The Lapierre Zesty AM 527 mountain bike climbs like a trail bike, descends like it's enduro.
I talk with Charlie about the early days of mountain biking, and how he and others helped shape the mountain bike culture of today.
E*Thirteen's TRS Plus kit converts SRAM 11-speed drivetrains to 12-speed with greater range than Eagle for $300, including all necessary tools.
Pat Smage previews new mountain bike trails coming to Springdale, Arkansas.
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As IMBA celebrates 30 years, we take a short look back at the history of mountain bike advocacy.
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We share our tips for becoming a better mountain bike climber including equipment selection, technique, and mental hacks for getting to the top of the hill faster.
Ten more affordable mountain bike upgrades for under $100 including dropper post remotes, stash tools, tire inserts, and drivetrain updates.
Fathers can and do teach their children a lot through mountain biking. A Father's Day tribute to rad mountain bike dads.
This trail bike buyer's guide helps mountain bikers understand frame geometry, suspension travel, tire sizes, and more. Read this before you buy your next trail bike.
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The SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain offers 12 gears at an affordable pricepoint. The new cassette is compatible with standard, 8-, 9-, and 10-speed splined driver bodies.
Sea Otter Europe, held in Girona, Spain, features mountain bike racing, hundreds of exhibitors, and demo bikes. Tens of thousands of cyclists attended this free festival in 2018.
Ben Weaver is bikepacking the 2,700-mile Great Divide Mountain Bike route with his instruments so he can play 15 concerts along the way.
The new Jamis Portal trail bike and Hardline enduro bike will utilize a unique mountain bike suspension platform known as 3VO.
Trek recently settled a lawsuit brought by the estate of comedian Chris Farley over the name of the Farley fat bike.
XC mountain bike race courses are becoming more technical in a bid to become more spectator-friendly and also to keep up with bike design and suspension technology.
This is the third installment in the Outlaw Diaries series that follows mountain biker Patrick "Bengel" Rasche as he seeks out rad adventures in Germany, British Columbia, and now Russia.
Jefferson County, Colorado is testing mountain bike only trails within the popular park system.
Matt Miller is a journalism graduate and enduro mountain biker based in Golden, CO.
The 10 mountain bike descents on the East Coast are among the best downhill trails to shred.
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest features excellent mountain bike trails to explore, including the CAMBA system.
The Prestacycle TorqRatchet is a compact, packable torque wrench for trailside mountain bike repairs.
Ten of the best kids' mountain bikes of 2018, including lightweight hardtails and even full-suspension bikes. Recommendations range from 12-inch wheels up to 24-inch wheels.
The UCI Mountain Bike Eliminator World Cup brings fast-paced, XC competition to the streets complete with ramps, wall rides, and dirt rollers.
Another mountain biker falls victim to a trail trip, this time barbed wire in Ontario, Canada.
Roam Bike Fests are designed for women to have fun on mountain bikes. Riders won't find skills clinics, competitions, or men here.
The Fox Factory Tune program allows mountain bikers to get a custom suspension tune and/or to upgrade to the latest tech for a reasonable price.
The All in Multitool fits inside a mountain bike crank spindle, and includes a chain breaker plus hex and Torx bits.
These aggressive hardtail mountain bikes are designed for trail riding and beyond, and each offers at least 120mm of front suspension travel.
Guidebook author Stephen Hlawaty talks about his favorite MTB trails in Colorado, and why he's still a fan of paper books in the digital age.
The National Recreation Trails class of 2018 includes notable mountain bike trails like Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park in Florida and the Climax Trail in New Mexico.
The BLM in Idaho is testing a new travel management plan that would allow Class 1 electric mountain bikes on previously non-motorized, multi-use trails.
The BLM approved an additional 22.5 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails at Phil's World and has begun construction, despite minor opposition.
Summer mountain bike camps for young riders are popping up all across the USA this year. Campers can learn new skills and get ready for NICA race season.
The second annual Epic 17K mountain bike race claims to be the world's highest, and is set to take place in India's Sikkim state June 26 - 29.
Youth conservation corps programs offer paid trail building programs this summer. Participants gain useful skills, while mountain bikers get new and improved trails.
This kid's hardtail mountain bike build was tricked out with electronic shifting, 4-piston brakes, and color-coordinated hardware.
Tips for dealing with knee, back, neck, and arm pain associated with mountain biking through exercise, stretching, bike fit, and recovery.
The updated Shimano XTR mountain bike line includes a 12-speed drivetrain and new 4-piston enduro brakes.
On May 17, 2018 a revised bill to possibly give bikes access to trails in federally-designated Wilderness areas was introduced to the US Senate.
The ShockStop from Redshift is a mountain bike suspension stem designed to lend some squish to rigid bikes without adding a lot of weight.
If your mountain bike isn't in top condition, it's often be a good idea to call off the ride. A lack of confidence in equipment can result in injury.
1
![[feature]<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-242172" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lapierre_zesty_am_527-4-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />[/feature]
I've followed the French brand Lapierre for years, regularly admiring the sleek, fast-looking frames at Interbike each year, but I've never had a chance to test ride one. So at Sea Otter Europe this year I made a point to reserve a <a href="https://www.singletracks.com/bike-reviews/All-Mountain-bikes/Lapierre-Zesty-AM-527_8452">Zesty AM 527</a> in my size to test on the trails north of Girona.
<h2>The Zesty AM 527 frame</h2>
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-242171" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lapierre_zesty_am_527-10-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
The <a href="https://shop.lapierrebikes.com/zesty-am-527-ultimate">Zesty AM 527 Ultimate</a> I tested features a full carbon frame, but lower-level builds with aluminum frames are available from Lapierre too. With internal cable routing and a glossy finish, the Zesty AM <em>looks</em> smooth and svelte. Offering 150mm of rear travel, the frame utilizes a VPP suspension design Lapierre calls OST+ (Optimized Suspension Technology).
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-242167" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lapierre_zesty_am_527-11-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
The 2018 model I rode sports a Boost-spaced rear end and metric shock sizing, which should future-proof the design a bit, at least for the next few seasons anyway. Sadly for the home mechanics out there, Lapierre went with a press-fit bottom bracket on this version of the Zesty AM.
Lapierre says the Zesty AM, which rolls stock on 27.5" wheels, is also 27.5+ compatible. This is a bit unusual since most bikes boasting 27.5+ compatibility start as 29ers. There isn't any kind of flip chip to account for the jump up to bigger plus wheels, which is a little suspect IMO. However, it's clear the Zesty AM offers plenty of side-to-side and front-to-back clearance for fatter tires, notwithstanding what the taller tires might do to the overall geometry.
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-242164" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lapierre_zesty_am_527-7-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
Speaking of geometry, the Zesty AM sports a 66.5 degree head tube angle which is about half a degree more slack than <a href="https://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-gear/is-there-a-consensus-on-ideal-trail-bike-geometry-top-brands-compared/">the average trail bike</a> according to our calculations, but pretty much spot on for a 27.5 bike with 150mm of rear travel. The Zesty AM also offers a longer-than-average reach for a trail bike, which many riders may appreciate.
<h2>The build</h2>
The 527 Ultimate build sits just below the top of the line and is the least expensive build (<span class="price-amount">€</span><span class="price-amount">3,599, or about $4,250)</span> Lapierre offers with a carbon frame. Buyers get a 150mm RockShox Revelation fork, RockShox Deluxe RT shock, and a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain.
[caption id="attachment_242170" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="size-large wp-image-242170" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lapierre_zesty_am_527-6-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> The Lapierre branded dropper post.[/caption]
Lapierre brands a number of the included components themselves, including the usual bits like the 760mm alloy bars, 55mm stem, and even the wheel set. The company takes things one step further and includes a Lapierre branded dropper post with 150mm of travel. The bike I tested features a thumb-over-bar remote which is not my first choice, but the post and remote seemed to work just as well as any other I've used.
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-242165" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lapierre_zesty_am_527-9-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
SRAM Guide R brakes and Maxxis High Roller II tires (2.3" wide) round out the build. All told, the Lapierre Zesty AM 527 Ultimate weighs a smidge over 28lbs.
<h2>On the trail</h2>
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-242169" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lapierre_zesty_am_527-2-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
Thanks to its light weight, the Zesty AM 527 Ultimate climbs like a champ. The 74.5 degree seat tube angle placed me comfortably upright, while the Eagle drivetrain allowed me to stay seated for maximum efficiency. I found the steering tracked straight, made somewhat easier thanks to the 27.5 wheels compared to the 29ers I tested earlier in the weekend. Overall I have to say the climbing performance was solid, but unremarkable.
However, I can't say the same about descending on the Zesty.
Of all the bikes I tested at Sea Otter Europe, the Zesty AM was by far the most capable (and fun!) on the descents. This isn't just hyperbole; my Strava data backs up the fact that I descended faster on the Zesty AM than on any other bike I tested. Despite offering <em>only</em> 150mm of travel front and rear, the Lapierre felt like it offered much more, like an enduro bike shrouded in trail bike specs.
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-242176" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lapierre_zesty_am_527-1-1-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
How can I explain this descending prowess? Honestly, I'm not sure. There's certainly something to be said for the VPP suspension design. Looking back at the test bikes I've enjoyed the most over the years, most, if not all of my favorites, use a VPP or VPP-like suspension design. It could have been the suspension tune; perhaps this test bike was more dialed than the others I rode. Or maybe it was the fact that I was running short on time to return the bike and I just decided to pin it back to the expo.
Whatever the case, I felt extremely confident aboard the Zesty AM 527 and found both small bump compliance and its ability to soak up big hits to be excellent.
<a href="https://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-events/lapierre-mountain-bikes-now-available-in-the-us/">Back in 2013</a> Lapierre announced they would be selling their bikes in the US, though sadly it seems those plans have been abandoned. Still, the company continues to pump out regular updates to their mountain bike line, with relevant geometry and specs that in my experience, are even better on trail than they appear on paper.](https://images.singletracks.com/graphics/no_photo_750x500.png)
![[feature]<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-242172" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lapierre_zesty_am_527-4-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />[/feature]
I've followed the French brand Lapierre for years, regularly admiring the sleek, fast-looking frames at Interbike each year, but I've never had a chance to test ride one. So at Sea Otter Europe this year I made a point to reserve a <a href="https://www.singletracks.com/bike-reviews/All-Mountain-bikes/Lapierre-Zesty-AM-527_8452">Zesty AM 527</a> in my size to test on the trails north of Girona.
<h2>The Zesty AM 527 frame</h2>
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-242171" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lapierre_zesty_am_527-10-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
The <a href="https://shop.lapierrebikes.com/zesty-am-527-ultimate">Zesty AM 527 Ultimate</a> I tested features a full carbon frame, but lower-level builds with aluminum frames are available from Lapierre too. With internal cable routing and a glossy finish, the Zesty AM <em>looks</em> smooth and svelte. Offering 150mm of rear travel, the frame utilizes a VPP suspension design Lapierre calls OST+ (Optimized Suspension Technology).
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-242167" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lapierre_zesty_am_527-11-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
The 2018 model I rode sports a Boost-spaced rear end and metric shock sizing, which should future-proof the design a bit, at least for the next few seasons anyway. Sadly for the home mechanics out there, Lapierre went with a press-fit bottom bracket on this version of the Zesty AM.
Lapierre says the Zesty AM, which rolls stock on 27.5" wheels, is also 27.5+ compatible. This is a bit unusual since most bikes boasting 27.5+ compatibility start as 29ers. There isn't any kind of flip chip to account for the jump up to bigger plus wheels, which is a little suspect IMO. However, it's clear the Zesty AM offers plenty of side-to-side and front-to-back clearance for fatter tires, notwithstanding what the taller tires might do to the overall geometry.
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-242164" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lapierre_zesty_am_527-7-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
Speaking of geometry, the Zesty AM sports a 66.5 degree head tube angle which is about half a degree more slack than <a href="https://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-gear/is-there-a-consensus-on-ideal-trail-bike-geometry-top-brands-compared/">the average trail bike</a> according to our calculations, but pretty much spot on for a 27.5 bike with 150mm of rear travel. The Zesty AM also offers a longer-than-average reach for a trail bike, which many riders may appreciate.
<h2>The build</h2>
The 527 Ultimate build sits just below the top of the line and is the least expensive build (<span class="price-amount">€</span><span class="price-amount">3,599, or about $4,250)</span> Lapierre offers with a carbon frame. Buyers get a 150mm RockShox Revelation fork, RockShox Deluxe RT shock, and a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain.
[caption id="attachment_242170" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="size-large wp-image-242170" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lapierre_zesty_am_527-6-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> The Lapierre branded dropper post.[/caption]
Lapierre brands a number of the included components themselves, including the usual bits like the 760mm alloy bars, 55mm stem, and even the wheel set. The company takes things one step further and includes a Lapierre branded dropper post with 150mm of travel. The bike I tested features a thumb-over-bar remote which is not my first choice, but the post and remote seemed to work just as well as any other I've used.
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-242165" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lapierre_zesty_am_527-9-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
SRAM Guide R brakes and Maxxis High Roller II tires (2.3" wide) round out the build. All told, the Lapierre Zesty AM 527 Ultimate weighs a smidge over 28lbs.
<h2>On the trail</h2>
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-242169" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lapierre_zesty_am_527-2-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
Thanks to its light weight, the Zesty AM 527 Ultimate climbs like a champ. The 74.5 degree seat tube angle placed me comfortably upright, while the Eagle drivetrain allowed me to stay seated for maximum efficiency. I found the steering tracked straight, made somewhat easier thanks to the 27.5 wheels compared to the 29ers I tested earlier in the weekend. Overall I have to say the climbing performance was solid, but unremarkable.
However, I can't say the same about descending on the Zesty.
Of all the bikes I tested at Sea Otter Europe, the Zesty AM was by far the most capable (and fun!) on the descents. This isn't just hyperbole; my Strava data backs up the fact that I descended faster on the Zesty AM than on any other bike I tested. Despite offering <em>only</em> 150mm of travel front and rear, the Lapierre felt like it offered much more, like an enduro bike shrouded in trail bike specs.
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-242176" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lapierre_zesty_am_527-1-1-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
How can I explain this descending prowess? Honestly, I'm not sure. There's certainly something to be said for the VPP suspension design. Looking back at the test bikes I've enjoyed the most over the years, most, if not all of my favorites, use a VPP or VPP-like suspension design. It could have been the suspension tune; perhaps this test bike was more dialed than the others I rode. Or maybe it was the fact that I was running short on time to return the bike and I just decided to pin it back to the expo.
Whatever the case, I felt extremely confident aboard the Zesty AM 527 and found both small bump compliance and its ability to soak up big hits to be excellent.
<a href="https://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-events/lapierre-mountain-bikes-now-available-in-the-us/">Back in 2013</a> Lapierre announced they would be selling their bikes in the US, though sadly it seems those plans have been abandoned. Still, the company continues to pump out regular updates to their mountain bike line, with relevant geometry and specs that in my experience, are even better on trail than they appear on paper.](https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/GIrls-on-Wheels-group-shot.jpg)
