Lapierre DH720: Previewed
The French have arrived at Pinkbike! We'll be testing the new Lapierre DH720 throughout the coming months, but for now have a look at the preview that will give you a closer look at what the makes the French speed machine tick!
Read on...![photo]()
The DH720's frame, which is the exact same as used on the higher end DH920, is very impressive in person. While beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, everyone who's seen the bike up close has raved about its great looks. Hydroformed tubes and an awesome racey color scheme certainly set it apart from the crowd, especially here in B.C. where we don't see many of these French exotics. Starting up front, you'll find a short 1 1/8th head tube that uses a low stack height integrated headset. Just aft of the the head tube you'll be able to spot the first of a few of the neat details on the DH720's frame: built in fork bumpers. While certainly not the first or only company to use these, it's nice to see them on the bike as they are a no nonsense way of protecting your frame and you know that they'll always be in the correct position. This is also the point at which the shift and brake lines enter the frame if you plan on routing them internally, not something you see on many DH bikes. One other interesting feature on the frame is the protective rear disc guard that is bolted to the non-drive side chainstay. It's a sturdy aluminum thing that covers an 8" disc, but is removable if you feel you don't need it.
![photo]()
The Lapierre is the first DH bike that I've seen that uses the relatively new press fit bottom bracket system. While it certainly makes for clean lines and possibly a better sealed and longer lasting bottom bracket, this will be my first experience with this system and I'm eager to see how well it holds up throughout a wet B.C. Spring season. The chain guide mounts via the now common ISCG-05 pattern. All of the pivot hardware (minus the shock mounting bolts) are anodized aluminum that not only looks great, but also shaves a few grams over steel bolts. It's also nice to see an aluminum 12 x 150 mm axle as opposed to a heavy steel unit. The low slung shock is protected from trail debris by a bolt on carbon guard that manages to look great while also doing its job.
![photo]()
The DH720 uses Lapierre's FPS2 suspension system that is comprised of two short links and an enclosed rear triangle that create a virtual pivot point out in space. There are quite a few virtual pivot point bikes that all resemble each other, but a lot of them work on different principles and therefore have their own ride characteristic that set them apart from one another. It is important to remember this before making any sweeping statements about one design being the same as another simply due to it bearing a resemblance. As the FPS2 goes through its travel and the top link compresses the shock, the virtual pivot point actually moves up and reward. Have a look at how FPS2 works on the Lapierre site. Uniquely, the lower shock mount is actually bolted to the downtube, as opposed to welded. I could only imagine that this simplifies the manufacturing process quite a bit, but it also makes access to the cable exit point a bit easier.
![photo]()
Lapierre DH720 geometry, size small
Lapierre offers the DH720 in only two sizes, the small that you see above, and a large size with a 600 mm top tube length. Have a look at the geometry to see if one of the two sizes will work for you,
The Build
The DH720 is the less expensive option of the two complete DH bikes that Lapierre offers (they also have the Bos Stoy equipped frame kit). The build is well thought out with a mix of affordable, but strong and reliable parts, that most riders will find more than worthy of long days in the bike park or Sundays on the race course. Front suspension is handled by RockShox with their Boxxer Race. The Race fork uses the same 35 mm stanchion platform as its more expensive siblings, minus some of the fancy internal bits. Adjustments include external rebound speed and external compression damping. The rear of the bike is suspended by a coil sprung Fox RC2 damper that lacks the boost valve adjustment of the RC4, but still lets you tinker with both rebound and compression settings.
![photo]()
The Specs
![photo]()
While the DH720's spec is put together to be competitive, but also retail for a reasonable price, Lapierre also offers the higher end DH920. Using the same frame, the DH920 is outfitted with a mix of Shimano Saint components, Mavic Deemax wheels, as well as higher end and more adjustable suspension.
We've already got a handful of days on the DH720 and can confidently say that the french machine is a solid performer, but we'll hold off letting the cat out of the bag until we have a some extended time on the bike. I'm looking forward to getting better acquainted with the handling and suspension as we dial in the bike's settings throughout the test period. The DH720 will also be one of the test bikes for our first annual Whistler product test week and I look forward to not only putting a lot of air under the tires, but pushing the french bike hard on some of the more natural and technically challenging terrain.
Stay tuned for a long term review down the road!
Read on...
2010 Lapierre DH720
The DH720's frame, which is the exact same as used on the higher end DH920, is very impressive in person. While beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, everyone who's seen the bike up close has raved about its great looks. Hydroformed tubes and an awesome racey color scheme certainly set it apart from the crowd, especially here in B.C. where we don't see many of these French exotics. Starting up front, you'll find a short 1 1/8th head tube that uses a low stack height integrated headset. Just aft of the the head tube you'll be able to spot the first of a few of the neat details on the DH720's frame: built in fork bumpers. While certainly not the first or only company to use these, it's nice to see them on the bike as they are a no nonsense way of protecting your frame and you know that they'll always be in the correct position. This is also the point at which the shift and brake lines enter the frame if you plan on routing them internally, not something you see on many DH bikes. One other interesting feature on the frame is the protective rear disc guard that is bolted to the non-drive side chainstay. It's a sturdy aluminum thing that covers an 8" disc, but is removable if you feel you don't need it.
The DH720 uses built in fork bumpers and internal cable routing
The Lapierre is the first DH bike that I've seen that uses the relatively new press fit bottom bracket system. While it certainly makes for clean lines and possibly a better sealed and longer lasting bottom bracket, this will be my first experience with this system and I'm eager to see how well it holds up throughout a wet B.C. Spring season. The chain guide mounts via the now common ISCG-05 pattern. All of the pivot hardware (minus the shock mounting bolts) are anodized aluminum that not only looks great, but also shaves a few grams over steel bolts. It's also nice to see an aluminum 12 x 150 mm axle as opposed to a heavy steel unit. The low slung shock is protected from trail debris by a bolt on carbon guard that manages to look great while also doing its job.
The DH720's bolt on aluminum disc guard
The DH720 uses Lapierre's FPS2 suspension system that is comprised of two short links and an enclosed rear triangle that create a virtual pivot point out in space. There are quite a few virtual pivot point bikes that all resemble each other, but a lot of them work on different principles and therefore have their own ride characteristic that set them apart from one another. It is important to remember this before making any sweeping statements about one design being the same as another simply due to it bearing a resemblance. As the FPS2 goes through its travel and the top link compresses the shock, the virtual pivot point actually moves up and reward. Have a look at how FPS2 works on the Lapierre site. Uniquely, the lower shock mount is actually bolted to the downtube, as opposed to welded. I could only imagine that this simplifies the manufacturing process quite a bit, but it also makes access to the cable exit point a bit easier.
A closer look at the DH720's FPS2 suspension
| Head angle | 65 degrees |
| EFF Seat Angle | 69 degrees |
| EFF Top Tube | 585 mm |
| Chainstay | 445 mm |
| Bottom Bracket | 364 mm |
| Actual Frame Size (seatube length) | 420 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1140 mm |
Lapierre offers the DH720 in only two sizes, the small that you see above, and a large size with a 600 mm top tube length. Have a look at the geometry to see if one of the two sizes will work for you,
The DH720 is the less expensive option of the two complete DH bikes that Lapierre offers (they also have the Bos Stoy equipped frame kit). The build is well thought out with a mix of affordable, but strong and reliable parts, that most riders will find more than worthy of long days in the bike park or Sundays on the race course. Front suspension is handled by RockShox with their Boxxer Race. The Race fork uses the same 35 mm stanchion platform as its more expensive siblings, minus some of the fancy internal bits. Adjustments include external rebound speed and external compression damping. The rear of the bike is suspended by a coil sprung Fox RC2 damper that lacks the boost valve adjustment of the RC4, but still lets you tinker with both rebound and compression settings.
A Syncros integrated stem and FR31 handlebar are used up front and it's interesting to see
a standard 1 1/8 head tube on the DH720
a standard 1 1/8 head tube on the DH720
| Frame and Size | Lapierre Alloy multi-butted tubing • 1 1/8" headtube, ISCG -05 tabs •small Frame •200 mm travel |
| Rear Shock | Fox DHX RC2 •241 x 76 |
| Fork | Rockshox Boxxer Race •200 mm |
| Headset | Semi-Integrated Cartridge |
| Crankarms | Gravity Moto X DH, 170mm |
| Bottom Bracket | Gravity |
| Chainring | 38 tooth |
| Cassette | Shimano HG61 9S 11X28 |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X.9. |
| Shifter | SRAM X.9. |
| Handlebar | Syncros FR31 20x740 |
| Stem | Syncros Bolt On 50mm |
| Brakes | Formula RX 203 mm rotors |
| Front Wheel | Lapierre hub 20 mm •Alex FR32 32 holes |
| Rear Wheel | Lapierre hub 12 x 150 mm •Alex FR32 32 holes |
| Tires | Hutchinson Barracuda MRC Med/Low 26x2.50" |
| Saddle | Syncros FL Crmo White |
| Seatpost | Lapierre AL-6061 31.6 mm | Retail | MSRP $5299 CAD |
The FSA Moto X cranks fit into the DH720's Press Fit B.B. shell
While the DH720's spec is put together to be competitive, but also retail for a reasonable price, Lapierre also offers the higher end DH920. Using the same frame, the DH920 is outfitted with a mix of Shimano Saint components, Mavic Deemax wheels, as well as higher end and more adjustable suspension.
We've already got a handful of days on the DH720 and can confidently say that the french machine is a solid performer, but we'll hold off letting the cat out of the bag until we have a some extended time on the bike. I'm looking forward to getting better acquainted with the handling and suspension as we dial in the bike's settings throughout the test period. The DH720 will also be one of the test bikes for our first annual Whistler product test week and I look forward to not only putting a lot of air under the tires, but pushing the french bike hard on some of the more natural and technically challenging terrain.
Stay tuned for a long term review down the road!
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anyway, i think this frame is great, deffinetly has some very nice features!
I think it's safe to say they are on the money.
Is it just me or does the rear linkage remind me to some extent of the Maestro linkage that Giant uses?
but i can't understand why changing to a dhx 5.0?! the rc2 is way more progressive than the dhx 5.0 so it gives the bike this progressive race feeling. dhx 5 is way to soft. but grips are crap.
rumors say, blinky rode the totaly redesigned 2011 lapierre dh bike in some bikepark in germany. unfortunately that dumbass didn't make any pic.
2 points mentioned in the comments:
yes, the shock protection works pretty good in rock gardens unfortunately i already had to test that. some scratches in the surface but nothing serious.
point 2: yes it is an old lg1 BUT the iscg plate is specialy made for lapierre, so it is even lighter than the standard guide. just check the crank/chainguard detail picture an you'll notice it.
For all you noobs out there, the linkage is very different to a glory or a sunday!
GET IT!
Still, i would'nt say no
do they think that everyone who rides a bike is at least 6ft tall????
nice design engeneiring!!!!!
The bottom bracket is a BB30 92mm one. It uses a 73mm crank with integrated axel only.
@stewartluxton, I haven't had any problems so far...
I have been in love with the Lapierres scince 2008.
This is my ride for 2010:
airborneone101.pinkbike.com/album/Lapierre-DH-920
one of my friends has had it for almost two months now
username: africana