Having just had my Reign stolen i need a new bike.

I could stick with Giant had get a Reign or more likely a Trace X, but I like the look of a LaPierre Zesty 314 or an Orange 5S.

Any thoughts on how these compare ?

I am a general UK trail rider who likes going fast down & up (fastish).

What do people think ?

LaPierre and Orange have had great reports of late. Have a look also at a Spesh Enduro and another Reign.

Also, don't rule out Marin. They ride really well, I've found.

Best advice – Test ride a few! Next bit of advice, 2010 models are coming in, so there's a lot of deals on 2009 to be had!

I would say the Spicy is more comparable to the Reign.

I loved my reign but am thinking something slightly lighter and not botherred about loosing an inch (or maybe 2) in travel.

Not that looks are what really matters I am not convinced on the looks of the new reign either but the trance looks fine.

I had a test ride on an Orange Five Pro last weekend and that was awesome but I can't seem to find a local dealer that sells Lapierre. I wanted to test ride the Zesty 314.

Anyone out there had a ride on both and if so, comments would be most welcome.

Biased myself, but Trek EX8 with a QR15 up front. I'm sure you could get something more niche, but I doubt it will be better as a trail bike.

Another vote here for Marin. That said, I'm a huge fan of both the Spesh Enduro and the Giant Trace.

nah go for the orange, you know it makes sence

I'd say the Zesty and Orange 5 are fairly close in terms of uphill and downhill capability, so then it comes down to looks – which makes me wonder why anyone buys an Orange 5 (apart from not wanting to give money to Frenchies) :p

Has anyone seen Orange's latest ad in the mags (well MBR anyway).

Talk about troll! LOL

And I'd say the reason to buy a Five over a zesty is down to bearings lasting more than 20 mins and not being forced a press fit BB which lasts equally poorly.

(And you don't have to worry about your Five going out of fashion and looking dated, to non owners and untrained eyes it's the same bike since '07 :lol:)

lapierre is a beautiful bike.
really, the devils in the detail.
no wallow while climbing either,
however its preeetty slack, a descenders bike, and the linkage isnt as effective as mestro.
it feels more spikey to me

Don't rule out the new Spesh stumpys… now with 140mm I reckon they're going to be much more of an all round trail bike this year; comparable with the Orange 5 and Zesty 3/514 for example. Probably quicker up hills than those two as well.

Trek Remedy? I've just got one and rate it highly. Couldn't imagine a better climbing bike that can still descend well, though not tried a lot of similar bikes. May be some left at JE James cheap

D

Super Claret, if you are based where it says in your profile then Boneshakers in Harrogate it self sell Lapierre.

Well worth trying to ride one although leave your wallet at home if you don't want to buy one when you take the demo back 😉

GF Roscoe? Rode one at a demo day when Mrs P was supposed to be looking for new bikes, and it went to the top of my 'maybe one day' list.

Thanks Jonno. Is that the Specialised Concept Store?

I've been a little put off the Lapierre Zesty 314 and other multi pivot bikes due to the maintenance costs, so my local bike dealer told me. He sells Scott and Orange and swears by the Orange. Maybe his profit margins are greater with the Orange!

One other thing, I'm a short leg and would need the 16" Orange. I think the minimum frame on the Zesty is 18", would that cause me a problem?

I'd go with the Orange if i were you. The ride is fantastic, quality is top notch and it's made in the UK, not such a big deal for some people but it is to me, when you think lappierre want around £1700 for a frame which is mass produced in Taiwan and Orange want £1250 (can be had for less if you shop around) for a frame hand made in Halifax.
The other thing which has already been mentioned…only 2 bearings to change on the orange (£15 for the kit) which is ideal with the UK winter upon us.

It's best to try before you buy if possible. The 16" will suit most people up to about 5 10", i'm 6ft myself and ride the 18" which is perfect.

Hugh

Do you ride the S or the Pro? I asked my dealer for a test ride on an S and when I got there it was a Pro! A bit naughty I thought because I'm sure the Pro is a lot lighter than the S

Im going to put a plug in for the Ransom carbon, light, travel adjust on the fly .. 90/160mm or lock out, weight from 29-32 lbs depending on kit..

There is no longeivity issues on zesty pivots… they see, pretty robust to us from an owners and retailer POV.

Did you read the Dirt mag review pf the 914 yet…? That might help you make up your mind.

I test rode a 5 and a 514 at bike treks and i bought a 5,just seemed to ride better uphill and descents

super_claret,

Don't know where you are but Cookson's cycles in Bury have a brand new 314.

This weekend I have just taken out the 314 for a very wet ride on Winter Hill. It climbed and descended up & down the Land rover track very well, better than the Reign IMO. It loved the steps, felt very well balanced and wanted to leap off everywhere – 🙂

It struggled a bit on the rocky descent from the pidgeon tower. Where it rally lacked in my opinion was the following:
a) it wallowed on gently undulating surfaces like fireroads or trail centre type terrain.
b) the brakes squealled something awfull.

The wallowing might be improved by going for the 514 with a better shock and I am sure the hard descents would be better with the 15mm thru axle on the 514.

Summary, defo go for the 514 over the 314 and a great bike.

I test rode the orange 5 and ST4 the other week at biketreks and am off again in a few weeks to do the same. Still not 100% yet but I think it will be an Orange for me, just need to decide which.

super_claret – Member

Hugh

Do you ride the S or the Pro? I asked my dealer for a test ride on an S and when I got there it was a Pro! A bit naughty I thought because I'm sure the Pro is a lot lighter than the S

I'm riding a 2010 custom build with 2010 rev's, hope hoops & mini's, full xt drive train, thomson finishing kit etc. Mine weights about 28lbs with maxxis highroller 2.35's and a little less with the medusa's on for winter.
If you could stretch to the pro it would be worth it in my opinion.