This article is part of the Mtbr's Enduro Compare-O. See all the stories in this special section here--https://reviews.mtbr.com/category/enduro-compare-o-2014
The moment of truth came when we first clipped in to our Fezzari Timp Peak. As we outlined in our First Look, Fezzari's internet-based, direct-to-consumer model allows the Average Joe Rider to play product manager, selecting sizing, parts and spec. Sounds great in theory, but what if we screwed up? What if we built a Frankenbike?
It turns out our fears were unfounded. Not only would Fezzari's excellent customer support staff help make sure the build was up to snuff, but the Timp Peak's inherently excellent chassis, and a dialed parts mix collaborated to create a truly pleasant surprise rides in our Compare-O. From that first pedal stroke we had a feeling the Timp Peak was a winner, and the fact we literally had to pry it away from our last test rider, speaks volumes about the goods the Fezzari delivers.
Photo by Tyler Frasca.
It's all about the Frame
The Timp Peak's frame is an all-carbon affair-front and rear triangle, as well as the suspension linkage-which equates to an extremely light ensemble with excellent lateral rigidity. With 150mm of front and rear travel the Timp Peak is right in the sweet spot of our Compare-O bike selection, as are its 67 degree head tube angle, and 13-inch bottom bracket height-spot-on for a 27.5-inch wheel bike.
Accordingly the Timp Peak descends with confidence. It loves to carve singletrack and is easy to throw around in technical turns, as well as the air. And while the bike is indeed quite lively when you push it, it comes at the expense of small bump sensitivity and suppleness.
"It might not be the plushest of rides," observed one test rider. "But don't let that hold you back though, because when the going gets rough, the bike's 150mm travel comes out to play."
True-to-form, the Fezzari admirably managed the hits-and mis-hits-on three-to-four-foot drops and a few cased doubles. Again, we didn't get that soft soak-up, but we didn't feel even near the edge of disaster either.
That lack of plushness may actually be a plus when the trail turns skyward and the Timp Peak shows some XC-like personality.
"At just over 26 pounds, and with its stable suspension setup, the Timp Peak ascends very efficiently," said one reviewer. "Even with a wide-open rear shock, this bike really climbed well."
As looks go, the Timp Peak goes for a low-key, flat black approach. It doesn't have great lines or graphics but it's not unattractive either. Our crew generally liked the functional look that seems more purposeful than artistic.
Coming Around to the Cables
The Timp Peak came with a handlebar remote to simultaneously control the Fox three-mode, Climb-Trail-Descend-or CTD-front and rear suspension. Like with other bikes in our test-the Scott Genius 720 and the Rocky Mountain Altitude-we fought through our aesthetic displeasure at the tangle of cables near the head tube, and started to "get" how such a setup can improve the ride.
Like a dropper post remote, the ability to change your suspension on-the-fly becomes both more intuitive and more useful the more you take advantage of it. With standard suspension controls we find ourselves leaving the shock and fork in less-than-ideal modes because we can't-or don't feel like-reaching down and fiddling with knobs and levers. Conversely, having a convenient lever at the fingertips, encourages more frequent and appropriate use of the Climb, Trail and Descend modes. And one thing we've learned about remote systems is they allow you to set the suspension softer since it's so convenient to switch it to Trail or Climb mode.
Some of our riders would rather live without than to have yet another handlebar control and the cabling that goes with it. But after riding with such systems for a while, they became more understanding.
"I like a clean cockpit with as few controls and cables as possible," commented one rider. "But I get it-if you used the suspension remote as frequently as you adjust your seatpost or shift gears, your bike's gonna be better adjusted to changing trail conditions."
Continue to Page 2 for more on the Fezzari Timp Peak and full photo gallery »
Factory-Direct Value to Spare
Though some of our readers will undoubtedly still scoff at an MSRP north of $6K, the Timp Peak-with its 1x11 drivetrain and Reynolds carbon wheels-is actually a steal. The beauty of Fezzari's online process is that you can opt to leave out the carbon wheels and/or the 1x11 drivetrain to get the price sub-$5000 pretty easily.
Reynold's excellent AM Tubeless 27.5 wheels and SRAM's almost top-of-the-line XO1 1x11 drivetrain underscore the fact that even at $6,300, the Fezzari Timp Peak represents a good value.
As it sits our $6,300 Timp Peak sports a comparable build to the both the $10k Santa Cruz Bronson Carbon, and the $7,700 Giant Trance Advanced 27.5 0 with their carbon wheelsets and 1x11 drivetrains. Fezzari may not have the brand power of the other two bikes, but on value it beats 'em both, and comes with impressive performance to boot.
Right-Sizing for Your Riding Style
During testing, the component choices and correct part sizing really added to the capability of the bike. Our 32-tooth chainring selection, along with a 50mm stem and 750mm bars combo are a few of the variables we were able to choose with helpful consultation from Fezzari. Most riders found them to be spot-on for the kind of riding and personality we wanted in the Timp Peak.
The only thing we goofed on was the dropper post. A 150mm drop Reverb dropper post was a bit too tall for riders under 5-foot-9 or so-which only happened because we had so many different riders testing the bike. A 125 mm drop post makes more sense for a rider on the shorter side of a medium sized bike. Regardless, accommodating multiple riders is not a concern for most customers.
It's a What?
One of the few knocks on the Timp Peak is its lack of cachet. Certainly an Ibis or Santa Cruz or Pivot garners more on-trail oohs and aahs. And you can expect questions like "Who the heck is Fezzari?" and "How does it ride?" But if you're like us, the answer will be something along the lines of…"They're a good bunch of folks in Utah, and this bike rails!" We suspect that the Fezzari brand will gain more fans as more riders get a chance to ride the Timp Peak.
What else didn't we like? Well, there was a bit of cable rattle, as we suspect the internal cables are not supported or sleeved inside the frame-minor but noticeable in rough conditions.
All-in-all, those minor niggles really left the small bump compliance as the only truly functional complaint.
Who is This Bike For?
The Timp Peak is a great bike for the rider who prefers value and performance over jaw-dropping wow-factor. As one test rider put it, the Fezzari isn't the tool-of-choice for big mountain-style enduros, but fares well on terrain that rewards snappy handling and a more aggressive style of trail riding.
"I'm thinking about replacing my XC bike with one of these," said another reviewer. "With its light weight and lock-outs, I'd do no worse on it in the few XC and team races I enter…and I could ride it on a wider range of everyday terrain."
The Last Word
The Fezzari Timp Peak is a great value and a solid performer. In this day-and-age of high-priced bikes, and components that don't quite fit, the Fezzari stands out as both a tremendous value, and a highly scalable, customizable option. Fezzari's customer service and attention-to-detail is excellent. Despite being a relative unknown, the Timp Peak held its own against an armada of dream bikes, and we're confident that many buyers would be pleased with this package.
The Good
- Premium bike performance at a non-premium price
- Outstanding dollar for spec value
- Lightweight, responsive full-carbon frame
- Customizable buying options
- Great customer support
The Bad
- Lack of small bump compliance
- Some cable rattle within the frame
- No brand "wow" factor
- Hard to test ride
- Lots of cables
Price and Trickle Down Versions
Timp Peak XX1 1x11 w/Reynolds AM Carbon Wheels (as tested but with XO1): $6399
Timp Peak XX1 1x11: $5499
Timp Peak XT: $3999
2014 Fezzari Timp Peak XO1 with Reynold Carbon Wheels Key Specs
- MRSP: $6399 US
- Weight: 26.36 pounds (size medium, without pedals)
- Wheel size: 27.5 inches
- Frame Material: Full carbon
- Travel/Suspension: Rear: 150mm/Fox Float CTD Kashima; Front: 150mm/Fox 34 Float CTD Kashima
- Drivetrain: SRAM XO1, 1 x 11 12-42, 30-tooth front ring
- Brakes: Shimano XT,
- Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth, 125mm drop
- Wheelset/Tires: Reynolds AM Tubeless 27.5, Maxxis Ardent 2.25-inch tires
- Bars/Stem: Race Face Atlas Stealth, 780mm bars
- Bottom bracket type: Shimano Press Fit
- Head tube angle: 67 degrees
- Seat tube angle: 72.5 degrees
- Chainstay length: 17.2 inches
- Bottom bracket height: 13 inches
This story is part of Mtbr's 2014 Enduro Compare-O. Check out our intro story here for all the ground rules and goings ons.