Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano Review
- Price: $7999
- Frame: Super-Light Monoform™ CleanCast™ Carbon
- Gear: 2×12
- Tires: 28c
What we like about it: The wide range of speed options, and the ultra-light carbon frame.
What we don’t like about it: It’s pricey for some riders.
Rating: (4.85/5)
As the weather gradually warms up, more and more cycling enthusiasts are preparing to embark on their cycling journeys. So how do you choose the right bike? We will continue to bring you more real and effective reviews.
As we know, Fezzari is known for its high quality and excellent user experience. And this Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano has a super-light Monoform™ CleanCast™ carbon frame that is not only lightweight but also durable. In addition, the wide-ranging 2×12 Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9250 transmission is not only smooth shifting but also ensures that you can handle more road conditions. Moreover, the high-quality Maxxis High Road 28c Tubeless tires and sophisticated geometry design make it not only a high-performance bike but also a luxury bike.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, specifications, features, and other versions of the Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, you can follow us.
Riding on the Grand Canyon Greenway
In my opinion, any evaluation without actually experiencing the ride is incomplete. That’s why we went to the Grand Canyon Greenway in Arizona. Before riding, we did some research and found out that it’s a 13-mile bike path that runs through the Grand Canyon National Park.
We were excited to ride on the Grand Canyon Greenway, and the Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano did not disappoint.
The bike path has relatively good pavement, which makes the surface relatively smooth. However, the Empire SL Team Edition Shimano with its high-quality Maxxis High Road 28c Tubeless tires has better traction, especially when I accelerated through turns, making it more stable.
In addition, the 2×12 Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9250 electronic shifting is not only more convenient and fast when shifting gears, but the wide range of speed options also makes it easier for me to adapt to changing terrain.
The relaxing and enjoyable ride on the Grand Canyon Greenway allowed me to appreciate the unique charm of the Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano and the beautiful scenery of the Grand Canyon Greenway.
Riding in Antelope Canyon
We experienced the Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano on the Grand Canyon Greenway, but we didn’t stop there. We went to Antelope Canyon, which is a 10-mile bike path that passes through red sandstone canyons and unique rocks.
Before riding, we were concerned whether the carbon fiber frame would effectively reduce vibrations, given the relatively challenging road conditions. However, the Empire SL Team Edition Shimano’s lightweight Super-Light Monoform™ CleanCast™ Carbon frame made uphill riding easier for me. Even when faced with downhill challenges, its carbon fiber fork played a role in absorbing shocks.
Furthermore, the flexible Vision Metron 4D Handlebar Carbon Integrated allowed me to have more flexible control when encountering sudden turns.
Riding Experience
This bike not only has excellent riding performance but also won’t make you feel overly fatigued. This is thanks to the Ergon SR Pro Carbon saddle, which is more suitable for men with its flat profile and comfortable padding. Moreover, the overall shape and deep cut-out channel match perfectly with the male body structure. In addition, the innovative OrthoCell® material ensures maximum rebound force, which, in my personal experience, is more durable and lighter than gel.
It’s worth noting that the bike’s intersection point between the rear triangle and the seat post is designed to be lower. This achieves better shock absorption. In addition, the MonoForm™ frame structure eliminates dead angles that increase vibration frequency in the rear triangle. After finishing our bike ride, I easily booked accommodation on Skyscanner. I can finally relax and rest well.
Overall, on the road, I can go faster! In terms of comfort, I am more comfortable. In my opinion, its performance fully matches its price.
Specifications
The Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano’s Super-Light Monoform™ CleanCast™ Carbon frame is lighter and more durable than an aluminum frame.
In addition, the overall frame is clean, thanks to the fully internal cable routing. If you see this bike, you won’t even see a single cable, making it easier to clean and maintain.
Of course, the wheel design takes into account both comfort and speed. The Maxxis High Road 28c Tubeless is specifically designed to handle tire gaps between 25mm and 32mm, so you don’t have to choose between comfort and speed.
Overall, this bike has high-end components and an excellent riding experience.
Other Versions of the Fezzari Empire
Through enough time and actual riding on different terrains, we have an intuitive understanding of the frame, power transmission system, and wheelset of the Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano. It is indeed a high-quality all-around endurance bike, but with a price tag of nearly $8000, it can be a daunting investment for many users. Therefore, to provide more options for users who love the Fezzari Empire series, we also researched its other versions.
Fezzari Empire Sport
The Fezzari Empire Sport is the most affordable bike in this series, with a price tag of only $1599. However, it also has a carbon fiber frame. So if you are a rider who loves carbon fiber but has a limited budget, this bike would be a good choice.
However, compared to the higher-priced Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano, its carbon fiber frame may be slightly heavier. And the manufacturing process is also simpler, which is one of the reasons why it is priced at only $1599.
Fezzari Empire Elite 105 Di2
This bike is priced slightly higher than the Fezzari Empire Sport at $3299. It uses the same frame material as the Fezzari Empire Sport but has a more widely used 2×12 electronic shifting. This is a great choice for riders who are tired of shifting gears manually.
In conclusion, there are many different versions of the Fezzari Empire series. Whether it’s the luxury version with a higher price or the budget-friendly version, you will find one that suits you here.
If you want to see more, please feel free to contact us!
What do we like about it?
- The Empire SL Team Edition Shimano features a premium carbon fiber frame and components that make the entire bike very light and easy to handle and accelerate.
- The Empire SL Team Edition Shimano features Shimano components that have been widely recognized for their high quality and reliability, providing excellent performance and durability.
- The bike has a short wheelbase and low head tube angle, which makes it more stable in high-speed turns and improves riding safety.
- Fezzari’s bikes can be customized to suit the individual needs of each rider.
What don’t we like about it?
- Empire SL Team Edition Shimano is a high-end bike, so the price will be relatively high and may not be suitable for riders on a budget
FAQs
- What is the drivetrain of Empire SL Team Edition Shimano?
Empire SL Team Edition Shimano’s drivetrain is the 2×12 Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9250.
- What is the braking system of Empire SL Team Edition Shimano?
Empire SL Team Edition Shimano’s braking system is Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 Hydraulic Road Disc.
- What height sizes does the Empire SL Team Edition Shimano fit?
The Empire SL Team Edition Shimano sizing chart:
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’1″ – 5’6″ | XS |
| 5’4″ – 5’9″ | S |
| 5’7″ – 6′ 0″ | M |
| 5’10” – 6’3″ | L |
| 6’0″ – 6’5″ | XL |
Empire SL Team Edition Shimano Specs
Build
| Frame | Fezzari Empire SL, Super-Light Monoform™ CleanCast™ Carbon, Road-disc tuned, 12×142 rear thru-axle. FrameDefense Tech derailleur hanger. Max tire clearance 32c clearance 32c |
| Fork | Fezzari Empire SL Monoform™ CleanCast™ Carbon, 12×100 Thru Axle, Internal Brake Routing |
| Rear Shock | N/A |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano Dura-Ace |
| Headset | FSA ACR NS 1.5″/1.5″ |
| Stem | FSA SMR Alloy |
| Handlebar | Vision Metron 4D Handlebar Carbon Integrated |
| Saddle | Ergon SR Pro Carbon |
| Seatpost | Vision Metron Carbon 27.2mm diameter dual bolt |
| Pedals | Available Separately |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9250 |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9250 |
| Crank | Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 |
| Shifters | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9270 2×12 |
| Cassette | Shimano Dura-Ace, 11-34t 12-Speed |
| Chain | Shimano Dura-Ace 12-Speed |
| Brakes | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 Hydraulic Road Disc, Rotors: 160mm/160mm |
| Brake Levers | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 Hydraulic |
Wheels
| Rims | Zipp 404 Firecrest |
| Spokes | Sapim CX-Ray |
| Front Hub | Zipp ZR1 142×12/100×12 |
| Rear Hub | Zipp ZR1 142×12/100×12 |
| Tires | Maxxis High Road 28c Tubeless Ready |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Drivetrain | Tires | Click view |
| Trek Domane SL 7 eTap Gen 4 | $7,499 | 2×12 SRAM Force eTap AXS | Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite 700c | Click View |
| BMC Roadmachine 01 FOUR | $8,299 | 2 × 12 SRAM FORCE eTap AXS | Vittoria Corsa N.EXT – 28mm 700c | Click View |
| Specialized Aethos Expert | $8,000 | 2 × 12 Di2 Shimano Ultegra R8150 | S-Works Turbo 700c | Click View |
| Cannondale Synapse Carbon LTD RLE | $7,050 | 2 × 11 Shimano GRX 815, Di2 | WTB Exposure TCS 700c | Click View |
Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano vs. Trek Domane SL 7 eTap Gen 4
These two bikes are both high-quality road bikes and are priced similarly. However, the design of the Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano is more focused on lightweight and speed. So if you prefer to experience the thrill of speed, it would be a suitable choice.
On the other hand, the Trek Domane SL 7 eTap Gen 4 is more focused on comfort, with larger tire clearance, and is more suitable for enthusiasts who love long-distance riding.
Note that my point is that it is more suitable, not that the Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano is not comfortable enough. Regardless of how you choose, what is best for you is the most important.
Learn More: Is Trek Domane SL 5 Worth Buying? [Trek Domane SL 5 Review]
Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano vs. BMC Roadmachine 01 FOUR
In terms of price, the BMC Roadmachine 01 FOUR costs nearly $300 more, but it uses high-end components. The BMC Roadmachine 01 FOUR uses SRAM FORCE eTap AXS, while the Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano uses Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, and they both have electronic shifting and hydraulic disc brakes, so they can provide you with smooth and reliable riding.
In addition, in terms of riding experience, the Ergon SR Pro Carbon saddle of the Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano conforms to the male physiological structure and disperses more pressure during riding. Of course, in terms of riding comfort, the BMC Roadmachine 01 FOUR’s Ergon SR Pro Carbon saddle uses a short-nose design, which has the same effect.
Overall, both bikes offer the best performance and comfort. However, my advice is that no matter which one you choose, what is most important is your needs and riding goals.
Learn More: Is BMC Roadmachine X Two Worth Buying? [BMC Roadmachine X Two Review]
Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano vs. Specialized Aethos Expert
The difference between these two bikes is only $1, but in terms of drivetrain, the Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition uses Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and the Specialized Aethos Expert uses Shimano Ultegra R8150 Di2. In my personal experience, I think Shimano Dura-Ace is more advanced.
In terms of wheelsets, the Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition uses Zipp 404 Firecrest rims, known for their aerodynamic properties and speed. Of course, the Specialized Aethos Expert with Roval C38 carbon rims is also designed for speed. However, I would prefer the Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition, which gives me a more three-dimensional acceleration.
In terms of paint colors, the Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition looks more understated, while the Specialized Aethos Expert offers a more eye-catching option.
So, if you prefer more eye-catching colors Specialized Aethos Expert is a good choice. If you’re more on the steady side, the Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition will suit you better.
Learn More: Is Specialized Diverge Comp E5 Worth Buying? [Specialized Diverge Comp E5 Review]
Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano vs. Cannondale Synapse Carbon LTD RLE
Needless to say, there are some rather obvious differences between these two bikes. For starters, the Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition’s Super-Light Monoform™ CleanCast™ carbon frame is much lighter, providing a lightweight yet reliable ride. Not only that but it’s loaded with Zipp 404 Firecrest wheels and Maxxis High Road 28c tires that round out the package, providing a fast and aerodynamic ride.
On the other hand, the Cannondale Synapse Carbon LTD RLE features Proportional Response’s size-specific design and SmartSense technology. Its geometry is more relaxed and comfortable, and the paired HollowGram 45 KNØT carbon wheels and WTB Exposure TCS 700x30c tires provide a smooth ride with a little more cushioning and grip than the Fezzari setup.
So if comfort and endurance are more important to you, the Cannondale Synapse Carbon LTD RLE might be a better choice. If you’re looking for a high-performance road bike optimized for speed and handling, the Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano might be a better choice.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 Worth Buying? [Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 Review]
Summary
We’ve spent enough time reviewing this Fezzari Empire SL Team Edition Shimano, and it’s a great all-around enduro bike, both in terms of design and detail. If you’re after such a bike and have the budget, why not give it a try?
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