Fezzari La Sal Peak Review - Enduro Bike Shootout
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- For the full written review, visit the site here:
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Fezzari is a brand that has slowly grown to occupy a solid spot in the mountain bike market. With their bikes improving steadily since they came onto the scene, it makes sense that the newest batch are getting close to some of the most established manufacturers out there. With budgets to match nearly every rider out there, their direct-to-consumer strategy is a compelling one. But is their 170mm travel La Sal Peak up to the task of modern enduro riding and racing? We were excited to find out in our 2022 Enduro Bike Shootout.
THE DIRT
Our initial impressions while hopping between all these different bikes was just how different two 170mm bikes can feel from each other. The La Sal Peak consistently served as the barometer for the most “trail bike” feeling end of that spectrum, which probably speaks to its adaptability. Though you can get it spec’d with air suspension of various sorts, ours came from Fezzari with the EXT Era V2 air fork and Storia LOK coil shock, which both have a distinct feel that differs from a lot of the other options on the market. That linear coil feel struck me as a critical companion to the La Sal, assuming you’re going to be racing this bike. The suspension is very supportive and could get overwhelmed in longer rough patches of trail and on big hits, unless aided by the excellent damping of the EXT kit. By no means would the bike be a slouch with other suspension, but the platform feels less forgiving than the other bikes on test when you’re pushing it at the edge of ability.
That sportier feel is part of why this bike is possibly the best pedaling platform we have on test, assuming efficiency is your goal. Things are snappy and supportive, with just enough traction to get up technical sections, and overall weight feels (and measures) low. Those characteristics are a big part of why this bike would suit many folks who aren’t necessarily in the market for a big 170mm travel rig, but perhaps are looking for something more in the 140-150 range. That said, the descending performance might be a bit more in keeping with bikes of that travel bracket as well, at least compared to the others on test.
Part of the slightly more nervous downhill performance of the Fezzari comes down to some geo choices that give it its better all-round feel. One of those is the bottom bracket height, with a measured drop of 26.4mm. This is actually pretty neutral amongst all the bikes, but coupled with the very supportive suspension platform, it can feel like you’re a bit higher on the bike than you might want to be in steep and fast corners. Adding to that sensation are the relatively short chainstays, at least relative to the reach in the larger sizes. The high balance point feel, and short back end can make it feel like the bike wants to stand up in moments when you wish it would plow out, but that’s also part of what keeps it fun and nimble in other use cases. Bike geometry is always a matter of compromises, and where the La Sal Peak gives in ultimate aggressive capabilities, it takes with its all-rounder friendliness.
THE WOLF'S LAST WORD
Our general take-away is that this is the bike most people would be happy to ride most days, because the terrain and speeds most folks have access to don’t necessitate the utmost downhill capability. The Fezzari La Sal Peak is just as happy climbing all day as it is descending gnarly tracks, and some combination of all the above is probably where it shines best.
Price as Tested: $8,084
Weight: 33.4 lbs
Website: Fezzari.com
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I have the same bike, I’m super happy with its performance on the Southern California single track, it’s rutted and steep and the La Sal Peak really handles it well, easily the best bike I’ve ever owned and I have had a lot of bikes!
This bike has intrigued me since it came out with its price point, geo and build spec. The La Sal Peak Elite is on sale for $4,127 and I think it's one of the best values for any new enduro bike at the moment. I just opened my own bike shop this summer called Unspoken Bike Shop in VT for mtb service and rentals but this is obviously the cheapest way to buy a new bike with warranty. I think direct-to-consumer bike brands benefit from demo centers close to popular trail networks but these reviews help sell them as well. I'm looking forward to checking out their headquarters near Provo, UT later this month.
Just bought the elite model today these Black Friday deals got me! I personally think its the best value bike
Raising the bb drop number actually lowers the bb and slackens the head angle since the bb drop is a negative number. So moving the bb drop from -27 to -30 would lower the bb and slacken the head angle where this video states the opposite. Don’t say the bike isn’t aggressive enough geo when you have the bike in high bb steep head angle position.
Just because the B-roll video of it is in the High/ Steep position doesn't mean we rode it that way the whole time. Words get fumbled in sentence delivery, from time to time, words do get mixed up in sentences, especially after long days of riding back to back...We are all informed on how BB drop moves and the corresponding changes work to the bike's geo and subsequently, the performance on trail.
@@TheLoamWolf I think you guys do an excellent job of giving impartial reviews on a large variety of gear and bikes. I don’t think I could do it any better. These reviews are very important especially on bikes we can’t test ride. I was just trying to point out an error when I see it.
Thanks Ben. We're far from perfect and try to admit when we make mistakes best we can and try to take viewers comments, when constructive, to heart as we strive to always be improving.
A 26mm bottom bracket from would most definitely explain the stood up feeling. That’s hi for a modern enduro rig.
@@TheLoamWolf thanks for the review video!!
I agree with Minerva that your response was more defensive than it needed to be. I don’t think Benjamin was trying to attack you guys and I don’t think anyone lost respect for the channel because of your mistake-it’s understandable that words are occasionally mixed up.
If anything a little respect was lost by your response. Still a subscriber just weighing in on how your responses came across to an impartial third party.
That being said, the way Ben ended his comment did come across as slightly condescending.
Damn. Just checked their site and they have a GXS AXS build with Zeb Ultimate for under $5200. That's nuts. And it's even available! :D
I just ordered one. AMAZING DEAL! Got it in 2 days.
Pretty sweet deal! Jump on it while you can.
Did y’all mention the option to run mixed wheel ?
Great video as always! Please please compare the la sal peak to revel rail 29. I’m on the fence what to get. ✌️
deciding between the rallon and the le sal peak. the rallon sounds like it matches my riding style, as I like to push myself and plan to do some enduro races this summer, but a lot of my local trails aren't super gnarly so I'm worried the rallon won't be as fun in that sense.
Well, if you’re trails aren’t super gnarly it may also be a great pick because of that stiff suspension platform. It makes it efficient, fast rolling and accelerates by pumping transitions well. Not that the La asap isn’t those things either…the Orbea may just be a bit stiffer and more platform at least with the air shock vs the coil.
I wish they sold these over here in Germany
can you guys test the orbea rallon
We're working our way through the alphabet... Orbea is coming soon!
This bike or the Revel Rail 29?
Well, since we haven’t ridden a Revel, we’d have to say Fezz. It’s a good bike and we really like the company/people there. Good vibes and passionate about bikes.
This bike looks so dialed. If I wasn't in Canada where taxes and duties to bring one into the country adds an extra 25% to the prices...
They have a killer sale going on right now where the bikes are $1000 cheaper!
Shocked you reviewed this. There is no electric motor attached
Shocked it took you this long to come up with such a unique comment full of such whit and unlike anything else you’ve ever said here.
Why does the tall guy in purple keep saying “super” before ever adjective. Is that a millennial thing?? Just say what you’re gonna say. Stop adding SUPER so much. It waters down your emphasis. (My constructive feedback)
super noted
Haha
Disagreed, dude is being himself. excellent review
I’ve been super impressed with Fezzari bikes. Quality and component build specks especially at the price range. Customer service is amazing. Spot on with your review 🤙🏽. As a consumer it always good to hear both sides of the story of a bike review.
Thanks for sharing
Yep, riding this the seat tube is too steep at 77. 5 especially when you have a 63.5 head angle.
All the other Geo #’s look good.
ARI. Please make a 76.0-76.5 seat and an adjustable head of 64-63.5
I’m dying to find a new bike but all are missing numbers in some areas .
I feel like Fezzari only makes sense if you're buying one of their base, or comp, spec bikes. Once you start climbing the ladder, the DTC savings begin to widdle away...
I've got the comp with DVO suspension and feel like it behaves almost exactly the way they describe. I am selling my old 150/140 trail bike because this thing pedals just as well, and it still feels awesome on true black stuff, with a bit of that standup feel in the real chunk. It's awesome on jump lines and it's a really versatile, awesome mountain bike in general. Love this thing.
I want to buy it, but i'm not pedaling so much, but i'm practicing enduro and DH a lot, i really want to take the comp one, but is it good in descente ?
I'm 11 and I have been wanting one so bad i hope i can get one soon
You get it?
These roundups are so good! Well Done!
Thanks very much William.
I’m looking for some help, currently riding a 2014 Giant Trance 1. I have surpassed that bikes limits on the downhill, and need something more stable for descending. I want to maintain a good capability to climb, but want more capability on the downhill. I am unfamiliar with how all of this new geometry will effect the climbing… I can’t decide between the Delano or the La Sal….
The question: with all this new geometry and the step up to 29er, will the La Sal with all of its new geo climb as well as my 2014 trance with old geo and 27.5? Or would I need to opt for the Delano? (I really want the La sal but just don’t want to be too sluggish on the climbs)
Omg bought a frameset today with fork fox 38 and RS X2 for only $2800 including taxes and shipping…what a deal by fezzari.. i can’t wait!!!
Anyone know how the Comp La Sal Peak would compare to a YT Capra Core 2? Two of my buddies have the Core 2 and I'm wondering if this is worth the slight price jump?
The trending Geo is starting to creep toward Leo and his Pole geo that he has had for many years.
Reach is not the be-all-end-all of sizing. Its a combination of reach, SA and TT to give you accurate size indication. Reach relates more to standing and thus descending, TT and SA more to seated sizing, so you can't only look at reach numbers to make an assumption of fit or handling.
Most of the issues we discussed about the sizing feelings we had were in relation to descending, so that’s why we were mostly talking about that dimension, and the stack. If we had sizing issues while seated, or climbing and pedaling, we would have likely discussed seat tube angle more then. Hope that helps?
The reason why it feels top heavy or you’re stood up on the bike is that high bottom bracket drop.
Not exclusively. Compared to some of the other bikes, it actually has a lower BB, but still feels more stood up. It's a synthesis of a bunch of factors, the main being how much the suspension holds you up in the travel.
@@dariodigiulio3758 He misspoke 26mm is high, all of the other bikes they have tested are 30mm. That 4mm makes a big difference, my Megatower is 33 and you feel really down low into the bike.
@@323johnnybravo I'm one of the testers, and can speak to the relative feel of the bikes. Both the Range and the Enduro have higher BBs, at 20 and 21mm of drop respectively, but both feel way more planted.
You are crushing it again and I’m not a fan of Fezzari bikes and heard nightmare stories about them but this bike is really awesome I find it kinda hard to navigate on their website to build a bike
True that, this review makes me interested in the company and wants to go to their website and start dabbling with their bicycle builder options. Great job guys keep up the great work!
Thanks very much. Appreciate it.
Thank you! Very appreciative of then kind words and the feedback on your end as we know Fezzari pays attention to them.
I've had nothing but great experiences with Fezzari. I do hear you on the website. The good news is that they're about to drop a totally revamped website! Stay tuned!
My Delano Peak has been a great bike, zero issues, good customer experience, and I've taken it on some pretty gnarly rides no problems. La Sal looks amazing, might need a second bike!