Lapierre, the bike manufacturer based in Dijon, France, has established a strong presence in the full-suspension XC bike market in recent years with its X-Control . This year, the bike is being released in a revised version, now featuring mid-sized 650B wheels, and available in a total of four configurations. The engineers at the Accell Group company aim to cater primarily to riders who desired improved rollover characteristics from the previous X-Control model but found 29-inch bikes lacking in agility – a latter option that Lapierre also offers with the X-Control .
//Furnishing
Our test model, the Lapierre X-Control 627 , makes a good first impression not only in terms of its design, but also comes with solid components. The aluminum frame features a tapered head tube, a now standard feature. The hydroformed top tube has a bridge at the seat tube to increase stiffness in this area. Internally routed cables along the down tube ensure a clean look.
Lapierre doesn't skimp on components either. Considering the price of just under €2.300,00, the chosen components can certainly be considered well-matched. The French manufacturer uses a mix of Shimano Deore SLX (shifters and front derailleur) and Deore XT (rear derailleur and crankset) components for the drivetrain, which makes a good impression right from the start. The rear derailleur shifts smoothly across the cassette, which has a comfortably wide gear range for everyday cyclists. The front derailleur also performs flawlessly.
In contrast, the Formula RX brakes require a bit of an adjustment period. During our test, they only proved to be truly effective and controllable as the ride progressed. The Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires, on the other hand, offer good control on loose surfaces, inspiring confidence. While the combination with Mavic's XM319 wheels doesn't necessarily result in the lightest package, it does provide one you can rely on.
While Lapierre relies on components from Easton's EA50 series for both the seatpost and stem , they fit a 720-millimeter-wide handlebar of their own manufacture. This width is tailored to the bike's intended use and offers a secure level of control, especially on descents.
The heart of the bike, however, isn't its components, but its suspension system. Here, the French manufacturer combines a RockShox Reba fork with 120 millimeters of travel and a 15-millimeter thru-axle with a custom-made shock offering 100 millimeters of travel. According to Lapierre, the so-called FPS2 system is designed to minimize the influence of pedaling on the bike's suspension behavior, thus keeping it agile. The system uses chain tension as a guide for the suspension action. In contrast to the 26-inch X-Control predecessors , this system seems to work significantly better in conjunction with the slightly larger wheels. Impacts, even on technically demanding climbs, are barely noticeable. On descents, the bike also feels more mature, and the suspension behavior more predictable.
The riding position also guarantees riding enjoyment. It's relatively upright, providing comfortable control of the X-Control 627 on descents . This position also proves advantageous on steep uphill sections. Combined with the relatively short chainstays, the bike remains quite agile. When accelerating, the 435-millimeter chainstay length makes it feel almost like a 26-inch bike, but with significantly improved stability.
//Conclusion
Lapierre is taking a step in the right direction with its X-Control 627. Compared to the classic models in the series, the current model feels significantly more refined. Thanks to its solid components, this visually appealing full-suspension XC bike can be described as a robust and sporty trail companion, capable of handling even the most demanding riding.
//Product highlights
- reliable and good value for money mix of components
- Driving stability and agility
- harmonious design
//price and web
- EUR 2.299,00
- www.bikes-lapierre.de