After introducing an intelligent electronic suspension system over the last couple years on their full range of trail and all mountain bikes, Lapierre has completely rethought and revised the system to be simpler and more efficient. They’re so proud of what they’ve accomplished, they claim it “could be the most important innovation on [their] future MTB ranges.”
So what makes this e:i shock special? Drop past the break to learn that and more…
E:I Auto![Lapierre ei shock sensors](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 600 238"></svg>)
At the most basic level, their e:i shock uses accelerometers to measure the speed of intensity of impacts, plus the frequency of pedaling, to adjust the suspension.
To make the electronics integration seamless, the new e:i Shock Auto has no handlebar computer in the traditional sense. This means less wires, and a cleaner cockpit (which also clears up room for your Garmin). The brains of the system are now tucked away on the side of the stem, where they will be less vulnerable in a crash.
The new system has two modes, Auto and Manual, with three different sensitivity levels that are color coded: Open (green), Medium (orange), and Locked (green). Minimum cadence has also dropped from 45 to 35 rpm.
In addition to the sleeker interface, Lapierre has developed a new battery which is much smaller, and works for up to 25 hours (of trail time) on a 1.2 hr charge. The previous battery occupied one of the bottle mounts, but the new juice packet is small enough that it is now bottle cage compatible. Mechanics will also appreciate that the new system only has two wires, rather than three. New connectors, and a plug and play interface, should also make assembly and maintenance easier.
New Spec
In terms of spec, Lapierre has made some big changes for this year. Going forward, all of their bikes will be spec’d with a dropper post, with the exception of their entry level XC Marathon bike (the Zesty TR 329).
Further changes included no more OEM Easton wheelsets, only SRAM Roam/Rail or Race Face Turbine, and no more Formula Brakes. For 2015, all of their bikes will only be equipped with either SRAM Guide or Shimano Ispec brakes, and a new Nico Vouilloz Signature cockpit, which also includes a new “stiff, light, and sexy 7075 CNC stem.”
Perhaps the change we’re most excited about though, is that a 35mm RockShox Pike will now be found on the 150mm travel Lapierre Zesty, rather than the 32mm forks they previously spec’d.
The Bikes
We’re still waiting on info for pricing, and full spec list, but here’s a few images of the bold new 2015 paint schemes.
Lapierre also debuted a new downhill bike a few weeks ago, you can check out all the details here.
A La Carte
On the web side, Lapierre is also introducing a new online configurator called Ultimate. This program allows you to build bikes a la carte, so you can customize the saddle/seatpost, groupset, wheels, and more. The program is currently available only for road bikes, but mountain bikes will be launched soon. The company is promising to release more details later this year at Eurobike.
For more, Visit Lapierre Bikes
