Field Test: 2022 Fezzari La Sal Peak - The Purple Trail Eater
PINKBIKE FIELD TEST
Fezzari La Sal Peak
Words by Alicia Leggett; photography by Dave Trumpore
Fezzari La Sal Peak
Words by Alicia Leggett; photography by Dave Trumpore
Up next in our Enduro Bike Field Test is this purple trail eater, the Fezzari La Sal Peak. The La Sal Peak, released this spring, has been fully redesigned from the previous edition with new kinematics and a new look. Back when it was released, I took it for a spin and was impressed by the way the bike stayed calm and collected through rough desert terrain, both uphill and down, and the dramatically improved aesthetics are what I think the kids these days call a "glow up."
The bike has a flip chip that adjusts the head angle by 0.7º and changes the bottom bracket height by 7.5 mm. Fezzari won't exactly tell you how to play it, but the brand does recommend using the flip chip in its steeper setting to accommodate a smaller rear wheel, should you choose to run mixed wheel sizes.
The bike has a flip chip that adjusts the head angle by 0.7º and changes the bottom bracket height by 7.5 mm. Fezzari won't exactly tell you how to play it, but the brand does recommend using the flip chip in its steeper setting to accommodate a smaller rear wheel, should you choose to run mixed wheel sizes.
La Sal Peak Details
• Travel: 170 mm rear / 170 mm fork
• Carbon frame
• Wheel size: 29" but compatible mixed
• 64.0º - 64.7º head angle
• 77.5º-78.8º seat tube angle
• 437mm chainstays
• Sizes: S, M, L (tested), XL
• Weight: 34.9 lb / 15.8 kg
• Price: $8,200 USD as tested, $3,200 - $8,499+ USD
• fezzari.com
• Travel: 170 mm rear / 170 mm fork
• Carbon frame
• Wheel size: 29" but compatible mixed
• 64.0º - 64.7º head angle
• 77.5º-78.8º seat tube angle
• 437mm chainstays
• Sizes: S, M, L (tested), XL
• Weight: 34.9 lb / 15.8 kg
• Price: $8,200 USD as tested, $3,200 - $8,499+ USD
• fezzari.com
As for suspension, the bike comes with 170 mm of travel front and rear as a default, but Fezzari says the bike will work with up single crown and dual crown forks up to 203 mm, so it's possible to set it up as a dedicated bike park sled. Other details include clearance for a 2.6" rear tire, UDH compatibility, tube-in-tube internal routing, ample frame protection, space for a large water bottle on all frame sizes, and ISCG-05 tabs. Fezzari has also varied the frame design throughout the size range, which is meant to maintain the same feel on all the sizes. (I've only ridden a size L, but the frames do look different at each size, and the seat tube angle varies throughout the range to keep the effective seat tube angle consistent.)
The most unique thing about the Utah direct-to-consumer brand is the degree of customization available. When purchasing a bike, customers are taken through a many-step process with selections for base build, wheels, suspension, dropper posts, plus add-ons like CushCore, chain guides, clear frame protection, and tools. Next, customers enter a comprehensive set of body measurements and riding preferences for what Fezzari calls its 23-Point Custom Setup, which includes both component sizing and setup. The brand relies heavily on its customer support reputation, and also offers a 20-day "Love It Or Return It" trial period and a limited lifetime warranty on all its products.
The exact build we tested isn't available at the moment thanks to supply chain issues, but when we mixed and matched our way to something similar using the online tool our bike came out to $8,200 USD.
So with a makeover and some compelling selling points, how did the purple Fezzi stack up against its competition?
Climbing
The Fezzari La Sal Peak is the most trail bike-y of the Field Tested bunch, with its relatively low weight and responsive feel, which translated into agreeable climbing behavior. While grinding uphill, the Fezzari sits the rider in a comfortable, forward position, its steep seat tube angle and 485 mm reach putting the rider somewhat forward on the bike without feeling too stretched out: a comfortable medium for grinding up techy bits and fire roads alike.
The bike's suspension setup translated to lots of traction on the climbs, and the long-on-paper 1264.8 mm wheelbase rode a little shorter than the numbers suggest, so the bike still felt easy to maneuver around tough switchbacks. Unlike some of the longer, more stable bikes, it wasn't so much a set-it-and-forget-it climber as it was one that was happy to navigate where it was told, but it didn't seem to carry momentum over obstacles quite as easily as bikes like the Commencal or the Contra.
The Fezzari would shine on purpose-built climbing trails, where swinging around switchbacks is a big plus, on climbs that feature lots of little roots to spin up and over, and on rolling terrain where it feels reassuring to have a bike that'll switch to climbing mode at a moment's notice.
Descending
The La Sal Peak is more a generalist than a specialist. While many modern bikes feel specifically designed for steep, rocky, rough terrain, I found the Fezzari to be slightly less comfortable in the gnar but applicable to a wider range of trails than most enduro bikes. It'll hop, it'll corner, and it'll point essentially wherever you want it to, but feels more apt to be pinballed in some of the rockier chutes than the bikes built to prioritize stability. As an all-arounder, I found it to be quite enjoyable to ride.
The overall feel of the bike is a little softer than some of the racier options, likely due to a very supple, light shock tune and a frame that could be manually flexed a little more easily than the rest of the bunch. Regardless, I felt comfortable pointing it down all kinds of terrain.
It's an extremely comfortable bike to ride, and there are no surprises. It felt great throughout the test on flowy singletrack, jumps trails, and tech sections that require precision and slow maneuvering. It's also comfortable at high speeds, but note that it doesn't have that edgy feel that makes me want to push harder. Instead, it feels comfortable.
Timed Testing
This timed lap was what I'll call "tech-flow." It was a tech trail that made sense in the way that it flowed, and it was easy to find fast lines and carry speed. It started relatively flat with some pedally sections, then dropped into steeper, choppier terrain, with a series of stair-step drops, a few root doubles, and some fast corners.
Don't forget that timing is just one of many ways to judge a bike, and a fast lap time is a.) subject to my own preferences and comfort on the bike and b.) doesn't always mean it's the best for everyone.
Alicia Leggett: "The Fezzari La Sal Peak was the slowest bike for me, which surprised me because I didn't actually feel like I was riding any slower. The best explanation I can come up with is that the bike's slightly softer feel didn't incentivize me to push into corners, pump aggressively, and carry speed the way I did on the "racier" bikes. Still, I found the Fezzari to be incredibly agreeable and is a solid option for those who don't prioritize all-out descending speed. For Kazimer, the Fezzari finished mid pack."
It's easy to be content and enjoy the ride while on the bike, and I think that's my biggest takeaway. It feels pleasant. The Fezzari could be a great option for a rider who wants a do-it-all bike for trail riding and bike park days alike.
Pros
+ Excellent climber for having 170 mm of rear travel
+ Capable in a wide variety of terrain
+ Great parts kit at each price point
+ Extremely customizable
Cons
- More generalist than specialist - it's not quite as solid as other options on high speed, rough trails
- Generally "soft" feel
The 2022 Enduro Bike Field Test is presented by Rapha, POC, and Continental. Thanks for keeping us dressed, safe, and rolling rubber side down.
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Seems like a good bike for people who like to ride enduro trails but maybe not race enduro. Which is a lot of people (including me).
but with a motor for the dadbod
Also, I am middle aged but not (and never will be) a dad. So, I guess I will sit out that race.
@5afety3rd: The name of my bike is "Enduro", so, I don't know what to do since I don't race enduro.
For some riders that's going to be exactly what they want, while others might want a bike with a bigger appetite for the gnarly stuff.
Application: jack of all trades, master of none
Style: rough tracks, not races
Stiffness: soft
Pros: great climber, good spec for price
Cons: too soft generally
Just a thought
That’s where this bike could be better option for many people who want a long travel bike that’s not too much bike to make the everyday rides dull.
Certainly isn’t a knock on the product to say that it’s not the ideal enduro race bike.
For me, even though I don’t particularly like Santa Cruz Bicycles as a company, the 22 Bronson is the Shit!!
I guess what I'm saying is that the Yeti still is considered an ideal race bike. I actually liked it as an all-rounder too though. So maybe more what I'm saying is....it's hard to say what an 'ideal' race bike is.
But I'm 100 on board with you that it's not a knock. And most folks would be served very very well with a bike like this. I've also never had a SC, but stoked you're digging the Bronson. I demoed a previous version and had a blast. Someday I'll try one out
This one is apparently overly soft yet still can't straight line. What do you think the issue is?
Take the time to dial in each rider to each bike using a system like this. That way, you establish something of a consistent baseline. System says bike is best it can be for rider X. Then they go on their test rides.
Honestly, anything short of this renders all these tests nonsense. Each rider has their own meat brain set of feels that they sort of apply on the fly to sort of think they have the bike set up properly in the limited time they have. When the general consensus is it takes a couple weeks of riding to properly dial in a bike.
One day, I said it here first, there will be a bot that rides bikes. With this you can empirically test virtually any aspect of a bike under perfectly replicable scenarios. But until then, it is incumbent upon PB/Outside to utilize the tools available now. IMO, of course.
Rob's Time: 27:28.46 (Good enough for 11th place in the ESW Pro race 1.7 seconds behind Sam Hill in 10th)
Source: admin.enduroworldseries.com/uploads/documents/races/1661028238.pdf
Source for the EWS Pro race Sugarloaf results for comparison:
admin.enduroworldseries.com/uploads/documents/races/1661114622.pdf
The La Sal is FAST!
Not trying to argue, genuinely curious!
Should be in the "cons" section IMO. It mings hard.
A better comparison would be Forbidden. They're a relatively new brand as well, and they've positioned themselves in a much better way from the get-go.
I’ve spent time on this bike with the fox setup and Rock Shox (Zeb and SuperD) and I prefer the latter. Super fun bike and versatile to be your daily driver but still hold up on the chunk. Starting price of $4k is pretty sick too.
The real question is how does it handle the emotional ups and downs of waiting for @brianpark to let us bag-holding Beta subscribers how we're going to be made whole?
Have an opinion guys come on!
1. Most bikes, in terms of performance, are within 1-2% of most other bikes in a given category; lots of manufacturers are making solid rigs.
2. Some of the more 'meh' reviews are likely to drop earlier in the order - save the good stuff for later in the field test release cycle.
What's covered but not driven home in the article is how FANTASTIC this bike is for a smaller rider. I'm 5'2" and I'm running 180mm dropper, fitting a full size bottle, enjoying size-specific geo, and that slight flex that's mentioned - I'll go ahead and say that it's the perfect amount of compliance for an aggressive lighter rider.
The advantages for the La Sal for me is that I'm not THAT far away from Fezzari's headquarters and they have a good rep for customer service. And as mentioned the short rear end is good for switchbacks. Plus I have had really good experiences with DVO suspension, which they spec on their base model.
For the Propain, it's the sportier pedaling feel - as I'll use it as a very heavy duty trail bike, the possible better balance in larger sizes due to the chainstays, and the GX vs NX drivetrain. I don't like that they spec a non-piggyback Rockshox deluxe on the base model, though, as it seems an odd choice for this type of bike (particularly as I'm not small and ride where it's often very hot).
I really should get out to Moab for Outer bike and test ride both, but it might be just a bit too far.
I put a dvo jade x coil on mine and it feels way better than the rs super deuce that came on it. It’s a bike that just works better with a coil. But you should try the la sal. Some people like those short chain stays. I know as a tall dude I really prefer the longer back end and the bike being balanced.
I am a big fan of my new dhr evos... Seeking confirmation of my choice haha
And what about the other complaint? Supple suspension because of a light shock tune is a con? The damper on that shock has dials for a reason.
Also that anecdote about frame stiffness. Is that solely based on your impression or on a measurement? Without any context or point of reference, saying the bike isn't as "solid as other options" is about as useful as talking about the weather. Could you even say what you felt was purely down to the frame? Those wheels are known to have quite a lot of flex. IIRC their big selling point is that they are designed to be compliant. Did you take that into consideration? And what is a "general soft feel" even supposed to be? A sofa cushion can feel soft, but a bike? Like, please use your words...
Sorry for being negative, but the review is honestly a bit lackluster.
Might be worth a try for at hydro homie
You have to remember with these pro reviews that the testers are spoiled by riding the very best equipment from all brands and expected to try to make them sound as unique as possible even though they are all designed around the same intended usage with similar geometry. They're like movie reviewers who are jaded and can't seem to say anything positive about an entertaining flick unless it's Oscar award worthy.
If you mostly just bomb park, then it's likely not for you. I nearly always ride up and down, so something that gets me up the hill in a fairly good manner while not holding me back(too much) bombing down is what I'm looking for. I have a Ripmo that's really nice in that regard, but I'm considering a bike with that extra inch of travel.
And that's great.
Internet retailers are the death of LBS, not d2c bike companies. Unless it's an emergency, I order everything online and pay less for stuff that the LBS rarely stocks.