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e-Bikes

Lapierre Overvolt SX800

An enduro emtb with Vouilloz's approval


Words and Photos: Steve Jones


Shape and Purpose

The Lapierre Overvolt SX800 takes much of its shape and form from its Spicy stablemate, a 165mm enduro weapon. It’s interesting to see that ten times World Downhill Champion Nico Vouilloz is now heavily involved with the Lapierre e-mtb programme being well acquainted with speed and motors.

The Overvolt has some serious potential in its 170mm chassis and as we have found there comes a point when downhill style geometry conflicts with climbing ability. At this amount of travel the bike gets close to downhill numbers but the angles and numbers involved here makes it a super all-action enduro bike. Overall it’s a bit of a lump compared to the 49lb Trek with 10mm less travel.

Suspension/Chassis/Detail

There’s some neat detailing on the Lapierre Overvolt SX800 no more so than the clever shroud that protects the rear wheel sensor cabling, indeed the bike has a good mix of internal and external routing.

The full aluminium chassis houses the Bosch battery on the downtube compared to their new bike which has it sitting horizontally above the motor which clearly drops the centre of gravity. Elsewhere the Bosch performance CX motor has a well-styled protection bashguard in place. Protection from chain strike is also thorough and the chain is kept in line by a chainguide something quite rare on e-mtb’s.

The bike is guided first and foremost by the might Boost wide Lyrik 170mm fork up front, a part that really does have a place at the top of our most favoured e-mtb products. The Rockshox Monarch RT damper seemed slightly underpowered on first inspection but the trail would clearly tell.

Feeling

The shape proved the Lapierre Overvolt SX800 to indeed be a great all-round bike as it glided the banks and carved the descents with a good riding position. Whilst it’s a little bit heavier than some mid travel bikes on the trail it felt pretty normal. What wasn’t so normal was the action of the rear damper which worked erratically, something we’ll be following up. Up front the Lyrik was imperious.

The Mavic EN627 rimmed wheels have stood up to the test well and the Mavic DH casing super tacky tyres a welcome product for the type of riding the bike is designed to do. The 200mm rotors, short stem, wide bar added to an excellent ride characteristic.

Limitations

As mentioned the Monarch proved a little temperamental. Creaks have developed and the linkage hitting the frame at full extension is an issue.

Verdict

The hard hitting parts add to the weight but that’s a good thing with the Lapierre Overvolt SX800.

The bike is excellent in sizing, the large amount of travel giving it loads of options. It’s also a very good price. We look forward to more from the French brand.

Motor – Bosch Performance CX
Battery – 500Wh
Travel – 170/170mm
Weight – 55Lb
Price – £3899


SIZE                                        S                      M                     L
Reach                                   399                  421                 443
Head Angle     65
Seat Angle      73.5
Chain Stay      470
BB Height       350


http://www.lapierre-bikes.co.uk

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