Scroll the gallery to see peep the deets, then learn more about these two rad builds in the Q&A below:
Norm Nielsen and Ed Spinella, Fezzari's Factory Enduro Team Manager and East Coast Ambassador Leader, are both die hard bike enthusiasts and have been riding bikes for years. Norm and Ed started off as customers to the brand who bought bikes from Fezzari and became hooked. Over 5 years later, they’ve grown within the brand to be key players in the Enduro Racing and Ambassador Program. With the launch of the all-new La Sal Peak, they wanted to make their personal bikes something unique and special. They flew out to NYC, Ed’s home town, where they built up their own take on a Batman and Joker theme. See Q&A below.
Note: While these unique builds are unbelievably awesome, they are not offered by Fezzari. These customizations were solely done by Norm and Ed aftermarket.
Q&A with Norm and Ed
Q: Why the new La Sal?
-Norm
A: I was riding the @fezzari_bicycles Delano Peak and really loved that bike. It absolutely covers that do it all bike category. When I first saw the new La Sal I knew that it was the bike that fit the largest portion of my riding style. The new La Sal is Big, burly, and loves speed and chunk, my favorite kind of riding. I was really surprised that it pedaled extremely well. You pair that with all the goods Fezzari offers like life time warranty, love it or return it, and the best customer service in the business and it’s a Win-Win-Win.
-Ed
A: I was riding the previous LaSal when the new LaSal 2.0 was launched. The new frame geometry really appealed to me. Specifically the longer top tube and the lower standover height. My current LaSal has a 150/160 suspension and my new LaSal is set up 170/180 and still pedals so efficiently. It will be more then enough for me at DH parks and still be an incredible performing enduro bike. So for me, it’s two bikes in one.
Q: How did the Batman/Joker build come to fruition?
-Norm
A: Ed and I are fortunate enough to be tied into the Fezzari ambassadors. Last Sept we got a sneak peek of the bike and colors. One day on the phone Ed and I were talking about builds. The two of us geek out all the time about new stuff on the market. The topic of “what color bike are you going to get” came up, and Ed was talking about the Purple. I joking mentioned if you run the @dvosuspension green fork you’ll have a legit Barney bike. As I chuckled to myself it was dead silent on the other line. Cool as a cucumber Ed said “no I’ll have the perfect platform to build a Joker bike”. Over the next couple weeks we bounced things off each other and it was born. This build project has reminded me once again the memories made through the experience are the most important. New bikes come and go but building this bike with Ed and having my Son with me for the 4 days spent in New York will stay with me forever.
-Ed
A: Me and norm spitball about bikes all the time. It’s just so easy to talk bikes when you truly love all things cycling. We got a sneak peak of the frame colors early on and a convo ensued over a theme for the bikes. I’m from NY so I took on the very loud colorful joker build. Us NYers embrace the loud. Lol
Q: We are seeing more and more bikes build spec’d with DVO suspension. What are you running, and what are some of the reasons you are using DVO?
-Norm
Fork-Onyx D1 SC 180mm
Shock-Jade X 230x65 (170mm)
A: I switched over to DVO about 8 months ago after spending years on Fox. Right away the OTT was so spot on and money! It gave me that soft supple top end with mid and full stroke support. The little washboard chatter was smoothed out, and when I’d huck a drop I felt supported and bottomless. DVO puts out some high performance stuff. They are the dark horse in the suspension game.
-Ed
Fork-Onyx D1 SC 180mm
Shock-Jade X 230x65 170mm
A: I’m still learning a bunch about the DVO suspension. The reviews have been great and for me a huge selling point was that the FEZZARI enduro team is using it. If it can handle the abuse they put it through, then the DVO stuff will certainly handle what I throw at it.
Q: 223 rotor? We can’t help but notice those massive brakes!
-Norm
TRP Q2.3 SE Coupled with 2.3mm 223 rotors.
A: The new La Sal Peak can put you in steep, nasty country and at speeds that require a brake you can count on. The TRP brakes have the powers to stop a monster truck, and all doing that while dispersing heat and keeping your brake system cool and at prime operating conditions. These were a must for me. It’s not uncommon to have 4K foot descent up on Cedar mountain on a good day riding. A bike that can smash big county at speed needs the best of brakes.
-Ed
TRP Q2.3 SE Paired with 2.3mm 223 rotors.
A: TRP are known you have incredible brake packages. 223 rotor for the win. I don’t think I could ever have too much in the brake dept. It’s not a XC bike…it’s my go to enduro/DH bike. Great brakes are a must!
Q:Cushcore inserts make that big of a difference?
-Norm
Cushcore Pro 29er
A: Cushcore goes on ever bike I own. I love that Cushcore gives you added traction and stability. They Give you confidence to point and smash. These days a nice set of wheels can cost you a pretty penny. The cuchcores protect your investment!! I love there valve stems too.
-Ed
Cushcore Pro 29er
A: CushCores have been really good to me. I love the confidence they give me when I’m in the stuff that could damage my rims. I use them on my MTB’s and my Gravel bikes.
Q: DT Swiss wheels.
-Norm
DT Swiss EX511 240 hub.
A: This was one part of the build that has put me in the opposite direction than I am used to, and I am excited about that!!! For years I’ve been running carbon wheels with high engagement. These wheels are built for what I love doing the most and that’s fast,high speed smashing! I’ve been really reading up on the effects of pedal kickback and how engagement plays a roll in that. I’m stoked to really get after it on these DT Swiss wheels and see how reducing pedal kickback feels blasting through the big stuff.
-Ed
DT Swiss EX511 240 hub.
A: I have DT SWISS wheels on both my road and gravel bikes. I find them to be very durable. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this wheelset on my new LaSal. I know the FEZZARI enduro team is using them and they have had great luck with them. So if they can handle what the team throws at them, they will be overkill for me.
Q: Maxxis tires
-Norm
Front tire-2.5WT Assegai 3C max terra EXO +
Rear tire- 2.5WT Aggressor Double Down.
A: I love maxxis tires period. Choosing the right tread and casing was something I changed up a bit for this build. I am usually Assegai in the front and a DHR ll in the back both EXO casing. This time I stepped up in casing in the rear to a Double Down 2.5 Aggressor for some added protection. I couldn’t deviate from my Favorite front. I love the Assegai!! It grips and tracks so well in the corners for me as well as giving me confidence in traction. I don’t think I will ever go with another front tire. Maxxis tires is something that’s part of my bike that I feel I’m never taking a gamble on. They are consistent, high quality, and keep you glued to the terrain.
-Ed
Front tire-2.5WT Assegai EXO
Rear tire- 2.5WT Minion DHF EXO
A: I love the stability and traction I gain from using Maxxis tires. It’s all that use. The heavy casings offer me stability and the rubber compound in the tires makes my tires last longer then others I have used.
Q: Look Cycle pedals
-Norm
X-Track En-Rage pedal
A: I was getting ready for a MTB trip and I was
Scrambling to find some Shimano pedals. I couldn’t find a pair anywhere in my home town. One of the local
Bike shops had a set of En-Rage pedals by Look Cycle. I snagged a pair and boy were my eyes opened. These pedals are so crisp and clean to get in and out of. I found that I really never thought to try something new or different with that component of my bikes. It’s easy to just keep going back to what works. I would highly recommend trying Look Cycle pedals!
-Ed
X-Track En-Rage pedal
A: I’ve been using another brands platform/clip pedal. I gave these a try and I’ve really grown to like them. I find going in and out of my pedals far smoother. Def recommend them.
Q: Fasst Company Handle bars.
-Norm
Fasst Flexx handle Bars with 12 degree sweep.
A: If you haven’t heard of or seen the Fasst Company Flexx handle bars, you need to! Another must have for me. I was introduced to them a while back and wow what a difference they make in decreased arm pump, upper body fatigue, and an increase in comfort. The crazy part about this handle bars is I don’t even notice the flex when I ride. I sure do notice the comfort when going through small chattery bumps, and after my rides not having wrist and elbow pain. The 12 degree sweep coupled with the little bit of dampening makes my rides so much more enjoyable.
-Ed
Fasst Flexx handle Bars with 12 degree sweep.
A: What can I say about Fasst Flexx bars. I welcome anything that lessens my hand fatigue.
Q: MRP Chain guide/bash guard.
-Norm
MRP SXG Chain Guide/Bash Gaurd.
A: When specking this build out I wanted to keep it purpose driven. In other words I wanted to build this bike more specific for Enduro/Shuttle style rides. I wanted to make sure my bottom bracket was protected and to ensure my chain doesn’t come off at a crucial moment. I’ve been using MRP chain guide/bash guards for the last 3 years and have accomplished the to goals stated above. The craftsmanship, attention to fine little details, ease of application, and the fact it looks so good makes the SXG chain guide/ Bash guard the only choice. Install is a breeze. It’s very adjustable to fit a wide range of bikes. The thing can take an absolute beating and still function. The weight is minimal for what you get in return. This is another item that goes on all my bikes.
Ed-
MRP SXG Chain Guide/Bash Gaurd.
A: My first time using a bash Gaurd. With the jump up in suspension travel comes an increased possibility of hitting my chain ring. So I def felt it necessary to add this to this build. MRP put a custom white finish on mine and I love the way it looks. It’s all the small details that make for a great bike.
Q: Velocirax seems to be the rack of choice for more and more people.
-Norm
Velocirax 5X
A: About two years ago I was headed on a MTB trip with some good friends. We packed up the truck and we quickly realized that all our gear filled the bed of my truck. We scrambled and borrowed a vertical hanging bike rack so we could keep the bed of the truck for gear and not share it with the bikes like you would with a shuttle pad. After that trip I was on the hunt for best vertical bike rack and once I found the velocirax, there was no use to look any further. I love the design and ease of use with the 5X. The spacing allows me to load any sized bike without one touching the other. Little features like the hidden security cables, camp mode, and the over all quality is what makes this my choice to haul my bikes from adventure to adventure.
-Ed
Velocirax 412
A: The 412 velocirax has served me well on the back of my Mercedes SUV. I was a roof rack guy for a long time. I bought this SUV and installed a roof rack. It was far too difficult to put bike on the roof because this roof is higher then my previous sedan. I load 4 bikes on my velocirax with ease. No reason to go back on the roof again.
Q: Why Club Ride
-Norm
A: For the ride and everything after. Their slogan really says it all. I love Club Ride because it is great to ride in. It’s comfortable, stylish, breaths and has performance for athletic activities. I love wearing the fact that I can wear the stuff all day! A lot of times you hit a ride with your friends and then go grab some food and a drink after. With Club Ride you are comfortable doing both of those activities without a need to change trailside or in your car.
-Ed
A: I tried out Club Ride gear from a friend’s recommendation and I don’t regret my choice to wear Club Ride at all. It’s all so comfortable.. I use them when I ride and as casual wear also. Great quality.
Q:Ride Concepts
-Norm
A: Best riding shoes I’ve found. When you can be post ride 3 hours and then realize you’re still in your riding shoes, that says something. I love the fact they have a little more protection for my toes, and a mid shoe that protects your ankle.
-Ed
A: Absolutely the most comfortable shoe I’ve tried yet. I clip in when I ride and sometimes clip shoes can be uncomfortable, not the case with Ride concepts. I also have Ride Concept shoes that I wear casually all the time. Great quality shoes.
Q: Stikrd
-Norm
A: When it came down to customizing the frame, suspension, cranks, handle bars, pretty much anything we wanted to on this build, there was really only one choice. Stikrd has taken the customization game to the next level!
-Ed
A: Coming from a guy who owned a sign business for over 20 years I can tell you my professional opinion that STIKRD puts out some high quality decals for all your needs. They are easy to deal with and real fair with their pricing.
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