If you caught our Fezzari HQ Tour earlier this year, you already knew this bike was coming. But now, Fezzari has unveiled all the details on their latest fat bike. That bike has also already been properly tested with the claim of the “first fat bike crossing of Iceland,” by Chris
Burkard and Gus Morton, along with Rebecca Rusch. Having successfully completed the north-to-south route across the island of fire and ice, the new Fezzari Kings Peak should be up to adventure you can get yourself into.
One look at the new Kings Peak confirms that it’s a completely different beast. Gone is the humped top tube in favor of something that should not only lower standover height, but adds a three-pack mount for accessories. Also gone is the small triangle reinforcement in front of the seat tube resulting in shorter seat tube heights for increased dropper post size. There are more mounts, and everything is more svelte, from the fork to the rear dropouts. The previous Kings Peak was a good bike, but this one looks massively improved.
Monoform Fat Bike
Fezzari points out that those 197 x 12 dropouts are a big deal, since they were able to produce this carbon fiber frame with their MonoForm 1-piece molding in spite of the massively wide dropouts. That means that this frame is molded in one piece, rather than two or more that are later bonded together. Their claim is that this avoids adding additional joints and excess resin which results in a lighter frame with better ride characteristics.
2022 Fezzari Kings Peak Geometry
The geometry chart highlights two other big changes for the Kings Peak—it now rolls on 27.5″ wheels and tires, and they added a fourth frame size. When it comes to wheel size, there are still quite a few 26″ holdouts, but it seems that the industry has moved on to 27.5″ as the defacto tire size for fat bikes. Fezzari claims that comes down to the size of the tire contact patch, stating that the contact patch for a 27.5 x 4.5″ tire is longer than the contact patch of a 26 x 5.0″ tire.
A bigger contact patch should provide more traction, flotation, and the bigger wheels should roll faster, so other than the increased weight of a 27.5″ wheel and tire, there are a number of benefits. However, the frame can still run up to 26 x 5.0″ tires if desired.
Kings Peak Pricing and Models
In terms of specifications, the Kings Peak is built around the SRAM Fat 5 crankset with a 208.5mm q-factor and 76.5mm chainline. Those cranks are mounted to a 100mm BSA threaded bottom bracket shell, and the frame runs internal cable routing through the ZS44/ZS56 head tube. While all framesets include their rigid Fat King Carbon V3 fork, it’s perfectly sized at 511mm axle to crown and features a 150 x 15mm axle for easy swaps to a suspension fork—like a 100mm travel RockShox Bluto with the same axle to crown measurement.
All complete bikes are also initially priced without a dropper seat post, though Fezzari allows you to add a dropper once you put the bike in your cart. They also give you the option to choose frame color of Ash Gray or White Amber, add pedals or dropper post, add a tubeless setup, an extra derailleur hanger, and more.
Pricing for complete bikes starts at $2,399 for the Kings Peak Comp with SRAM NX Eagle, and $2,899 for the Kings Peak Elite which bumps up to SRAM GX Eagle.
Limited Edition Frameset
Want a frameset? Fezzari will also be offering the ‘Chirs Burkard Expedition’ frame in yellow with special graphics throughout the bike. These are a limited edition, and they also include the shortest lead time—just 1-2 weeks. Compare that to 6-18 weeks depending on the model and color, and this is definitely your best chance of getting the new Kings Peak before the snow flies (or finishes).
As for the original frame that Chris rode through Iceland? That bike is currently on display at a bike shop back in Iceland, and will eventually be auctioned off with all proceeds to be donated. We’re also told that there will be a documentary soon on the expedition, likely around the first of the year.
