1 year ago

For the full written review, visit the site here:
https://theloamwolf.com/2022/11/07/2022-enduro-shootout-fezzari-la-sal-peak/

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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