Lapierre Bicycles Zesty TR 429 2014
Reviews / Trail Bikes
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At A Glance
Having ridden and highly rated the XR format 29er from Lapierre we were keen to see how the tried and trusted OST+ format performed in 29er guise.
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Clean lines and a tasteful livery make the TR429 a good-looking bike and with 120mm of travel at both ends it should be a capable one too.
Tech Heads
Lapierre use their Supreme 6 alloy to craft the frame for the TR429.
The heart of the design is the OST+ suspension system; this is a virtual pivot point type system.
Spec wise the kit on the TR429 is reasonable considering this is only the second model up in a 5-model list.
Fox CTD Evolution units give 120mm of travel at each end.
Drivetrain duties are a mixed bag; Shimano SLX shifters operate a basic deore front derailleur with a non-clutch XT rear derailleur, the crankset is a Raceface Turbine unit with 22/36T chainrings.
Formula RX brakes are proven performers.
Raceface wheels are shod with Schwalbe Nobby Nics.
An SDG saddle sits atop an Easton EA70 seat post.
Cockpit wise a 6 degree rise, 70mm Easton EA70 stem grips a 740mm wide low riser bar.
Lapierre TR429 Medium
Seat tube 440mm
Effective top tube 600mm
Head tube 100mm
Chain stay 446mm
Front triangle 689mm
Wheel base 1135mm
BB drop 35mm
Head angle 68°
Seat angle 74°
Reach 426mm
Stack 607mm
Weight w/o pedals 29.1lbs
On The Trail
The Lapierre is a comfortable bike, it has a roomy cockpit and the angles place you in the sweet spot between the wheels.
Start pedalling and the comfortable feel continues.
The Lapierre rolls easily on its big wheels; the central position and decent amount of stretch in the cockpit make for a bike that covers the ground quickly and efficiently.
Jumping on the pedals does induce a small amount of bob, but the trade-off for that is a system that allows you to pedal smoothly through rock gardens and root beds, this helps carry speed.
Point the bike uphill and there is plenty of traction, the fore and aft balance is just right to keep both ends under control.
Carrying speed is a feature of the TR429, this is a fluid, flowing type of bike that quite simply loves swooping singletrack. Smooth movements bring about sweeping turns; this is where the bike shines.
The bike is obviously designed with a certain type of rider and terrain in mind, and it handles swooping singletrack and climbs with aplomb. When the terrain gets really rough though and you start to really push the bike to its limits a small degree of fork and rear end flex reveals itself, it does not feel overly soft but it is there.
This is only noticeable when pushing very hard in any given situation so will not be a problem for the vast majority of riders.
Back on more familiar ground and in its preferred environment the TR429 is a smooth rolling machine that glides through the woods with speed and composure. It can also handle a fair amount of rougher stuff too, which is a bonus.
Point it downhill and it flows like water over the ground, tracking the surface and hugging the terrain. Top end speed is impressive and the bike seems to want to keep accelerating. It can handle being popped off roots and drops, but it is more of a ‘quietly confident, wheels on the ground’ type of bike.
For
Calm and confident the Lapierre is an extremely comfortable mile muncher. Good looks, great spec for a sound price with lots of speed and a flowing nature on the trails.
Against
We found the bike had a tendency to drop the chain when ridden hard over rough ground, we fitted a clutch rear mech and the problem all but disappeared. It would be nice to see one specced as standard, especially as the kind of rider that would buy this bike is unlikely to be fitting a chain guide.
Overall
The Lapierre TR429 is great value and a well-sorted package, the only thing we would change about the spec would be to add a clutch rear mech.
Building speed and flow is easy; favour finesse over hard charging and the Lapierre will hold that speed with a sense of calm assurance.
If you are in the market for a great value fast and flowing 29er, that can handle a fair amount more than it is meant to, then the Lapierre TR429 is well worth a look.
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This review was in Issue 29 of IMB.
For more information visit Lapierre BicyclesRelated
By Nigel Garrood
Nigel Garrood was one of the instigators of the IMB project and has been with us since the very beginning. This loveable rogue has more stories than the Bible and is known to enjoy a beer or two. On the bike, he’s fast and loose and often puts younger riders to shame. Equally he’s been known to suffer from the odd crash and carries the scars to prove it. He was once referred to as being a robot sent from the future to save us all!
