2015 Fezzari Timp Peak X01

(discontinued)

Reviewed by Brandon Turman and Steve Wentz // Photos by Lear Miller


Introduced in 2014, the Fezzari Timp Peak is the brand's first full carbon dual suspension mountain bike. Sporting 150mm of travel, 27.5-inch wheels, and geometry that makes it a good all-arounder, the bike is best suited to trail, all-mountain, and light duty enduro race use. For many the most appealing aspect of the bike is the great value it represents - a comparable build on most competitors' full carbon frames would set you back nearly $10,000, while the Timp Peak slots in at just over $6,000 thanks to a direct to consumer sales model. Curious to see how it stacks up against the competition, we spent some quality time aboard the bike during the 2015 Vital MTB Test Sessions in San Luis Obispo, California.

Highlights

• Carbon frame
• 27.5-inch wheels
• 150mm (5.9-inches) of rear wheel travel // 150mm (5.9-inches) front
• Tapered head tube
• 67-degree head angle
• 72.5-degree effective seat tube angle
• 367mm (14.4-inch) measured bottom bracket height
• 438mm (17.2-inch) chainstays
• Press Fit bottom bracket
• 142mm rear spacing with 12mm through axle
• Measured complete weight (size 18", no pedals): 25-pounds, 14-ounces (11.7kg)
• $6,199 MSRP

At just 3.75-pounds without the shock, the Timp Peak's low frame weight coincides with the relatively skinny tube appearance of the carbon front end, rear triangle, and rocker link. Fezzari says they did their best to optimize the strength to weight ratio on this frame. This adds up to a very respectable complete build weight of 25.9-pounds. That's nearly 2-pounds lighter than any of the 15 other men's bikes in our Test Sessions lineup, at a cost thousands less than the next closest competitor.

When it comes to the carbon construction process, Fezzari utilizes 3D printing machines to create collapsible mandrels, which, according to Fezzari, allow a tighter wrapping of carbon for higher strength and lower weight. The process gives the inside of the tubes a smooth finish and better consistency over a larger number production frames. Mandrels are removed before the curing process, piece by piece. The carbon layup uses smaller sheets of carbon at junctions to make the layup more precise while decreasing carbon fiber waste. The brand says this technique is more expensive to use but creates better performance at a lower weight. A mix of carbon types are used to tune stiffness, flex, and weight in strategic locations. On the Timp Peak, an additional carbon plate is integrated into the underside of the downtube for impact resistance and frame protection, though there's no rubber guard like on many other carbon frames.

Cable routing is internal for the rear brake, rear derailleur, optional front derailleur, and stealth dropper seatpost. Rubber grommets at the cable ports help keep moisture and grime out of the frame.


The rear suspension design is a linkage driven single pivot design called FRD Tetralink, where the main pivot doubles as the lower shock mount. The compact design puts the shock in a pretty convenient position for on-the-fly adjustments while leaving plenty of space for a water bottle inside the front triangle. Just one linkage pivot point utilizes bearings, while the remaining points rely on Igus bushings. We noticed some slight binding while cycling the linkage with the shock removed, as is typical of frames with bushings.

Our test bike came equipped with SRAM's X01 drivetrain, but it's also possible to set it up with a 2X system. It uses a press fit bottom bracket and there are no ISCG mounts, but if one wanted a chain guide the direct front derailleur mount could be used for a top guide. Additional details include ~1cm of rear tire mud clearance, a tapered head tube, and 12x142mm rear axle.

What's the Timp Peak name all about? Fezzari's headquarters near Salt Lake City, Utah is surrounded by several large mountain peaks. The Timp Peak is named after Mount Timpanogos, which the bike was tested on prior to production.

The early 2015 release Timp Peak X01 model comes in at $6,199, even with carbon wheels. Fezzari has historically offered several models of this bike, so we expect additional builds will be offered in the future.


On The Trail

Our time aboard the Timp Peak was split between the wide open, jump filled trails of Montana de Oro State Park and the rocky and rougher singletrack on West Cuesta Ridge in San Luis Obispo. The two offered a good variety of terrain to see where the bike is best suited.

Every bike Fezzari sells goes through a 23-point custom setup program to ensure it's just right for you. They consider your riding style and use measurements including your height, weight, inseam, torso, and arm length to determine a good setup. Bar width, stem length, saddle position, crank length, brake reach and angle are considered in the equation. They'll even trim the stock 800mm wide RaceFace Sixc35 carbon bars to your desired width. With a 50mm RaceFace Atlas35 stem in place, the cockpit on our size 18-inch test frame (428mm reach, 584mm effective top tube) felt perfectly roomy while standing while also putting us in an upright position for seated climbs.

A single bottomless token was added to the RockShox RCT3 Solo Air Pike fork, and the rear RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 DebonAir shock seated sag was set to the recommended 30% before hitting the trails.

While the claimed 330mm (13.0-inch) bottom bracket height sounds low, when we measured it to the center of the bottom bracket it actually comes in quite tall at around 367mm (14.4-inches). In talks with Fezzari after riding the Timp Peak, we learned that the number was quoted from when the bike used a shorter shock, before reaching production. Unfortunately this discrepancy makes use question the listed geometry. Fezzari has since updated the site to read 349mm (13.75-inches). The bike's moderately slack 67-degree head tube angle lends itself to all-around use, providing a good compromise of chunk eating capability and quick handling traits. At times the handling felt so quick that we're inclined to think the bike may be a bit steeper.

Numbers aside, when pointed downhill the Timp Peak is quite fun to ride. It has a very calm and controlled disposition most of the time, which inspires you to let loose and jump around. The bike's low weight only adds to the playfulness. The ride is comfortable and confidence inspiring at slow and medium speeds.


Aided by the Monarch Debonair shock, rear suspension performance is quite good with a supple and active feel when off the brakes, which balances well with the Pike fork. The bike responds quickly to rider inputs, and changing lines at a moment's notice is easy to do. The snug 438mm chain stays add to the snappy, precise feel and encourage you to whip it around turns and pop wheelies. There's enough progression built into the system to prevent a harsh bottom out while still allowing it to use a good amount of travel often. This compromise is often difficult to master in a single pivot design.


On the brakes the suspension feel is quite different, however, as the rear brake placement on the chain stay creates an excessive amount of brake squat. This firms up the suspension greatly during heavy braking, which can cause it to feel a little harsh. As trails became truly rough and fast, requiring more braking power quickly, the suspension felt a tad overwhelmed. Most of the time it was great, but occasionally we would hit a rough section that felt a whole lot more square than it was. When slowing from high speeds we also sometimes noted a severe chatter/vibration feeling as the suspension would be forced to compress, causing a momentary loss of traction, rebound, catch traction again, and repeat until we let off the brakes. Delicate rear brake modulation was the only solution to the problem. This occurred a handful of times each ride. Subsequent re-tests of the bike by the company on their own trails haven't reproduced this result.

Because the rear brake line is secured to the rocker before entering the top tube, when the suspension compresses the brake line is forced into the top tube. The Timp Peak lacks any sort of internal guide system for the cable, so this can create a lot of internal rattling. It was not all the time, but when it did happen, we couldn't help but wonder if it was something actually wrong, or if it was just the cables acting as drumsticks inside the frame. While it's possible to add a little bit of electrical tape around the brake cable where it exits the frame near the seat tube, re-routing the brake externally or past the lower pivot would create a quieter ride.

Speaking of the routing, we wish there were two ports for cables on the left of the frame, and two on the right. Currently there are three cables that enter the frame by the headtube on the right side, and only one on the left. As sent from the factory this makes for an awkward rear brake line that has more bend than it should have and a more cluttered front end than we would want.


Sprinting, the bike reacts pretty quickly, stands up in the travel, and gains speed well. Seated climbs are just fine with the shock wide open with no drastic loss of power or suspension movement, leaving it free to absorb bumps and keep traction. The 72.5-degree seat tube angle puts you in a good position for climbs while still being easy to get the front end up over obstacles. We experienced no front end pushing in uphill switchbacks, which it snapped right around. Technical climbs were handled very well for the most part, so long as we were smooth and spun up them. The geometry helped with this, especially the high bottom bracket height.

Build Kit

As we mentioned previously, most bikes with a comparable spec run several thousands more, so you know the components are all the cream of the crop from RockShox, SRAM, Race Face, Ergon, Reynolds, and Schwalbe. The bike arrived almost fully built, requiring just 20 minutes of our time to have it assembled and ready to rip.


Up front, the RockShox Pike RCT3 Solo Air fork provided buttery smooth action, great sensitivity, a dialed chassis, and good bottom out control with one or more Bottomless Tokens installed. We'd love a little more high speed support, but as we've noted before it's a remarkable fork for the vast majority of riders. In the rear suspension department, the Monarch Plus Debonair did a commendable job masking some storied single pivot flaws, and made the relatively simple system work well in most circumstances.


New for 2015, the Timp Peak comes setup tubeless with the recently updated Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.35-inch tires (not the Maxxis Ardents mentioned on their site). Traction was quite good on both sandy and loose-over-hard terrain, but then again dirt conditions were very favorable. On drier, more gravely terrain, we did experience some front end washing when really pushing it, which was tough to recover from given the compound that came stock on the Fezzari. We'd love a softer TrailStar rubber compound installed up front, but the stock PaceStar version will last quite a bit longer, especially out back. The tires roll quickly while providing much better cornering traction than the previous version.


The 3.8-pound Reynolds 27.5AM Carbon tubeless wheels help keep the weight down where it really counts while adding to the precise feel of the bike. With our tire pressures at 28psi up front and 31psi in the rear, the Reynolds wheels didn't have an overly harsh feel that some carbon wheels do. Hub engagement was average. They still ran very true at the conclusion of our test.

SRAM's new Guide RSC brakes coupled with dual 180mm rotors provided plenty of power, good modulation, and improved feel and adjustment range over the Avid X0 Trail predecessors. We experienced no inconsistencies or fading. We feel the Timp Peak would benefit from a smaller rotor in the back, though. Less force going into the rear suspension would be a positive thing without hampering braking too much, and an already light bike would become marginally lighter.


The SRAM X01 drivetrain worked flawlessly with quick shifts and plenty of range while remaining dead silent. Hard charging riders may consider a top chain guide, as well as sizing up from the stock 30-tooth chainring. While there is a neoprene chainstay guard for chainslap, there is no guard on the inside of seat stay which could help quiet the bike a touch more.

Once again, the RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post functioned very smoothly, and Fezzari took care to spec the most ergonomic lever option possible.


If you're not sold on any one component, Fezzari will upgrade or change out parts at a very reasonable price without charging any restocking or shop fees.

Long Term Durability

Other than a few paint chips on the rocker link and the potential for the Igus bushings to require service more often than bearings, we've seen nothing that indicates a potential durability issue. All Fezzari bikes come with a 30 day money back guarantee and a three year warranty on the carbon frame, which speaks well about the confidence they have in the product. All other original components are warranted for one year.


What's The Bottom Line?

The 2015 Fezzari Timp Peak is a quick handling trail/all-mountain bike that's capable of taming a wide variety of terrain while remaining incredibly light and pedal friendly. It's well balanced for the most part, though the above average bottom bracket height gave us some trouble in corners and lacked that oh so coveted feeling of being 'in' the bike. The rest of the geometry encourages you to play, however, making even mundane trails more enjoyable. Lower the bottom bracket, solve the brake squat problem, sort the cable routing, and give us ISCG tabs and you've got an outstanding ride. While the build kit may be better, we feel Fezzari needs to dial in the details to really knock it out of the park. That said, it's a good value considering the great build kit and care that goes into each purchase. Buying direct may be a sticky point for some as you lose the shop component, but Fezzari has programs in place to make setup and warranty as smooth and seamless as possible, even for the novice rider.

Visit www.fezzari.com for more details.

Bonus Gallery: 16 photos of the 2015 Fezzari Timp Peak up close and in action

About The Reviewers

Steve Wentz - A man of many talents, Steve got his start in downhilling at a young age. He has been riding for over 18 years, 11 of which have been in the Pro ranks. Asked to describe his riding style he said, "I like to smooth out the trail myself." Today he builds some of the best trails in the world (and eats lots of M&M's).

Brandon Turman - Brandon likes to pop off the little bonus lines on the sides of the trail, get aggressive when he's in tune with a bike and talk tech. In 15 years of riding he worked his way through the Collegiate downhill ranks to the Pro level. Formerly a Mechanical Engineer, nowadays he's Vital MTB's resident product guy.

Which reviewer resembles you the most? Don't miss our Q&A with the testers for more insight about their styles and preferences.

About Test Sessions

Three years ago Vital MTB set out to bring you the most honest, unbiased reviews you'll find anywhere. That tradition continues today as we ride 2015's most exciting trail, all-mountain, and enduro bikes in San Luis Obispo, California. Reviews can be accessed 24/7 in our Product Guide. Test Sessions was made possible with the help of Foothill Cyclery. Tester gear provided by Five Ten, Race Face, Easton, Troy Lee Designs, Club Ride, Kali, Royal, Smith, Pearl Izumi, and Source.