The all-mountain bike is the transition between cross-country and enduro. It has to be light, come as close as possible to the riding characteristics of an XC bike and be able to descend almost as fast as an enduro bike.

The suspension travel has changed very little in almost two decades; the last Zesty AM generation was already built on a platform with 140 to 150 millimetres of travel. However, the kinematics and geometry have adapted to the new demands of mountain bikers and the development of the all-mountain bike: the ability to ride fast on flat roads as well as uphill and also to give the best on technical descents has been optimized further and further.

The suspension at the heart of the project

Built on a four-link suspension perfectly suited to an all-mountain bike, Lapierre's goal was to improve the kinematics at both ends: More sensitivity at the beginning and high end progression to avoid bottoming out. All this with a damper stroke of 60 millimetres and a SAG of 30 percent.

The new frame design was also conceived with sufficient clearance around the shock absorber. This allows the installation of larger air shocks and therefore models with negative springs can be installed to ensure control and traction of the bike in small bumps. The installation of new technologies such as the Rock Shox Flight Attendant system is also possible.

Pure all-mountain geometry

In order to convey as much safety as possible at full speed in technical passages, the Zesty CF's all-mountain geometry has repositioned the center of gravity, shifted the weight back to the front of the bike and redistributed the mass in the center of the bike.

This makes pedaling on hilly sections more efficient and reduces the risk of bobbing on steep climbs.

Thanks to the FlipChip, it is possible to convert the bike to a 27.5-inch rear wheel.

The 5 most important points of the new geometry

• Significantly more upright seat angle (+3.7°), shorter top tube (from 5 mm to 49 mm from S to XL) and longer reach (+20 mm for all sizes)
• Short chainstay 432 mm (430 mm for 27.5'')
• Longer wheelbase (30 mm)
• Higher head tube
• FlipChip - Mullet or 29'' front and rear 

Controlled stiffness

In order to survive in the all-mountain segment, the Zesty CF had to become stiffer: for more precision and better responsiveness on descents and better pedaling performance with low weight.

Lapierre solved this triple challenge with a "UD SLI carbon construction".

Design and frame concept

• Frame made of 100% carbon UD SLI
• Optimized stiffness
• Stiffer rear triangle
• Low weight and sensitive response
• Internal cable routing

Carbon construction

Thanks to the complex combination of three fibre types, T800, M40J and T700 and the use of unique PU and PP mandrels, Lapierre have optimized the construction and processing. The Zesty CF consists of over 500 layers of carbon, guaranteeing precision and high performance.

• The stiffness of the front triangle has also been improved by special modifications to the head tube and bottom bracket.
• The rear triangle also gains torsional stiffness, making the bike more precise, dynamic and efficient in acceleration.
• The asymmetrical design of the straight chainstay also makes it possible to ride with a chainring with up to 36 teeth.
• The weight of the pure frame remains under the 2500 gram mark at 2470 grams including linkage.

Gravity Logic Project Concept

In keeping with the all-mountain and Lapierre's Gravity Logic Project concept, the brand has retained and improved the toolbox at the bottom of the down tube.

Integrated directly into the frame, this low position practically cancels out the weight of your repair kit.

To reduce noise inside, a thin bag isolates the repair accessories from the frame. In addition, the underside of the frame is protected from stone chips and other damage caused by tree trunks, roots, etc. by the outer cover.

Zesty CF 2024 models

The entire Zesty CF 2024 product range has been developed with a focus on efficiency, rigidity, performance and precise handling.

All components were selected based on these criteria:

• 150 mm travel front / rear
• 36 mm suspension fork
• Differentiated tire profiles (2.50 front / 2.40 rear)
• Four-piston brakes with 203/180-mm rotors
• 32 T chainring

In addition to the four "normal" models, the Zesty CF 9.9 will be the only "superlight" all-mountain model in the range. To make this model as light as possible, the frame will have a raw carbon finish, matt paint and will be equipped with 140 millimetres of travel front and rear, a 34mm Fox Float fork and DT Swiss XC1501 Spline carbon wheels with 2.40-inch tires front and rear.

lapierrebikes.com/zesty-cf