty is more a UK bike - the Spicy a crossover freeride bike for the Alps.

Thanks for those tips Neil.

• Wasn't sure about the BB system, that's a pain. I wonder if the likes of BETD, Hope or even Chris King will develop press-in BBs in future if this becomes another standard for BBs (although considering the amount of time CK took to bring one to market I wouldn't hold my breath).
• I've got some of Venture Shield (same stuff used to wrap the front of cars), chainstay's will get covered then.
• Cables - thanks, I'll check that. I used to own an original Specialized Enduro and it arrived with the cable under the bottom bracket being too short - cue some comedy gear shifting under compression on the first ride...
• I'll order a spare mech hanger, I always carry one for my bikes anyway. I'll be changing the Deore for my XT shadow mech also.

Roll on Friday. Saturday's going to spent exchanging a few bits with better stuff from my current bike: forks, rear mech, shifters, bars/stem, maybe the brakes too. Quite fancy a remote seatpost but that'll have to wait. Aiming to be at Fort William to ride the DH on the 31st July to test it out properly. It's going to be a bit overkill for large parts of my UK riding, but I'm looking at this bike as a bit more of a skill compensator when I go abroad

I wouldn't bother with the tape, you'll wear through it in three seconds flat, and it'll look ste.

[Digga]

FWIW Spent Saturday taking a group of guys from the Manchester area on a tour of the official and not-so-official trail delights of Casnnock Chase. One of the group was riding a Spicy 514 and it was a beautiful bit of kit; climbed very well, descended well, seemed pretty light and it looks right too.

I was also chatting to another Spicy owner - who'd had a similar recent bike history to my own (Specialized Epic & Stumpy) - who was singing the Lapierre's praises and was certainly riding it well.

[a11y_m]

It's arrived

It initially looked like this:



But after a few hours on Saturday of me adding my preferred bits onto it (XT shifters and rear mech, Hope/Mavic wheels, RF bar, tyres, forks, chainset) it now looks like this:



Waiting on delivery of a new chain device as my current one didn't fit the ISG05 mounts...

[neil_bolton]

Very nice.

I would recommend ordering a couple of rear deraillier hangers from BETD, as the Lapierre ones are made of Brie.

I snapped mine this weekend