76 - AMB
InItIal ImpressIons
The 529 version of this Zesty TR sits at a perfect
120mm of travel for a 29er trail bike. If you’re
not after a pure race bike, but want something
that’s capable, fun and efficient then this Lapierre
is well worth consideration. With bold graphics
and Euro styling it’s quite an eye catcher just like
our long termer. It’s impeccably finished with a
refined carbon front end complete with a carbon
bash guard providing excellent frame protection
at the vulnerable lower BB area, as well as easy
internal routing access. The massive “Supreme
6” alloy rear end really finishes the bike off with
a burly appearance, giving this bike presence. It
makes you want to swing a leg over and disappear
down your favourite trail as quickly as possible.
The tucked away brake caliper looked really
neat but also made for a super wide rear end.
Heel rub and also rock clearance are definitely a
possible issue, depending on your pedalling style
and how you ride. The simple Shimano SLX/XT,
RaceFace 2x10 build is once again no nonsense.
three thIngs you lIked
about the bIke- French Styling
- Burly frame gave oodles of confidence
- KS LEV Integra dropper worked amazingly
three thIngs you would
change about the bIke- I would definitely change to a 1x
option. I have a passionate hate for
front derailleurs - I would go for a smaller tyre, something
slightly faster rolling. - Some lighter wheels if your riding demanded it
JOIE DE VIVRE
LAPIERRE ZESTY TR 529 29’ER
PHoTogRAPHER: RoBERT ConRoY TESTER: TIM BARdSLEY-SMITHkeen as mustard to swing your leg over a French beauty? then why not take a look at lapierre, with
their brand headquarters based in dijon, France, lapierre is arguably the largest bicycle producer in
cycling’s spiritual home of France. If you have spent any time riding in europe at all you would know
how popular the brand is and the Zesty would have to be the most popular of all their mountain bikes.
they are ideally suited for the epic trails found in the mind-blowing european alps.
These days the Zesty comes in two options. With the Zesty TR 529 on test being the larger 29-inch
wheeled model with 120mm of their oST+ travel. The other is a 27.5-inch wheeled 150mm travel beast
that we have on long term test. They both run the same oST+ suspension platform, but target slightly
different areas of the market. With the more trail friendly Zesty 529 bringing all the advantages of the
bigger wheel and slightly less travel. our 529’s mechanical suspension version build also sits in the
middle; a higher specced 829 with the same frame and the e:i Auto suspension management, and a
lower specced full alloy 329.
The XT brakes are among the most reliable on the
market, and matched the bike perfectly for power
and modulation. With Fox Float CTd suspension
doing duties at both the front and rear of the bike,
the bumps are more than adequately taken care
of. The inclusion of the KS LEV Integra dropper
post made me beyond happy. It has a really clean
functionality. It adds to the capabilities of the bike
and the Zesty’s grin inducing qualities that make
every ride up or down a blast. The super classy
looking Race Face Turbine wheels were on rolling
duties, however the straight pull spokes may be
a slight pain to find and replace in an emergency.
The Lapierre branded Funn made stem and bar
were also spot on for the requirements of a bike
of this calibre. All up it’s a great package for a
burly trail 29er, with great simple working parts.on the traIl
The 120mm of firm travel sits perfectly above an
unforgiving 100mm race 29er and just under the
bigger 140mm 29er beasts. It plays both cards
well fitting the type of riding most of us do every