Lapierre have taken the plunge and expanded their E-MTB range even more – a sensible and sensational move that sees them hone their current models as well as launch some brand new ones to boot. Here’s a run-through of what’s new and what’s cooking with the fast Frenchies for 2017.
Not just all about their new flagship E-MTB, the Overvolt AM Carbon, Lapierre have also given their well-known aluminium model a revision for 2017. What was once known as the Overvolt FS is now the Overvolt AM, which gives a bigger hint as to its intended riding ground – namely, All Mountain. The major evolution is their adoption of wider Boost axles, which means both stiffer wheels and the option for 27.5+ tires. Plus, they’ve slackened the head angle to render the bike even more fit to perform on downhills.
Lapierre Overvolt AM 2017 models
For the 2017 season, the Lapierre Overvolt AM will be available in four build specs, with just the AM 500+ coming as standard with plus-size wheels. The AM 700 and AM 600 both come with Lapierre’s brand new 27.5+ eAM wheels, which have been specially created for E-MTBs and feature a 30 mm internal width for the front and 25 mm for the rear. While the tried-and-tested Bosch CX motor takes care of pedal-assist on the majority of the models, the entry-level AM 400 comes with a Yamaha motor. Check out the following table for the important details on each model:
| AM 700 | AM 600 | AM 500+ | AM 400 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | Bosch CX | Bosch CX | Bosch CX | Yamaha |
| Battery | 500 Wh | 500 Wh | 500 Wh | 400 Wh |
| Drivetrain | SRAM EX1 | Shimano XT | SRAM NX | SRAM NX |
| Fork | RockShox PIKE RC | RockShox Yari RC | RockShox Yari RC | RockShox Sektor Silver |
| Rear shock | RockShox Monarch RT | RockShox Monarch RT | RockShox Monarch RT | RockShox Monarch R |
| Price | € 5,499 | € 4,599 | € 4,299 | € 3,199 |
The geometry of the Lapierre Overvolt AM 2017
Given that we were already fans of the previous Overvolt FS’s geometry we were stoked to see that it’s only had a slight but sensible revision for the Overvolt AM, seeing the head angle slackened by 1°. The new 66° angle is a bold statement for off-road riding. The frame itself is a touch longer, although its new reach of 437 mm for the large-sized frame is still compact enough to donate a ton of agility. The Yamaha-equipped model is essentially the same apart from the 5 mm shorter chainstays.
Lapierre Overvolt AM equipped with Yamaha
| Size | S | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 415 mm | 440 mm | 480 mm |
| Top tube | 570 mm | 600 mm | 625 mm |
| Head tube | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm |
| Head angle | 66° | 66° | 66° |
| Seat angle | 73° | 73° | 73° |
| Chainstay | 465 mm / 475 mm | 465 mm / 475 mm | 465 mm / 475 mm |
| BB Drop | – 5 mm | – 5 mm | – 5 mm |
| Reach | 387 mm | 415 mm | 437 mm |
Lapierre Overvolt AM equipped with Bosch
| Size | S | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 420 mm | 440 mm | 480 mm |
| Top tube | 570 mm | 600 mm | 625 mm |
| Head tube | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm |
| Head angle | 66° | 66° | 66° |
| Seat angle | 73° | 73° | 73° |
| Chainstay | 470 mm / 480 mm | 470 mm / 480 mm | 470 mm / 480 mm |
| BB Drop | – 5 mm | – 5 mm | – 5 mm |
| Reach | 387 mm | 415 mm | 437 mm |
Riding impression of the Lapierre Overvolt AM 500+
Not far from the Lapierre HQ in Dijon on the Côte-d’Or, we had the opportunity to ride some trails on board the Overvolt AM 500+. As convinced advocates of plus-size tires and E-MTBs being the perfect bed partners, we knew we wouldn’t be let down by the wide 2.8″ rubbers on Lapierre’s new AM model. Riding with 1.2 bar at the rear and 1.0 bar at the front, the Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires gave great traction and confidence on the pretty technical trails.
The Overvolt AM 500+ is a really well thought-out E-MTB with an almost faultless spec. Both from SRAM, the NX groupset shifts with the precision and the brakes work superbly. The RockShox suspension, made up of Yari RC forks and a Monarch RT rear shock, delivers the expected high performance, seeing the Overvolt AM keep ultra planted on the trail.
Our only grumble is that there’s only one model with plus-size tires as standard, although the interchangeable dropouts fortunately mean that the other models can be upgraded to 27.5+ wheels.
New entry: Lapierre Overvolt XC
In a bid to fill any gaps in their portfolio, Lapierre are also bringing a 120 mm full suspension E-MTB to the table, dubbed the Overvolt XC. With virtually identical technical features to the Overvolt AM, its spec has definitely been chosen to target a lower price-point. For the XC range there’s also a model (the XC 400+) with plus-size tires as standard.
| XC 500 | XC 400+ | XC 300 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | Bosch CX | Yamaha | Yamaha |
| Battery | 500 Wh | 500 Wh | 400 Wh |
| Drive train | Shimano XT | SRAM NX | Shimano Deore |
| Fork | RockShox Recon Silver RL | RockShox Recon Silver RL | SR SUNTOUR XCR Air |
| Rear shock | RockShox Monarch R | RockShox Monarch R | RockShox Monarch R |
| Price | € 3,899 | € 3,499 | € 2,999 |
Geometry of the Lapierre Overvolt XC
Lapierre Overvolt XC equipped with Yamaha
| Size | S | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 420 mm | 440 mm | 480 mm |
| Top tube | 570 mm | 600 mm | 625 mm |
| Head tube | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm |
| Head angle | 66° | 66° | 66° |
| Seat angle | 73° | 73° | 73° |
| Chainstay | 470 mm / 480 mm | 470 mm / 480 mm | 470 mm / 480 mm |
| BB Drop | – 5 mm | – 5 mm | – 5 mm |
| Reach | 387 mm | 415 mm | 437 mm |
Lapierre Overvolt XC equipped with Bosch-Antrieb
| Size | S | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 410 mm | 440 mm | 480 mm |
| Top tube | 570 mm | 600 mm | 625 mm |
| Head tube | 120 mm | 130 mm | 140 mm |
| Head angle | 67° | 67° | 67° |
| Seat angle | 73° | 73° | 73° |
| Chainstay | 465 mm / 475 mm | 465 mm / 475 mm | 465 mm / 475 mm |
| BB Drop | – 5 mm | – 5 mm | – 5 mm |
| Reach | 391 mm | 419 mm | 441 mm |
Conclusion
So while it’s undeniable that Lapierre have invested most of their focus into the Overvolt AM Carbon top model, we really rate how Lapierre have made some wise modifications to the aluminium AM. Their step towards plus-size tires is one that meets our approval, and you’d struggle to fault the well-considered specs. The Overvolt XC is Lapierre’s foray towards more budget E-MTBs, offering an option as a more affordable E-MTB for newbies or more mellow off-road riding.
For more information head to the Lapierre website
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Words: Photos: Moritz Dittmar, Damian McArthur
