Being a tall guy, six-foot-nine to be precise, finding bikes big enough to fit my tall frame has always been a problem. It’s led to building custom frames in the past, but has meant I’ve not had the chance to enjoy some of the cool mountain bikes currently being produced.

Which led me to the Lapierre Zesty. It’s a bike I’ve always like the look of, and been keen to ride since it first launched and has gotten loads of rave reviews in mags and on the internet since. So when I found out that the 140mm bike was available in an XL, a size not many manufacturers offer (and which the 160mm Spicy isn’t offered in) I leapt at the opportunity to try it out.

Read more and see the pics at BikeMagic – click here

“If you’re looking for the most poised, controlled and compelling technical trail chassis around, get a Zesty.”

Read the full review at BikeRadar – click here

Buy the 2011 Zesty 314 at EvansCycles for £2299.99 – click here to buy

Buy the 2010 Zesty 214 at EvansCycles and save £200  - click here to buy

BikeRadar have reviewed the X-Control 310

“Endearingly playful and reasonably specced, but a more sophisticated shock would really make it”

Read the review – click here

Buy the 2011 bike at EvansCycles and save £200! – click here

Buy the 2010 bike at EvansCycles and save £550! – click here