Better late than never: We have cheated the 2014 version of Felt's carbon twentyniner Virtue Nine into this test track. Why? Because its great handling makes it worthy of an introduction, but it didn't find a place in previous issues of BIKE. And because the 2015 version remains unchanged apart from a few adjustments to the frame, the test results can be transferred in full. The Virtue top model looks cool: Matt paint, solid tube shapes, protective film on the down tube, a plate on the chainstay to prevent chain pinch flats, plus a solid chainstay protector. The developers have also done a good job technically. A total weight of 2.8 kilos with a stiffness of 79 Nm/degree (STW 28.3) is proof of the good design.
Even on the first few metres of singletrack, you can feel the smooth ride thanks to the long wheelbase. In tight serpentines, you need the typical 29er traction or good riding technique. The practical test in Sölden shows that when you switch from an all-mountain or enduro bike with a fat 34, 35 or 36 mm fork to the Felt, you immediately notice the slimmer tubes of the Rock Shox Revelation. Although it has 140 millimetres of travel on paper, it is not as stable on the trail as the aforementioned forks. It twists more. However, it can be locked out from the handlebars. If you also move the lever on the shock, the Virtue Nine accelerates directly like a marathon. The range of use of a bike can no longer be determined by suspension travel alone. The example of the fork proves this. The character of the Virtue is clear: sporty. Long, high-metre tours? No problem with the riding position and the mountain-compatible gearing (30-42). The steep seat angle, which makes lowering the fork superfluous, is a joy on uphill ramps. The bike climbs excellently. The statutory warranty without additional guarantee costs points.
Conclusion Anyone looking for a 29er with a wide range of use will find a great bike here. It can handle everything from singletrail weekends to marathons.
PLUS Wide range of use, very good riding behaviour, low weight, high frame rigidity
MINUS Fork stiffness, only two years warranty
