Lapierre Overvolt AM 900+ Carbon review – What does a carbon frame add?

Nope, this bike hasn’t come directly from the set of the next Star Wars film (we asked ourselves that too). Lapierre have in fact created one of the most futuristic-looking E-MTBs to inhabit the earth. But will their Overvolt AM 900+ Carbon have the same fate as Poe Dameron’s X-Wing fighter?

Lapierre OVERVOLT AM 900 CARBON Test Review CB 6 von 17 1140x760 — **Lapierre** Overvolt AM 900+ Carbon | € 6,499 | 22.79 kg | Bosch

Love it or hate it, the Lapierre Overvolt AM 900+ Carbon won’t please everyone on the trails at first glance – but throw down the gauntlet with the sheer amount of expertise that’s crammed into this carbon frame, and the world will be putty in its hands. Compared to its predecessor, Lapierre have shaved off around 600 g – and that’s just the side note on this bike. The brand have also worked magic by lowering the Bosch CX motor and battery to the lowest possible position, which is a major asset on descents. This development is actually no real surprise, seeing as multiple Downhill World Champ Nico Vouilloz collaborated on the design. The components have all been well selected, with Lapierre giving a nod to powerful SRAM Guide RE brakes, SRAM EX1 shifters, a RockShox PIKE RC, and their own-brand cockpit.

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Lapierre OVERVOLT AM 900 CARBON Test Review CB 2 von 17 580x387

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The aim of lowering the bike’s core mass can definitely be considered a success, as the Overvolt brims with plushness on the trail and irons it flat. If you didn’t know better, you’d even argue that the bike has a whole lot more than 140 mm of travel – that’s how good the rear shock copes with successive hits. The Overvolt corners as if it’s on rails, although it needs some muscle to dial in the tighter turns (largely thanks to its 22.79 kg). The Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires have a reinforced carcass, but are still not quite on par with the bike’s potential. The Bosch Performance CX motor helps you climb valiantly; however, you’ll have to shift your weight slightly forward if it is really steep.

Lapierre OVERVOLT AM 900 CARBON Test Review CB 5 von 17 1140x760 — **Helmet** Troy Lee Designs A1 | **Jersey** VAUDE Moab-Shirt | **Shorts** iXS Vapor 6.1 Trail-Shorts | **Backpack** USWE AIRBORNE 15l

The Lapierre Overvolt AM 900+ Carbon in Detail

Fork RockShox Pike RC 150 mm
Rear shock RockShox Deluxe RT 140 mm
Motor / Battery Bosch Performance CX / 500 Wh
Brakes SRAM Guide RE
Drivetrain SRAM EX1
Seatpost Lapierre Dropper Post
Stem Lapierre Nico Vouilloz Signature 45 mm
Bars Lapierre Nico Vouilloz Signature 760 mm
Tires Schwalbe Nobby Nic Apex 2.8″
Rims / Hubs ALEX MD40 / FORMULA DC711

Lapierre OVERVOLT AM 900 CARBON Test Review CB 7 von 17 1140x760 — **Central**
Lapierre have put the battery directly above the Bosch Performance CX motor to get the centre of gravity as low as possible.

Lapierre OVERVOLT AM 900 CARBON Test Review CB 11 von 17 580x387 — **In good hands**
To protect the battery from trail debris and flying stones, Lapierre have developed an additional mini-mudguard. Nice!

Lapierre OVERVOLT AM 900 CARBON Test Review CB 12 von 17 580x387 — **Split**
Lapierre have split the downtube to make room for the battery, and right now there’s just enough space to house a spare tube and the like.

Lapierre OVERVOLT AM 900 CARBON Test Review CB 14 von 17 1140x760 — **Variable**
The Overvolt can be ridden with either 27.5″ or 27.5+ wheels; all it takes is a slight change to the length of the rear end.

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E MTB 009 VT Lapierre INT 1140x855 — The geometry of the Lapierre Overvolt AM 900+ Carbon.

Conclusion

Lapierre have thrown caution to the wind with their newest Overvolt AM 900+ Carbon, and it has paid off. Visually it takes some getting used to, but the Overvolt rides so sublimely, particularly on descents, that you won’t care if people stare. If you’re looking for a capable, composed, and confidence-boosting E-MTB to rake in some descents, then look no further.