lapierre 314 new or 514 (09)

slovsin
slovsin Posts: 3
edited October 2009 in MTB buying advice
i have searched and some of the 514 from last year are still available.
i been on to we love lapiere today and they getting th 314 in soon.
was/is the 514 a good bike for scottish trail riding and cross country.
Or have shortened the top tube on the bikes this year because is was not good climbing or bad on turning?

cheers for advice
Lapierre 314

Comments

  • nferrar
    nferrar Posts: 2,511
    I think they only shortened the top tube 5mm didn't they? Doubt 99.999% of riders would notice that. I find the geometry of the 09 Zesty spot on anyway, just remember to size down if borderline (I'm 5'11" and have a medium 314). From your choice I'd go with the 09 514, you get a decent fork upgrade and better wheels (I went with the 314 as I already had a good wheelset and a better fork to stick on, although not gotten around to it yet).
  • timmys
    timmys Posts: 191
    Faced with exactly the same choice about a month ago I went with a '09 514.

    The top tube has only been shortened on the medium frame and only by 5mm. If you do want to shorten the reach then you can always go with a shorter stem which is also going to improve the handling (so they say).

    The 514 gives you higher spec drivetrain and wheels with a QR15mm axle at the front and looks prettier. No brainer in my opinion.
    '09 Lapierre Zesty 514
  • 182_blue
    182_blue Posts: 194
    i would have got the 514 if they had my size left, so it would be 514 for me :D , lovely looking bike
    Lapierre Spicy 916
  • Fastflo
    Fastflo Posts: 45
    Hi there,

    I have a 514,

    I live outside Edinburgh so visit Glentress once or twice a week, also visited Laggan and the Lecht, and had a cycling holiday in Arran

    I've had the bike for 3 months now with no issues, the oe Race Kings I found to be an excellent cure for constipation and lasted one trip to GT!

    I bought it to do a bit of xc as well as the trail centres and have enjoyed it so far .

    cheers
  • Mccraque
    Mccraque Posts: 819
    I went for the 09 514 and love it. Nothing wrong with the climbing on it at all. I actually reckon it's quicker than my old spesh Epic on the ups! sure it's quite a light front end but actually found that to advantage in Afan....helping me lift the bike over rocks and obstacles with ease.

    and on the downhills...I am a totally new rider....

    Racekings coming off now is getting a little wetter though :shock:

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