Lapierre Zesty AM 327 (2016)
Awesome all-mountain bike just got awesomer!
Pros
* Upgraded geometry makes it "long and low"
* Decent tires and wheels for aggressive trail riding
* Reasonable kit for the price
Cons
* Fox 32 doesn't offer the same performance as forks on the carbon models
Review
The Zesty has always been a favorite trail bike of ours - perhaps it's because French stuff seems a bit exotic to us over here - but don't think it's just mountain bike romanticism. The Zesty is a seriously good ride - and it just got even better.
This model is the Zesty AM 327, (as opposed to the shorter travel XM), and is the base model in the 2016 line-up. This means, as usual, there will be some compromises. For a start there is the alloy frame, and of course the components reflect the price point, but this bike shares the revamped geometry of its more expensive brothers, and that means its a great ride! Lapierre have redesigned the bike to make it longer and lower, improving stability when it gets hairy and generally increasing the fun and speed factors. There are pay-offs in climbing ability, but who buys a 150mm travel beast to go climbing?
The Fox forks are reliable units, but a 32 is always going to find its limits on this type of bike. The more expensive models upgrade the suspension (plus include e:I electronic suspension) if you are willing to pay a fair bit more. In saying this, the 327 offers very decent performance for a bike in this price bracket and one should always compare apples - the Zesty 327 is literally green as a Granny Smith! (Seriously.)
A mixture of 10 speed XT and SRAM drivetrain components, solid wheels, and dependable brakes round out the bikes bits and pieces. Nobby Nic's are a decent set our tires and offer plenty of grip at this level of riding.
The Zesty 327 is perfect kit for mountain bikers looking for a decent long travel trail/all-mountain bike on a bit of a budget. 150mm travel is about as much as any rider would want generally and to put it on an affordable and well designed package like this makes it a tasty meal indeed. The bonus is it's bright green at no extra cost!
The 2016 Lapierre Zesty AM 327 is a mid-range all-mountain bike. Full suspension, with Fox Float Evolution suspension front and rear on the light, responsive alloy frame. Componentry is carefully selected; the drivetrain is SRAM two-ring front and Shimano ten-speed rear for reliable shifting and efficient power transfer. Wheels are the highlight, with Formula hubs laced to Mavic rims, wrapped in knobby Schwalbe treads for traction and confidence in the steepest pitches.
A very good gravity bike.
