I was really surprised by how well it climbs and how lively it feels in the air. Otherwise, I had faith you guys would nail it! I've always enjoyed every conversation I've had with the Fezzari team. Good job Fezzari!
I'm double commenting here Robert! You have been like a college to me with all the Podcast Episodes with massive doses of bike knowledge from your guests. You have been a huge part of my journey to get my knowledge and skills and motivation to earn the ride experience I've been having. I like your POV and hope can find more time to do more and get your POV optical quality / editing skill up to where you want them because you are one of the best story tellers in the POV sphere and have a great personality.
Great review. Your scream when you saw the rattle snake was hilarious. I've had encounters with rattle snakes and other types of snakes riding my Fezzari Delano here in central Texas. By the way I also have a La Sal and love both of my Fezzaris!
Hey Robert! Your comment about not being in the 52 tooth gear is something I noticed as well. I swapped from eagle AXS to Transmission and find myself using the 44tooth (11th gear is 2 teeth larger) gear when previously I would have shifted from the 42 to the 52. Those 2 extra teeth have been a big advantage for me.
As a fellow big guy. I sent my coil shock to avalanche racing suspension out of Connecticut. Holy cow man you give him your bike weight riding style and he completely rebuilds it for you and your bike. I love my coil shock for my evil offering.
Dude what an epic review Robert!!! Always teaching us how it’s done. Love it!!! Bike looks sick and man I can’t believe you rode outside of Santa Cruz. That saying a lot for Fezzari.
Robert! You've learn't some new tricks for your edits! I appreciate your build edit and that you put in substantial POV to complete the experience. I tried a couple Bronsons late last year but couldn't scrape the money together fast enough to get one of them. The Bronson MX was my choice to go for and my riding buddy got one and I got the Niner WFO 270mm/280mm and was surprised that the pedaling was better than on the Bronson without lockout. My other friend has the Nomad. I really think the bike brand you get is more about the service they offer to put the right parts onto the frame and therefore the brand you get is the frame and the service and whether you can get the build you want / need for your budget and can avoid compatibility issues.
2:43 this switch is great, it's easy to switch but it stays in place, unless you crash and hit it with your foot or something. But check the screw securing it, I lost my switch so a new one had to be installed, so make sure it's not loose.
Auburn... Very cool! We mostly ride bidwell and harmony. Sometimes in the winter we will go up to swazey. Yep, we get a lot of snakes in bidwell. Heck, my brother-in-law got one caught up in his frame once. A few weeks ago I accidentally ran over one at 5 mile. I came around a corner and there it was. I felt a little bad but nothing I could do. Last week, my brother-in-law and I were riding guardians. Someone shot a rifle near us. We both flinched and I heard the bullet zinging by. A few minutes later I called in 911 since I heard another shot. They were shooting at the Frisbee golf area. Not cool when there were people below walking too.
I was on a ride once where people were shooting and we could hear the rounds going by. I think we were a hill over and they thought they were in the middle of nowhere but they were literally whizzing by us.
Dude Robert, you straight killed it! I hadnt seen one your videos in a while and Ive been listening to some of your older podcasts, so the Fezzari feels reeeeeeeally out of left field hahaha
Agree on seat tube angle. Agree on tight cockpit, I want a wheel base under 1240 for the majority of trails . Because I hate the huge bike feel. I also tested the medium (I am 5:10) They recommend a large. I’ll give it a try. But I really shine in the tech and being older I am just not into stupid fast bombing DH. But if you are ,yes this bike floats downhill white huge smile on my face, compared to many other top brands.
Been a while since I have been on your channel, it was good to catch up! Seeing you ride makes me want to get back on the trails, been too busy restoring my motorcycle, so I think its time to take a break and hit the trails! Keep up the good work!
Out of all the different brands out there, I never would've thought you'd get a direct to consumer brand! This bike is on my short list of next bikes as well.
Ever since the first time I had them on my podcast I was interested in them. Fezzari just seems like a company that really cares about their customers.
Great production on this video. Going to ride this bike everywhere or get something with less travel to replace the tallboy? Maybe Fezzari will ship you a Delano. Thanks for the laugh (passing the rattlesnake).
I'm definitely planning on getting another short travel 29er. I really enjoyed having something that was better suited for my local stuff and a little more forgiving than my hardtail.
I use the MTX brake pads. The Gold set for E-Bikes. I use them on my Transition Patrol with code brakes. Definitely made a difference. Not only do they perform better, they lasted an entire season of DH. Almost twice as long as standard pads.
Great review love all the products you reviewed and in a Fazzari to anyone However I wouldn't go anywhere Near EXT in America after my experience. Rebound was off on mine and I sent it in to EXT use first they lost it for 3 weeks after the person that signed for it said they never received it. Next they told me it was "Hammered" and needed a full rebuilt not just a tune ... It had 12 miles on it. I got it back road it once and it puked oil everywhere and started making noise. Was with two rides in it they wouldn't warranty it. Also there tolerances are terrible and there own shock hardware was loose on one eyelet and super right on the other. Worse yet I sold the shock to someone that wanted it rebuilt and when they received the shock from the newer owner they told him it was stolen and they wouldn't work on it. I would never touch EXT or Suspension Sindicate again . I also didn't find the Storia to be any better than a SD ultimate coil and my TTx22m was NOTICABLY better with way better support through ohlins and way more aftermarket support. LA Sal is 10/10
That's crazy. I definitely haven't had that kind of experience with EXT, nor have my friends that bought with no affiliation to me at purchase. I'm at a loss for what to say. I agree about the La Sal though! Quite the bike.
Just got on the Timp Peak Saturday in Auburn. This is my first E Bike and I’m coming from a Transition Sentinal. I’m loving the Timp Peak and how it feels underneath me. For the price it’s set up is pretty hard to beat!
Awesome looking bike and great video, I need to get back up to auburn. Last time I was there I did the forest hill divide loop and the connector trail and back to where I parked. what's your recommendation for mostly blue trails there? a good spot to park as well, thanks for any info.
I think Connector and FHDL is a great loop. Or you could park at the bottom of Culvert and climb the road up to Connector and then do the route you did before. Then you’d be able to add in Culvert too!
I’ll say one thing going from axs to transmission on the same bike (not the fezzari but same bike one group to the next just to clarify) if the reduced drag on the transmission is noticeable and I routinely find myself climbing in one or two gears higher than before. Whether that’s the new chain or larger derailleur pulleys or all of it combined I don’t know but I do know there is less drag with all the same gearing.
Robert: At one time I thought Spokex offer Project 321 hubs but I don't see them listed anymore on the wheel builds. I have wheels sets with I-9 hubs and P321 hubs and I think I prefer the P321 hubs, but it is close.
I prefer the P321 just because the magnets are way easier to work with if serving them. I think the reason they aren’t on there is P321 stopped shipping hubs until they get the new manufacturing plant running. They are supposed to be releasing and shipping the v3 any day now. At that point I’m sure they will be back.
That was a close call with the rattlesnake bro! Been looking at the Fezzari for a while now and just can't seem to pull the trigger on it yet. Maybe soon though.
I forgot to mention both bikes we got have that granny gear. My opinion on it. It’s way easier to climb a hill but in return. You pedal spin is way more and short distance if you remain on a semi hard gear you pedal harder but less pedaling and more distance .i pedaled all the way home up huge hills. I was wore out. On my old bike no granny gear I was not worn out.
Nice review. I was thinking of the Fezzari la sal peak, but after seeing the pinkbike review (the bike seems twitchy) for a 170/170 on this bike I don’t think the Fezzari is worth it. I probably think about a commencal or even a propane. For now, I love my yeti sb160 and for a big travel bike it climbs supper!
I want to try the Commencal. I was waiting for the new frame to drop that has the UDH on it. The Fezzari doesn’t seem twitchy to me. I guess it depends on how ya build it. I will say this. If I trusted the reviews I wouldn’t have ridden this bike. But I really like it.
German brand. CNC machined. Uses a mineral oil that you actually could serve with your salad but at the same time has a higher boiling point than DOT. Super powerful with good modulation. The only downside is the waiting time and perhaps the price. However compared to a lot of other expensive parts I think these really makes me a better rider. Dangerholm wrote a really good review on his Instagram on these brakes and I can only agree.
Hey Robert, you did a great job on the video. I've always been a Shimano XTR person and was told that Saints are similar, but can't say from personal usage. I've been on TRP DH Evos for my last couple of builds. One thing I've noticed with them is the pistons tend to stick in the caliper. Sometimes its one or two on the same side and you need to go through a piston purge. So watch out for that. Did you go back to Saints and if so, what is your perspective?
I have Saints on my Hardtail and I feel like I miss the bite. However I’m also lazy AF and don’t want to bleed my brakes to put the Saints back on. Sooooo I’m in a pickle. 😂
Nothing wrong with Santa Cruz, have a CF Blur 26 myself. SC bikes are gorgeous... they're just pricey as hell. 😁 The PI pedals look huge! 😅 I personally have the ethirteen base pedals and love 'em. They're a longer pedal as well although not as long as PI's.
Rad review Rob! I've always been a huge fanboy for Shimano Saints as well (I'm 115kg and they were the only brakes that seemed to slow me down haha), but I would 110% encourage you to try the Hayes Dominion A4's, they're even more "crisp" than Saints in my opinion & the levers are very close to the same shape and size as Saints as well.
5:20 Interesting, were the stock pads the red semi metallic pads? Were they just contaminated and worn? Or did they perform bad from the start? I've tried the same compound and but different pad size, but I was impressed, great bite and does not crack like Shimano metallic, wears slowly.
I agree on coil. My current bike is the Tracer 279 so mixed wheel and fox coil. Maybe not as plush as the EXT but still very planted. Really enjoy how the mixed wheel corners too! @@B1KER
SpokeX makes amazing wheels. I love mine and super low price with some basic I9 1/1 hubs. I would've bought the Onyx hubs for sure if I had that opportunity.
@@B1KER another reason to buy from SpokeX besides the lower prices is their SX350 carbon rims that are i35mm wide. I like to run 2.6” tires and i35 fits perfectly. I have STANs Baron CB7 rims that are great rims but these SpokeX rims are a much better bargain.
I can say with this bike, I think the goal was make a bike that can handle some big jank but not pedal like an absolute slug. I feel like they nailed it there. I haven't ridden a bunch of other 170/170 bikes but I think it would be safe to say that if you were only riding park and didn't care about how it climbed, there may be other options that could be better.
Awesome video Robert. I am looking into EXT as well for a new build. Have you tried hope brakes yet? I have saints on my trail bike and Hope V4 on my DH, and the hopes are great. Also, nice rattler avoidance you pass the AZ test lol. Have a good one
1:54 Have you tried it in low temps? I have an issue with Fabric Scoop Shallow Race, the plastic base gets super stiff, and hard once temps are close to 0C, my latest ride was in 1C, my butt hurt. This gets worse once it's -10C. Have you tried any saddles or this one in such temps?
Mine aren’t rubbing anymore. But the key was those RED MTX pads. A shop recommended them saying they were way quieter than the factory ones and they were right.
I got another bike. It was a build that was stock like but customer returned it this is where I stepped up and purchased it. My second 29r hard tail and my first dropper my wife even got a new bike she stayed with canondale but stepped up to a 29r I went with the salsa return bike as I stated. I was once sponsored by them when I raced xc ( who does that anymore). I just told my wife we will get her a dropper on her new bike. ..and yes a coil is the best ride. My two dh bikes have coils. When I raced dh it was the best. And me I gotta hear my rear hub that clicking. Just makes me feel at one I forgot to mention the salsa is longer and a large frame and it suits me. My wife upgraded to 29 wheel set and wider bars. She is loving her new bike. And yes no crashes on that kali helm you sent. She still uses it.this is Robert wanna ride bikes this is my other channel.
What size was your Bronson? I have the v4 XL. I'm 6 feet and feel like it's the perfect amount of cockpit without having to reach. I guess the difference, to your point, is the seat tube angle. I never had a problem popping the front end on climbs though.
By measurment standards I'm 100% supposed to be on a XL. I think it comes from my BMX background as a young rider that I just prefer a smaller frame. I think Santa Cruz may have changed the seat tube angle on the V4 compared to my V3 as well. Someoene mentioned that in one of the other comments. Either way, it's really just a personal preference thing for me. Hope you are digging that V4. The Bronson is such a sweet bike and I love that they have the glove box now too.
Not quite as sexy as an SC or other bikes. I went from a similar 4 bar suspension Rocky Mountain to a SC Hightower a while ago. I liked the 4 bar better for everything except climbing on the VPP. Now I'm on a Ripmo and its the best of both.
If it was I. The middle, I would have 100% ran him over. When I came around and saw him it registered snake right about the time he was next to me and rattling. It happened pretty quick. I think if I ran him over, it would have been a dice roll on where he would have struck. My luck he would have got stuck in my fork and made me 20 mph Superman down the hill! 😂😂😂
@B1KER I did see some free-flite bicycle shops in Atlanta and Marietta that sells Santa Cruz bikes. Those seem to be the only 2 locations though. I have been to Marietta a bunch of times and haven't seen that shop, so that's a little strange, not sure about the one in Atlanta because that's downtown.
have you have encountered other animals ? I'm afraid of cycling in back roads because of some random starving animal, but then again, residential people have their stupid dogs.
@@JitinMisra All kinds of stuff over the years and not a single one has got me. From snakes to bears to mountain lions. Still alive to talk about it. 🤷♂️😂
@@B1KER Actually I have a custom Vitus Sommet Enduro bike. I am just a huge Fezzari fan. Hey we are in So Cal and are going to Sky Park on Thursday and Snow Valley on Friday.
That snake incident was hilarious...nice you left that in. Great review on a new brand for you, hope you can figure out the sizing issue.
I’m sure I will. The snake on the otherhand was too funny not to share.
timestamp?
Stoked to hear you're loving the bike!
I was really surprised by how well it climbs and how lively it feels in the air. Otherwise, I had faith you guys would nail it! I've always enjoyed every conversation I've had with the Fezzari team. Good job Fezzari!
I'm double commenting here Robert! You have been like a college to me with all the Podcast Episodes with massive doses of bike knowledge from your guests. You have been a huge part of my journey to get my knowledge and skills and motivation to earn the ride experience I've been having. I like your POV and hope can find more time to do more and get your POV optical quality / editing skill up to where you want them because you are one of the best story tellers in the POV sphere and have a great personality.
Wow man, that was quite the compliment. I’m stoked I’ve been an inspiration for ya.
Great review. Your scream when you saw the rattle snake was hilarious. I've had encounters with rattle snakes and other types of snakes riding my Fezzari Delano here in central Texas. By the way I also have a La Sal and love both of my Fezzaris!
Right on, I’m planning on trying out the Delano
I like your editing style on this video! I loved the subtle jokes sprinkled around the video too lol; Syd & Macky do that too and I love it haha
Thanks so much!!
Hey Robert! Your comment about not being in the 52 tooth gear is something I noticed as well. I swapped from eagle AXS to Transmission and find myself using the 44tooth (11th gear is 2 teeth larger) gear when previously I would have shifted from the 42 to the 52. Those 2 extra teeth have been a big advantage for me.
Someone above said something about less drag on the Transmission may be the reason. 🤷♂️
As a fellow big guy. I sent my coil shock to avalanche racing suspension out of Connecticut. Holy cow man you give him your bike weight riding style and he completely rebuilds it for you and your bike. I love my coil shock for my evil offering.
EXT does that out of the box!
Dude what an epic review Robert!!! Always teaching us how it’s done. Love it!!! Bike looks sick and man I can’t believe you rode outside of Santa Cruz. That saying a lot for Fezzari.
Like I said, I was skeptical but I liked them as a company so I wanted to give them a shot.
WELL WHEN YOU GET EVERYTHING FOR FREE WHAT DO YOU THINK IS WAS GOING TO BE. TOOL!
Robert! You've learn't some new tricks for your edits! I appreciate your build edit and that you put in substantial POV to complete the experience. I tried a couple Bronsons late last year but couldn't scrape the money together fast enough to get one of them. The Bronson MX was my choice to go for and my riding buddy got one and I got the Niner WFO 270mm/280mm and was surprised that the pedaling was better than on the Bronson without lockout. My other friend has the Nomad. I really think the bike brand you get is more about the service they offer to put the right parts onto the frame and therefore the brand you get is the frame and the service and whether you can get the build you want / need for your budget and can avoid compatibility issues.
I hear ya man! Plus it helps when the frame isn’t 4k!!! 😂😂😂
2:43 this switch is great, it's easy to switch but it stays in place, unless you crash and hit it with your foot or something. But check the screw securing it, I lost my switch so a new one had to be installed, so make sure it's not loose.
Good advice 👍
Auburn... Very cool! We mostly ride bidwell and harmony. Sometimes in the winter we will go up to swazey. Yep, we get a lot of snakes in bidwell. Heck, my brother-in-law got one caught up in his frame once. A few weeks ago I accidentally ran over one at 5 mile. I came around a corner and there it was. I felt a little bad but nothing I could do.
Last week, my brother-in-law and I were riding guardians. Someone shot a rifle near us. We both flinched and I heard the bullet zinging by. A few minutes later I called in 911 since I heard another shot. They were shooting at the Frisbee golf area. Not cool when there were people below walking too.
I was on a ride once where people were shooting and we could hear the rounds going by. I think we were a hill over and they thought they were in the middle of nowhere but they were literally whizzing by us.
Dude Robert, you straight killed it! I hadnt seen one your videos in a while and Ive been listening to some of your older podcasts, so the Fezzari feels reeeeeeeally out of left field hahaha
Right on man! Glad ya liked it.
I love Fezzari! I started with the Cascade Peak, now I’m building up a La Sal frame. And that was a most appropriate rattlesnake scream!
Right on, I’m sure you’ll dig the La Sal!
Agree on seat tube angle. Agree on tight cockpit, I want a wheel base under 1240 for the majority of trails . Because I hate the huge bike feel. I also tested the medium (I am 5:10) They recommend a large. I’ll give it a try. But I really shine in the tech and being older I am just not into stupid fast bombing DH. But if you are ,yes this bike floats downhill white huge smile on my face, compared to many other top brands.
It’s been a lot of fun riding it. Definitely surprised me.
Dude, this is a really good video. Informative and entertaining. You did some GREAT work here. Enjoy your new ride!
Thanks a ton!
I love high engagement hubs, and appreciate the noise. But...I also love the occasional quiet ride. Ninja!
I think I would still use loud hubs if I wasn’t a UA-camr. It gets in the way of recording.
Sick! Build looks awesome.
Thanks man! It's been fun trying something new.
Great vid, glad you’re enjoying the LaSal! Love mine. I too did the mullet setup just recently and love how this bike goes up and down. 🤙🏼
It’s been fun. I’m trying it 29er now.
Been a while since I have been on your channel, it was good to catch up! Seeing you ride makes me want to get back on the trails, been too busy restoring my motorcycle, so I think its time to take a break and hit the trails! Keep up the good work!
Right on man! Stoked you came back to check this one out 🤘
Out of all the different brands out there, I never would've thought you'd get a direct to consumer brand! This bike is on my short list of next bikes as well.
Ever since the first time I had them on my podcast I was interested in them. Fezzari just seems like a company that really cares about their customers.
Great production on this video. Going to ride this bike everywhere or get something with less travel to replace the tallboy? Maybe Fezzari will ship you a Delano. Thanks for the laugh (passing the rattlesnake).
I'm definitely planning on getting another short travel 29er. I really enjoyed having something that was better suited for my local stuff and a little more forgiving than my hardtail.
I use the MTX brake pads. The Gold set for E-Bikes. I use them on my Transition Patrol with code brakes. Definitely made a difference. Not only do they perform better, they lasted an entire season of DH. Almost twice as long as standard pads.
I heard the Gold had a little more bite, so I think I'll give them a shot.
Great review love all the products you reviewed and in a Fazzari to anyone However I wouldn't go anywhere Near EXT in America after my experience. Rebound was off on mine and I sent it in to EXT use first they lost it for 3 weeks after the person that signed for it said they never received it. Next they told me it was "Hammered" and needed a full rebuilt not just a tune ... It had 12 miles on it. I got it back road it once and it puked oil everywhere and started making noise. Was with two rides in it they wouldn't warranty it. Also there tolerances are terrible and there own shock hardware was loose on one eyelet and super right on the other. Worse yet I sold the shock to someone that wanted it rebuilt and when they received the shock from the newer owner they told him it was stolen and they wouldn't work on it. I would never touch EXT or Suspension Sindicate again . I also didn't find the Storia to be any better than a SD ultimate coil and my TTx22m was NOTICABLY better with way better support through ohlins and way more aftermarket support. LA Sal is 10/10
That's crazy. I definitely haven't had that kind of experience with EXT, nor have my friends that bought with no affiliation to me at purchase. I'm at a loss for what to say. I agree about the La Sal though! Quite the bike.
Just got on the Timp Peak Saturday in Auburn. This is my first E Bike and I’m coming from a Transition Sentinal.
I’m loving the Timp Peak and how it feels underneath me. For the price it’s set up is pretty hard to beat!
I think Fezzari has some great pricing. I'm pretty sure that bike one the Best Bang for your Buck from Loam Wolf.
@@B1KER their review turned me onto it.
Haha, I did not expect that. I ride the exact same frame. Thanks for the video Rob!
Super rad bike. Definitely was surprised.
Awesome looking bike and great video, I need to get back up to auburn. Last time I was there I did the forest hill divide loop and the connector trail and back to where I parked. what's your recommendation for mostly blue trails there? a good spot to park as well, thanks for any info.
I think Connector and FHDL is a great loop. Or you could park at the bottom of Culvert and climb the road up to Connector and then do the route you did before. Then you’d be able to add in Culvert too!
I’ll say one thing going from axs to transmission on the same bike (not the fezzari but same bike one group to the next just to clarify) if the reduced drag on the transmission is noticeable and I routinely find myself climbing in one or two gears higher than before. Whether that’s the new chain or larger derailleur pulleys or all of it combined I don’t know but I do know there is less drag with all the same gearing.
That’s interesting. I may have to test that theory.
Great video....and also love the snake squeel. Cheers
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you for another video. I'm a Santa Cruz fanboy as well. I just got a Lauf Seigla as my gravel bike and so far I love it.
Oh nice! I wanted a Stigmata for a long time but ended up getting a Blackheart Ti bike. It's soooo sweet!
Robert: At one time I thought Spokex offer Project 321 hubs but I don't see them listed anymore on the wheel builds. I have wheels sets with I-9 hubs and P321 hubs and I think I prefer the P321 hubs, but it is close.
I prefer the P321 just because the magnets are way easier to work with if serving them. I think the reason they aren’t on there is P321 stopped shipping hubs until they get the new manufacturing plant running. They are supposed to be releasing and shipping the v3 any day now. At that point I’m sure they will be back.
I have the hope tech e4 4 pistons brakes. All I have to say is the braking power is unreal. I'd highly recommend them.
I’ll have to take a look!
That was a close call with the rattlesnake bro! Been looking at the Fezzari for a while now and just can't seem to pull the trigger on it yet. Maybe soon though.
If you happen to ride an XL, hit me up on IG. Otherwise, stop holding back, pull the trigger!!!
Sweet!! New Bike Day 🎉!! Congrats on to Fezzari , and those are some nice components 🔥.
Thanks man! I went all in.
@@B1KER looks awesome brother !!
I forgot to mention both bikes we got have that granny gear. My opinion on it. It’s way easier to climb a hill but in return. You pedal spin is way more and short distance if you remain on a semi hard gear you pedal harder but less pedaling and more distance .i pedaled all the way home up huge hills. I was wore out. On my old bike no granny gear I was not worn out.
I hear ya!
Nice review. I was thinking of the Fezzari la sal peak, but after seeing the pinkbike review (the bike seems twitchy) for a 170/170 on this bike I don’t think the Fezzari is worth it. I probably think about a commencal or even a propane. For now, I love my yeti sb160 and for a big travel bike it climbs supper!
I want to try the Commencal. I was waiting for the new frame to drop that has the UDH on it. The Fezzari doesn’t seem twitchy to me. I guess it depends on how ya build it. I will say this. If I trusted the reviews I wouldn’t have ridden this bike. But I really like it.
My favorite brakes are definitely Trickstuff Maxima. Really curious on the EXT shock.
Never heard of those before. As far as the EXT goes, I can't recommend it enough.
German brand. CNC machined. Uses a mineral oil that you actually could serve with your salad but at the same time has a higher boiling point than DOT. Super powerful with good modulation. The only downside is the waiting time and perhaps the price. However compared to a lot of other expensive parts I think these really makes me a better rider. Dangerholm wrote a really good review on his Instagram on these brakes and I can only agree.
Hey Robert, you did a great job on the video. I've always been a Shimano XTR person and was told that Saints are similar, but can't say from personal usage. I've been on TRP DH Evos for my last couple of builds. One thing I've noticed with them is the pistons tend to stick in the caliper. Sometimes its one or two on the same side and you need to go through a piston purge. So watch out for that. Did you go back to Saints and if so, what is your perspective?
I have Saints on my Hardtail and I feel like I miss the bite. However I’m also lazy AF and don’t want to bleed my brakes to put the Saints back on. Sooooo I’m in a pickle. 😂
Great review Rob! Keep it up. Greetings from Germany.
Danke!
Stoked for you man! Looks like an awesome rig 🤘
Been super fun!
Nothing wrong with Santa Cruz, have a CF Blur 26 myself. SC bikes are gorgeous... they're just pricey as hell. 😁 The PI pedals look huge! 😅 I personally have the ethirteen base pedals and love 'em. They're a longer pedal as well although not as long as PI's.
Couldn't agree more!
Rad review Rob! I've always been a huge fanboy for Shimano Saints as well (I'm 115kg and they were the only brakes that seemed to slow me down haha), but I would 110% encourage you to try the Hayes Dominion A4's, they're even more "crisp" than Saints in my opinion & the levers are very close to the same shape and size as Saints as well.
Sounds interesting!
Rattle Snake reaction was normal ... The bike pedals better because of the 78 degree seat tube angle. The Fezarris climb great.
Definitely a great climber.
5:20 Interesting, were the stock pads the red semi metallic pads? Were they just contaminated and worn? Or did they perform bad from the start?
I've tried the same compound and but different pad size, but I was impressed, great bite and does not crack like Shimano metallic, wears slowly.
I don’t remember what color the stock ones were.
Dig the honesty and great to see reviews for us larger dudes!
As a big guy...coil is a game changer. Really made me want to kick myself for not trying one sooner.
I agree on coil. My current bike is the Tracer 279 so mixed wheel and fox coil. Maybe not as plush as the EXT but still very planted. Really enjoy how the mixed wheel corners too! @@B1KER
I've wanted the Onyx hubs for a long time. I always heard such great things about Fazzari and I believe Mullet truly is the dream! 🤙
I wasn't sure if I'd like the hubs, but now I'm hooked to the silence!
SpokeX makes amazing wheels. I love mine and super low price with some basic I9 1/1 hubs. I would've bought the Onyx hubs for sure if I had that opportunity.
Digging the wheels and I've been putting them through the ringer.
@@B1KER another reason to buy from SpokeX besides the lower prices is their SX350 carbon rims that are i35mm wide. I like to run 2.6” tires and i35 fits perfectly. I have STANs Baron CB7 rims that are great rims but these SpokeX rims are a much better bargain.
Sweet new bike! Congrats! I’ve heard Fezzari has pretty conservative geometry. What are your thoughts?
I can say with this bike, I think the goal was make a bike that can handle some big jank but not pedal like an absolute slug. I feel like they nailed it there. I haven't ridden a bunch of other 170/170 bikes but I think it would be safe to say that if you were only riding park and didn't care about how it climbed, there may be other options that could be better.
I rode a 2020 La Sal and it was mush pedaling. Sounds like they added some anti squat to it. I think I need to try a coil shock.
This thing really blew me away on the pedalling. Over a few weeks I was consistently thinking I was in the Eagle and would be 1-2 gears down from it.
@@B1KER I was just about to pull the trigger on an XX set, then got my ER bill from my last crash. Paying the hospital a bike now.
THUMBS DOWN!!!
@@burkebair
Nice, still enjoying my Abajo Peak.
Right on, super impressed with Fezzari.
Nice new build!
Thanks!
Great video buddy. I like the new editing you added in!
Right on bud, stoked you liked it!
Snaaaake! 🫨 Nice review! Love my La Sal 2.0. Great bike from an amazing company.
Couldn't agree more!
Awesome video Robert. I am looking into EXT as well for a new build. Have you tried hope brakes yet? I have saints on my trail bike and Hope V4 on my DH, and the hopes are great. Also, nice rattler avoidance you pass the AZ test lol. Have a good one
I haven’t tried Hopes yet. I have heard good things though.
@@B1KER would highly recommend them. I am going with them on the new build whenever that is.
I'm a total Santa Cruz fanboy - loved your carbon chameleon. Crazy that your bike at ~36 pounds is only 6 pounds lighter than my new Heckler SL.
I think my Bronson was close to the same weight too.
“Access to a machine shop” is game changing…
Yeah, I would have just printed it, but the plastic wouldn't keep it's size over time.
1:54 Have you tried it in low temps? I have an issue with Fabric Scoop Shallow Race, the plastic base gets super stiff, and hard once temps are close to 0C, my latest ride was in 1C, my butt hurt.
This gets worse once it's -10C. Have you tried any saddles or this one in such temps?
No I stay inside when it’s that cold! 🥶
HI Rob! Why you don't use a SPD or something?
Next time, just drill the unthreaded hole in the brake adapter larger!
That’s a good idea! It wouldn’t stop the rotor from rubbing the frame though. 🤷♂️
@@B1KERYes, i can see it! I think the problem is that they left the factory underplate out of the box!
I'm having the same issue with noisy DHR-Evo brakes. Any tips on how to fix this? Mine aren't rubbing so maybe it's a pad issue?
Mine aren’t rubbing anymore. But the key was those RED MTX pads. A shop recommended them saying they were way quieter than the factory ones and they were right.
I got another bike. It was a build that was stock like but customer returned it this is where I stepped up and purchased it. My second 29r hard tail and my first dropper my wife even got a new bike she stayed with canondale but stepped up to a 29r I went with the salsa return bike as I stated. I was once sponsored by them when I raced xc ( who does that anymore). I just told my wife we will get her a dropper on her new bike. ..and yes a coil is the best ride. My two dh bikes have coils. When I raced dh it was the best. And me I gotta hear my rear hub that clicking. Just makes me feel at one I forgot to mention the salsa is longer and a large frame and it suits me. My wife upgraded to 29 wheel set and wider bars. She is loving her new bike. And yes no crashes on that kali helm you sent. She still uses it.this is Robert wanna ride bikes this is my other channel.
Right on, stoked she’s still using it. That was a long time ago!
I love the build you own ootion. I've always felt that was the future.
Bike makers don't like it. I messes with their bulk buying of parts.
I’m so opinionated on what I like, if I buy a brands options, I just end up replacing a bunch of things.
Any regrets on the onyx so far? I’ve always been curious if it’ll elevate my experience however my loud hubs have helped warn hikers on every ride
I loved the silence but blew the rear up in barely over a month. We’ll see how the next one does.
Great video Robert!
Thanks man! Stoked ya liked it!
After all these years, SC still showed no love for the channel. Fezzari for the win!
Hahahahahaha!
Sounds like out with SC and in with Fezzari!!
Maaaaayyyybbeee?!?!
What size was your Bronson? I have the v4 XL. I'm 6 feet and feel like it's the perfect amount of cockpit without having to reach. I guess the difference, to your point, is the seat tube angle. I never had a problem popping the front end on climbs though.
By measurment standards I'm 100% supposed to be on a XL. I think it comes from my BMX background as a young rider that I just prefer a smaller frame. I think Santa Cruz may have changed the seat tube angle on the V4 compared to my V3 as well. Someoene mentioned that in one of the other comments. Either way, it's really just a personal preference thing for me. Hope you are digging that V4. The Bronson is such a sweet bike and I love that they have the glove box now too.
@@B1KER I did read that between v3 and v4. I love the Bronson. Glad I came across your channel, good stuff! Ride on!
Dude, where do I get that tee shirt in a jersey? "SHITTY LINES FACTORY TEAM"! I absolutely NEED THSI!
I designed it awhile back but apparently never put it on my shop. It's up there now: b1ker.com/shop/shitty-lines-tri-blend-t-shirt/
Not quite as sexy as an SC or other bikes. I went from a similar 4 bar suspension Rocky Mountain to a SC Hightower a while ago. I liked the 4 bar better for everything except climbing on the VPP. Now I'm on a Ripmo and its the best of both.
I haven't ridden a Ripmo, but have heard good things.
What does OTAB mean?
Only takes a bike!
Your laugh got deeper after that scream
Had to stress the vocal chords a little. 😂
You still have a SC in the garage, don't lie!!
The Chameleon is still in there!
Lol, that was a close call
Definitely too close for comfort!
Thanks for making this video and the review!
My pleasure!
I couldn't help it notice, do you play guitar ? Are you good ? What type of music do you play ?
I used to play a lot more than I do now. Seems like the collect more dust than they get played nowadays.
I would've needed a chamois change after that rattler!
That didn't make the edit! Bwahahahahahaa!
Man good thing that snake was on the side of the trail! Right in the middle could have been a disaster. Your scream was totally warranted.
If it was I. The middle, I would have 100% ran him over. When I came around and saw him it registered snake right about the time he was next to me and rattling. It happened pretty quick. I think if I ran him over, it would have been a dice roll on where he would have struck. My luck he would have got stuck in my fork and made me 20 mph Superman down the hill! 😂😂😂
@@B1KER lol, still probably better than getting bit tho!
I never rode a Santa Cruz before because they don't sell that brand here in Georgia.
Maybe just not in your area. I want to say the last one I bought used was from someone in Atlanta.
@@B1KER that's cool. Was it from a bike shop or an individual? The main brands I have been seeing are Trek and Specialized.
I had bought that off an individual on Pinkbike. But he bought it a shop that was local to him.@@kevinburke1325
@B1KER I did see some free-flite bicycle shops in Atlanta and Marietta that sells Santa Cruz bikes. Those seem to be the only 2 locations though. I have been to Marietta a bunch of times and haven't seen that shop, so that's a little strange, not sure about the one in Atlanta because that's downtown.
Man, that shows some stones. I don't know if I could sell both my bikes, for one from a different manufacturer. Fortune favors the brave......
The original plan was to get a new Tallboy and a Nomad. Now I need another short travel 29er. 🤔
I am super grateful that I did NOT have my gopro on me with my last rattle snake encounter
Bwhahahahaha, I know the feeling
😂 I bet that got the heart rate up!
Hahahha, for sure!
Great Video!
Glad you enjoyed it
We need more snakes on this channel. Please see what you can do to address this gap. Cheers.
I'll see what I can do! I'll need you on Patreon though because I'm going to need a lot more chamois...and maybe some medical attention.
have you have encountered other animals ? I'm afraid of cycling in back roads because of some random starving animal, but then again, residential people have their stupid dogs.
@@JitinMisra All kinds of stuff over the years and not a single one has got me. From snakes to bears to mountain lions. Still alive to talk about it. 🤷♂️😂
Yes I love this bike❤
I didn't know you were riding a Fezzari too!
@@B1KER Actually I have a custom Vitus Sommet Enduro bike. I am just a huge Fezzari fan. Hey we are in So Cal and are going to Sky Park on Thursday and Snow Valley on Friday.
Oh Nice! Sounds fun. I really liked Sky Park. Too bad it's like a 7 hour drive or I would go more often.@@trailpimp6369
@@B1KER 💯💯🔥❤️
Your scream was pricless
Hahahahaa, Thanks!
my dream dream dream dream bike🙏🙏🙏
It’s a rad one for sure!
Hey buddy. You up for a weight loss challenge? Mano e mano?
Hahaha, challenges don’t really motivate me. Otherwise I’d be down.
I appreciate ya reaching out but I’m doing good on my own right now. Best of luck on your journey.
NO ROBERT YOURE NOT A FUCKING LARGE BIKE RIDER. YOU ARE A LARGE BIKE RIDER, but YOURE AN XL BIKE RIDER! XD
Interesting....
😂 🐍
😂
😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
uggghhh really love your videos Robert….But this seemed to be a 13 minute commercial of the bike brand and components. Bummer
Bummer it felt that way. I was just trying to explain why I picked the parts I did.
It's a "New bike day" video. What else was it supposed to be about if not the brand, the components and the reason why/how he ended up with the bike?
hello, I'm curious if You know about DurianRider on youtube.
a biker related topic source at times for me
I never heard of him.
@@B1KER youtube.com/@durianriders?si=H8ARqO80tKmt0niW
He's a road biker but into the conditioning/diet aspects to it