Presentation
This is the Crosshill 5.0 2023 that Lapierre made available to me. This differs from the 2024 version only in terms of its transmission, which benefits from 12 speeds compared to 11 for the model tested here.
The frame is neat, with lightly polished welds, a tapered headtube, a downtube with internal routing and a BSA threaded bottom bracket. A multi-butted Supreme 5 aluminum frame. The fork, for its part, is a carbon model with an aluminum pivot offering an internal passage for the front brake hose as well as supports for S-type luggage racks.
The new Crosshill is equipped with multiple attachment points on the fork and the frame to be able to attach panniers, bottle holders, luggage racks and mudguards, making it a perfectly designed bike for getting started in bikepacking. Lapierre has even provided mountings for a bottle cage under the down tube and inserts for the bag on the top tube. It can even accompany you every day on your journeys between home and work.
Lapierre has even thought about recovery with its removable wheel axle lever that can act as a bottle opener! Color wise, you will only have to rely on this gray version. Fortunately, a fairly neutral and timeless design.
Thanks to chainstays 20 mm shorter than the old geometry, the engineers managed to offer a livelier rear but also a widened wheel arch at the rear triangle to be able to run with 700×45 tires (700x40mm with mudguards), or even with tire sections of 47 or 50 mm with 650B wheels. It comes standard with a 42mm pass-through section.
No complete in-house transition of cables, aluminum and cost reduction are required. The cables come out of the handlebars to insert on either side of the downtube before coming out under the bottom bracket, but it is rather neatly done, with fixings under the chainstays using rilsan plastic clamps .
If aluminum makes it possible to make bikes that are relatively light and, above all, accessible, these bikes often lack comfort compared to carbon models. But by working on the geometry and above all, by adjusting the tire pressure on the large sections used in gravel, we can easily compensate for the slightest filtration of this alloy.
This is the case here with an original section of 42 mm which will allow easy filtering by lowering the pressure.
Regarding the weight of this model, I weighed it at 11.3 kg in size M, which makes it an excellent base considering its aluminum frame and its price of €2199.
And despite this price, we don’t have the impression of dealing with a “discount” bike as is sometimes the case.
Equipment
No false note with a Shimano GRX transmission. As indicated at the start of this test, I have here a Crosshill 2023, in 11-speed GRX, but the 2024 version is equipped, for the same price, with the 12-speed GRX.
A “mix” between GRX RX820 and RX610 levers for example; which allows the score to be significantly lowered. The 11-34 cassette is here associated with a 46×30 crankset. The 2024 vintage allows the cassette to be upgraded to 11-36 for even more versatility.
A known transmission designed for gravel use, evidenced by the Shadow RD+ chain stabilization technology on the rear derailleur which prevents the chain from hitting the chainstays.
Stem and handlebars are aluminum models with the Lapierre logo. Traditional and sturdy. The handlebar has an appreciable flare of 16 degrees.
A rare thing at this level of the range, Lapierre has equipped its Crosshill 5.0 with a Lapierre dropper telescopic seat post (topped with a Fizik Terra Argo X7 saddle) in aluminum activated by a lever in the hollow of the handlebars. An accessory that appeals to me, since I don’t really see the usefulness of it…. Let’s see if the presence of the latter will make me change my mind.
Let’s finish with the wheels. Tubeless compatible WTB STi23 TCS 2.0 rims with in-house hubs, but mounted here with WTB Resolute 700x42C tires with an inner tube. The Resolute tire from WTB is a versatile gravel tire whose mission is to perform on all terrains. A tire weighing 460 grams.
On the paths
I got on this Lapierre Crosshill 45.0 straight after participating in the Traka on a Specialized Diverge. Of course, there is a world in between, with already carbon for the Specialized, carbon wheels and 2.5 kg less on the scale.
I wasn’t expecting a thunderbolt, but in the end, even if we are quite far from the feeling of a carbon gravel like the Specialized Diverge (whose frame kit alone costs more than this Crosshill), it It’s ultimately a nice surprise, both in terms of general comfort and dynamism and versatility.
It is comfortable on all terrains, helped by tires which are also very versatile and not too “stuck” on the asphalt. On the other hand, to gain comfort and avoid a number of punctures, it will be necessary to quickly upgrade them to the tubeless version. This will allow you to swell significantly less and take full advantage of the filtration offered.
On uneven and technical sections, the Crosshill offers great agility and makes you forget its weight. Proof of well-studied geometry and well-chosen components.
This is particularly the case with the handlebars which, with their 16° flare, allow you to perfectly control your bike in fast and/or technical sections. On the other hand, it measures 44 cm wide on my bike in size M, I would have liked 42 or even 40 cm!
Its slightly flat upper part also offers good grip and comfort. The recess of the handlebars is also pleasant, I was simply bothered by the control of the telescopic seat post, which is quite large. It falls right into the hollow of the hanger and the left hand touches this metallic growth.
The range of developments allows you to go almost anywhere, at least as long as you are not loaded. Because inevitably, a bikepacking enthusiast will undoubtedly find the 30×36 of the 2024 generation a little long for climbing passes on the paths.
On dry ground, the tires offer good grip and are, unsurprisingly, remaining quite easily guarded against stalling if you pass a little too quickly. Motor skills are good even when you are dancing on very soft ground.
You can take this Crosshill everywhere, from beautiful dirt and rock tracks to much more rugged terrain where pneumatic tires can already allow you to go everywhere. And if ever, you can equip it with 45 mm tires.
On the road, it remains rather dynamic and does not show excessive signs of flexibility apart from the tires. In any case, it is super comfortable and very pleasant on this terrain. Thanks to these numerous attachment points, it will do just as well in bikepacking mode as in the “cyclotouring” version with tires more suited to asphalt.
And of course, the daily journeys to work are among the missions that he will be able to meet with flying colors.
On the other hand, I was not convinced by the telescopic seat post. Its operation is easy and very flexible with the command however and it works perfectly. But it must be said that I am not used to this system, perhaps I would need more time but also steeper playing fields to understand it correctly.
I’m not convinced that this option is really interesting on a gravel bike, even less at this level of the range.
Balance sheet
This Crosshill 5.0 from Lapierre is undoubtedly one of the best accessible gravel bikes that I have tested recently.
At only €2,199, it doesn’t make a false note in terms of its equipment – except that we could do without the telescopic seat post – and offers great features, both for those who want to start riding. gravel than those who are a little more accustomed but don’t want to break the bank.
An all-purpose bike, which will be comfortable on all terrains and even on the road and in commuting mode. In short, it’s more than an excellent base for anyone who wants a bike to do a bit of everything.
And when we see the performance of this aluminum Crosshill… we regret that Lapierre does not offer a carbon equivalent in its catalog!
Pictures : Sonam.cc and Bike Gear
