Designed as a very capable XC full suspension bike way back in 2001, Lapierre’s X-Control range has evolved for 2015 to better take advantage of modern specs like 27.5″ wheels and the new Side Swing XTR group. Three new alloy models debuted this summer, and now the top of the range fills in with carbon fiber options.
The other change appears to be an elimination of the 29er models that were available as late as MY2014. The entire range is now showing as 650B only, with three alloy models and two carbon ones.
Shown above, the X-Control 727 rules the roost with a full XTR mechanical build. It’s paired with a Rockshox SID/Monarch setup and Schwalbe tires. We don’t have full spec info for the rest of it yet, but we do have more pics and frame info…
Multiple cable routing options allow for dropper posts. External front shift cable run positions it for the new XTR group here.
Alternate routing keeps it clean for standard front derailleurs, too, as shown on the 527. It gets an XT group and keeps the Rockshox parts for bump absorption.
Both use a carbon fiber front triangle, but share the same shape alloy rear triangle and FPS+ suspension design to get 100mm in the rear. Forks are set at 120mm on all X-Control models.
Compared to the 2014 model, the 2015 version introduced a dropped downtube that puts the bottom shock mount a bit more forward. The upper rocker and wishbone are all a little beefier and more refined looking, too. The X-Control 327 is the top alloy model.
At the moment, the X-Control doesn’t look like it’s coming stateside, so you’ll have to hit up Lapierre’s French site for more info. Interestingly, the classification there puts them in the “trail bike” range, but the descriptions are more XC and marathon.
