Fresh Product: 2017 Lapierre XR


Fresh from France is Lapierre’s latest cross country race bike, the all-new 2017 XR. The carbon frame 100mm travel 29er scores a good dose of fresh updates for the new season and retains its unique frame aesthetic but takes it even further with a style we’ve not seen before.

Three versions of the XR are due to arrive on our shores:

XR 929 EI : $9999

RockShox RS1 fork.
RockShox Monarch e:i RT3.
SRAM Eagle XX1 12-speed drivetrain, carbon cranks and rear mech SRAM Level Ultimate carbon brakes.
DT Swiss XR 1501 UST wheel set.

XR 729 EI : $6999

RockShox SID RL fork
RockShox Deluxe e:i RT3 shock

Shimano XT 2×11 drivetrain (11-40T cassette)

Shimano XT brakes
Mavic Crossmax Elite UST wheel set

XR 629: $4999

RockShox Reba RL fork.
RockShox Deluxe RT3 shock.
Shimano XT 2×11 drivetrain (11-40T cassette) with SLX front mech Shimano BRM 506 hydraulic brakes.
DT Swiss rims and Formula hubs.

Lapierre XR 729 ei Damian McArthur (14)
Lapierre XR 729 e:i.

We’ll aim to get our hands on one of these when they arrive, but for now here’s the lowdown on the new XR from Lapierre.


Updated frame geometry: Frame geometry is heavily reworked around shorter, stiffer stems, with a reach that’s a full 20mm longer. The head angle is a degree slacker at 69 degrees, and the combined result is a front axle that’s further forward for improved stability on descents and less lift on climbs.

The seat tube has been steepened significantly to 74.5 degrees to keep weight over the front and boost steering accuracy, while the chainstays are 5mm shorter to keep manoeuvrability high.

New frame design is striking to say the least!
New frame design is striking to say the least!

Screen Shot 2016-07-04 at 3.03.46 PM

Trap Door Technology: Maintenance access across the frame is deliberately easy, plus the XR benefits from Trap Door Technology. TDT brings integrated Di2 fitting, and tucks batteries inside the downtube away from the elements – while allowing instant access for charging. TDT is sited very low, right alongside the bottom bracket, to centralise and lower the mass, and minimise its effects on handling.

Lapierre XR 729 ei Damian McArthur (8)
Access the internal wiring for Di2, cables, e:i Shock system and brake lines easily with the new Trap Door.

The full-carbon frame is also compatible with internally-routed dropper posts, and for 2017 it’s stiffer for its weight.

Boost Hub Spacing: Wheels are now stiffer and stronger too thanks to Boost axle spacing (148mm/110mm), while the shocks also gain lateral stiffness thanks to the greater bushing overlap afforded by RockShox’s new metric-sized Deluxe RL. The shock’s redesigned body also benefits from longer wiper seals for extended service times, reduced friction for more supple movement and space for significant internal upgrades. They’re built to ride high in their travel to maintain controlled, predictable geometry and excellent pedalling manners – ideal for the XR.Lapierre XR 729 ei Damian McArthur (20)

Still super-lightweight with its unidirectional carbon frame and rocker, the XR is now faster everywhere on the hill.

The range-topping XR 929 makes the utmost of all this new technology with more of the latest developments – specifically, SRAM’s new 12-speed Eagle drivetrain, RockShox’s super-stiff RS-1 inverted fork, and our renowned e:i electronic rear suspension.

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