New Lapierre XR & XRM
XR, A NAME THAT RESONATES WITH MANY MOUNTAIN BIKERS
An evolution of the X-Control, a reference point in the cross-country universe since 2001, the XR hasn’t stopped evolving since its introduction in 2013 yet has maintained the same philosophy: magnify your performances!
For 2022, the 3rd generation XR accentuates its competitive character which is impregnated in the DNA of the brand. Better than that, the new XR comes with an innovative new suspension just like its predecessor the X-Control in 2001. Available in two versions, XR and XRM for marathon events, this brand-new superlight carbon fibre frame marks a return to the highest level of cross-country for Lapierre.
XR, THE NEW CROSS-COUNTRY MTB DESIGNED FOR THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF COMPETITION, AND ULTIMATE PERFORMANCES IN XCO AND XCMARATHON
Disciplines evolve, World Cup tracks too, and XCO remains the flagship discipline of mountain biking. International circuits are getting both faster and
more technical, therefore Lapierre had to overhaul their vision of MTB cross-country performance from A to Z to respond to these new characteristics.
The brand didn’t just settle on changing the design of the frame. They started from scratch with the proverbial blank sheet of paper, to design a frame that is lighter, more reactive and importantly has a brand-new exclusive suspension platform that honours the first X-Control of 2001.
Don’t be deceived by its appearances, the new XR and XRM frames are genuinely unique in the MTB cross-country universe.
NEW CARBON CONSTRUCTION UD SLI
Lapierre has specialised in constructing pre-impregnated unidirectional carbon fibre since 2010.
To make the new XR/XRM frames they have further improved the constituent parts at the heart of a bike: brand new unidirectional Torayca carbon fibres. These are both lighter and more resistant, each frame is made up of over 300 separate pieces of carbon. Thanks to these fibres it is possible to reduce the thickness of the tubes wherever necessary and reduce weight.
This new process called UD SLI is now the highest level of carbon construction at Lapierre.
The use of a new rigid mandrel, made of polypropylene, apports increased stability during the layup of the carbon sheets as well as assuring better compression within the mould. The improved compression of the fibres results in improved distribution and ejection of excess resin to help further reduce weight.
For the new XR, two carbon fibre lay-ups have been developed. Compared with the 2nd generation XR, the new version uses UD SLI technology which allows to reduce the weight by almost 110g on a standard bare frame (without shock).
By adding extra Torayca VHM fibres to the range topping XR 9.9 model, which are lighter and stiffer, it is possible to obtain a result that is more reactive and effective whilst further still reducing weight. This translates to a naked frame weight reduction of 307g and up to 393g on a full frameset compared with the 2nd generation XR. All this without affecting the concept and quality of the Flex Stays or the frames resistance to impacts.
NEW KINEMATIC AND SUSPENSION OPTIMISATION
For the last 20 years, Lapierre has built its MTB reputation and legitimacy thanks to its suspensions and our expert developer Nicolas Vouilloz. Just like the X-Control, the suspension platform of the XR isn’t like anything else.
Eliminating the pivot point of the rear triangle, usually situated between the chain stays and the seat stays, was a way to reduce weight, but not the only benefit. So what makes the XR’s suspension different to the competition?
A CONSTANT SAG
New kinematic puts the “flex stay” seat stays into a neutral position at 26% SAG.
The unique concept of our Flex Stays is characterised by a degressive curve at the beginning of the stroke (which helps to maintain the balance of the bike between the suspension at both ends) then progressive to the end of the compression stroke.
Thanks to this choice, the UD SLI seat stays have less than half the deformation of rival systems.
KINEMATIC
This new rear suspension called “Optimised sensitivity” OS has the role of bringing comfort and function to the frame despite removing the chain stay / seat stay pivot.
The high pivot point at the BB has the advantage of optimising kinematics for a 32 to 36 tooth chainring as well as cancelling the “kick back” effect during compression. The suspension has no impact on chain tension during compression which delivers a stable and efficient platform for pedalling.
Despite the fact that this new suspension kinematic dramatically reduces “kick back”, the handlebar remote (two or three positions depending upon the model) allows complete control over the suspension thanks to the different modes of the shock (open/platform/closed).
NEW GEOMETRY
Circuits changing along with components such as wider tyres and dropper posts that allow higher descending speeds on increasingly difficult terrain have all contributed to evolutions in the cross-country discipline.
The geometry considers the equilibrium of front and rear suspension to maintain balance and the centre of gravity in all situations.
Without being radical, nor extreme the new XR and XRM are positioned in the emerging sector “down country” which brings enduro inspiration to modern cross-country bikes!
Lapierre’s work has been to find the perfect balance for a bike designed for competition yet is dynamic with a short reactive rear triangle but reassuring and stable when descending.
THE NEW XR HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PREVIOUS GENERATION
Chain stays are 8mm shorter, top tube and reach are progressively longer in each size, the seat tube is between 0.5° and 1° steeper, the head tube is slacker by 2° to 2.5°. With all these changes we have achieved the unthinkable: the new XR and XRM are both more reactive and reassuring to ride.
KEY POINTS
– 2 water bottles (2 options for positioning on the downtube)
– Dropper posts (XRM models)
– 2.4 WT tyre width
– 30-38 tooth chainrings
– Remote suspension control
– 100/110mm and 120mm fork travel
– 168mm Q-Factor
– Anti-derailleur chain guide
– 29” wheels Boost standard
– UDH (Universal derailleur hanger) standard
