The new Lapierre E-Zesty AM LTD 2023 – The prophet’s back!

The Lapierre E-Zesty wasn’t just one of the first Light-EMTBs on the market, it practically invented this category of bikes. Now, equipped with the Fazua Ride-60 motor, Lapierre is launching the second iteration of their E-Zesty AM LTD onto the market. Will it once again have what it takes to revolutionize the industry with its 150 mm of suspension travel and 18 kg weight?

When Lapierre introduced the E-Zesty to the market in 2019, it sparked both astonishment and skepticism. An E-MTB with only a 250 Wh battery and limited power?! Yet, even back then, we found the concept incredibly enjoyable, and now, looking back four years later, the original Lapierre E-Zesty can be seen as the pioneer of a true light E-MTB revolution. Many of the defining features of the first E-Zesty are set to shape the new 18 kg lightweight E-Zesty AM LTD 2023 as well. Low weight, agile handling, and a wide range of applications – whether you’re out on the home trail loop with your E-MTB buddies or tackling a shuttle day without motor assistance. While the predecessor relied on a Fazua Evation 1.0 motor, the E-Zesty AM LTD 2023 utilizes the Fazua Ride-60 Lightmotor. Although the lightweight power unit had already won us over with its performance, it had previously struggled with software issues. However, these problems should be resolved with the latest update.

The Lapierre E-Zesty 2023 in detail

Like its predecessor, the Lapierre E-Zesty AM LTD features a sleek carbon frame with the characteristic long tubes and clean edges that Lapierre is known for. However, the frame design has become slightly more understated, no longer standing out as much with flashy accents. The four-bar linkage rear suspension system with a floating shock offers 140 mm of travel, ensuring versatility when combined with the 29″ wheels. The Fazua Ride-60 motor is seamlessly integrated into the frame, maintaining its sleek appearance, although Lapierre couldn’t avoid the Fazua-typical kink in the downtube. Concealed within the downtube is the 430 Wh Fazua battery, which can be supplemented with a range extender providing an additional 210 Wh. Motor control is handled at the handlebar and top tube. The Fazua LED display embedded in the top tube allows you to check the battery level and selected assistance level through color and the number of lights. The intuitively operated Fazua Ring-Remote on the handlebar blends discreetly into the cockpit, but unfortunately, it has a somewhat cheap look and feel.

Unlike brothers – The different specs of the Lapierre E-Zesty 2023

Lapierre is launching the E-Zesty 2023 in two different specs: the top-of-the-line E-Zesty AM LTD priced at €8,699 and the slightly more affordable E-Zesty AM 9.4 priced at €7,599. However, these models not only differ in price but also in their intended areas of use. The E-Zesty AM LTD, weighing in at 18kg (according to the manufacturer), is fully focused on lightweight construction, making some compromises in terms of trail performance. Providing suspension up front is the RockShox Pike Ultimate fork with 150 mm of travel, while at the rear, the RockShox Deluxe Ultimate shock takes care of damping without a piggyback though. The drivetrain and brakes are from Shimano’s XT series. In contrast to the lightweight obsession of many manufacturers, Lapierre opts for 200 mm brake rotors both front and rear, ensuring ample stopping power – excellent! However, there is a trade-off with the gear shifting trigger, as only an SLX model is used, meaning you can’t shift multiple gears towards the smaller cogs in one go. The lightweight Lapierre eAM+ carbon wheels, paired with thin tires, unfortunately have a limited lifespan. The front wheel is fitted with a MAXXIS ASSEGAI with the thin EXO+ casing, while the rear wheel sports a MAXXIS MINION DHR 2 with an even thinner EXO casing. For enhanced puncture and rim protection, it’s worth considering an upgrade right away.

The Lapierre E-Zesty AM 9.4, weighing in at a manufacturer-reported 18.3 kg, offers a slightly beefier suspension setup. It features the stiffer RockShox Lyrik Select+ fork and the RockShox SuperDeluxe Select+ shock equipped with a piggyback. However, both components forgo some of the advanced adjustability found in the top-of-the-line models. The brakes and drivetrain also come from Shimano, with an XT rear derailleur combined with SLX shifters and brakes. To provide greater peace of mind on the trail, Lapierre includes their Lapierre eAM+ alloy wheels, which won’t break the bank if you happen to damage a rim while using the same thin MAXXIS tires.

The geometry of the Lapierre E-Zesty AM LTD 2023

The Lapierre E-Zesty AM LTD 2023 is available in four sizes: S, M, L, and XL. The geometry is modern and not extreme. With reach measurements ranging from 435 mm in size S to 505 mm in size XL, almost everyone should be able to find the right length. As the sizes increase, the chainstays also grow from 435 mm in sizes S and M to 440 mm in size L and 445 mm in size XL. This design ensures a balanced feel between the front and rear of the bike. The moderate seat tube length across all sizes provides ample freedom of movement on the trail.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	576 mm	603 mm	625 mm	652 mm
Seat tube	370 mm	400 mm	430 mm	460 mm
Head tube	110 mm	120 mm	130 mm	140 mm
Head angle	65°	65°	65°	65°
Seat angle	77°	77°	77°	77°
Chainstay	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm
BB Drop	-30 mm	-30 mm	-30 mm	-30 mm
Wheelbase	1,188 mm	1,217 mm	1,246 mm	1,280 mm
Reach	435 mm	460 mm	480 mm	505 mm
Stack	625 mm	627 mm	636 mm	654 mm

Conclusion about the Lapierre E-Zesty AM LTD 2023

Lapierre is reintroducing the pioneer of the trail light e-mountain bike category with the E-Zesty AM LTD 2023. The sleek integration of the Fazua Ride-60 motor and the understated carbon frame stay true to its roots. The two equipment variants cater to lightweight enthusiasts on one hand and riders with a greater focus on trail performance on the other. With slight adjustments, both models, combined with the well-balanced geometry, are expected to impress. We are already eagerly anticipating how it will perform on the trail!

For more information, visit Lapierre.com

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Words: Felix Rauch Photos: Hersteller