We asked: “What does it take to make a best-in-class downhill bike?”

The pros answered: “Make the head angle less than 66 degrees;” “Make the bottom bracket height less than 14.5 inches;” “Make an active platform so that I can pedal, too;” “Get the weight close to 40 lbs;” “Put World Cup class components on it;” “Make it extremely durable;” “Oh, yeah, can you make it affordable, too?”

Uh, sure. So our engineers went to the drawing board and came up with the Widows Peak. And then we tested, and refined, and tested, and refined, and tested, and refined. You get the picture. Finally, we said, “It’s ready.”

The result? A head angle that’s 65 degrees; bottom bracket height of 14.25 inches; an active platform that keeps the bike lively (more on that later); weight just over 40 lbs; World Cup class components from grips to tires; extremely durable; and finally, yes, affordable.

The Widows Peak was designed by – and for – the most discriminating riders. Starting with the Fezzari Racing Active Platform F235 8.5 inch travel frame, we didn’t want the shock to be the platform, which tends to take some of the liveliness out of it. So we designed a platform into the frame through the linkage positions. It has a rising rate in the pedal range, for solid pedaling, and then a linear rate after, to absorb the big bumps. We then matched it with the latest C-tuned Rockshox Vivid shock to make a super-lively bike that still absorbs big hits. Also, the Vivid is fully adjustable on both ends of the travel spectrum – a first in shocks. So you can dial the Widows Peak suspension exactly to your riding preference.

While we were at it, we did a few other things to the frame: a machined 1.5 inch headtube and oversized headset for additional strength and reliability; a 12x150mm bolt through rear axle for an extra stiff rear end and less rear wheel dish (for increased rear wheel strength); a CNC-machined replaceable derailleur hanger for strength and reliability; ISCG tabs that mount to the frame instead of the cranks or bottom bracket, sealed 10mm roller bearings on the swing arm for long-term reliability (rather than the industry standard 8mm); hydroformed aluminum tubing for increased strength; and a wider bottom bracket shell (83mm) for increased stability at high speed.

Then, add to that the Fox 40 fork; a SRAM X.9 derailleur and shifter; Avid Code brakes with 8-inch rotors; Truvativ stem and bars; Truvativ Holzfeller crankset; Thompson seat post; lock-on grips; a set of perfectly matched Maxxis tires; and your choice of Deemax, DT Swiss, or Azonic wheels, and … well, you get the picture – a World Cup class bike.

But how does it ride? Try it out yourself. We’ve got limited quantities, and we’ll custom build one specifically for you. Reserve yours today and we’ll have you heading toward the World Cup in no time.

  WOW!
by Joey (Escondido)
April 8, 2008

At first i wasnt to sure, but after riding this beautiful rig i was stunned! Talk about awsome! Fezzari overdid themselves with these components, but just look at the price!! AMAZING!

  Incredible DH rig!
by Damon (SLC, UT)
February 28, 2008

I have been testing and racing the Widows Peak for several months and this thing is amazing! It is light and lively feeling and moves with just a flick. It pedals better than any DH bike I have ever been on, yet can still take on the big hits. It has a really stiff platform that is in the pedaling range, not from the shock but from the suspension design, that makes it incredibly responsive. You can pop off of anything in the trail and jump over obstacles. The geo is spot on and the weight is carried way low in the chassis making it incredibly stable and easy to turn. It is very comfortable and predictable in the air. The Vivid shock is a perfect fit for this bike. The design does not need a pedaling platform which can dull the small bump sensitivity and take away a lively feel so the Vivid is the perfect choice. You can tune it to fit any course and it smoothes out the big hits nicely.