Old acquaintances in the mountain bike range from Felt are the Virtue and the Edict. One is an all-mountain (130 mm), the other a race fully (120/100 mm). Both rely on different rear suspension systems. A hybrid model that combines the best of both worlds could be called "Verdict". This is exactly the approach Felt has chosen to develop a new trail bike. Initially even under the working title Verdict, in order to experiment with 27.5 inch wheels and geometry. The end result is the Felt Decree, the latest studded tyre birth from the US company. A potent single-pivot all-mountain with 140 mm travel, a stiff carbon frame and the FAST rear suspension system (Felt Active Stay Technology), which is also used in the Edict.
Stiffness to weight: focus on STW value with the Felt Decree
One thing was the top priority for the US development team led by Nathan Wright: the ratio of weight to stiffness - in short, the STW value. First, the geometry and kinematics were fine-tuned using aluminium prototypes. Then a first draft of the carbon frame was assembled from individual parts from the 3D printer. Although this could not be ridden, the 3D model gave an idea of the shapes and computer-designed details. This was followed by the first carbon prototypes, which were extensively tested by developers, product managers and team riders. After final adjustments to the carbon layup, the carbon fibre frame of the new Felt Decree was ready. The result is a 2100 gram (incl. shock) lightweight carbon fibre chassis which, according to Felt, can easily keep up with heavy aluminium competitors in internal company tests on the test bench. For the headset stiffness, Felt specifies 100 Nm/° for the Decree and 50 Nm/° for the bottom bracket area. "We've never had a stiffer and lighter frame at Felt," says Wright. A real house number for a size M frame with 140 mm travel.
The FAST system of the Felt Decree in detail
As mentioned above, Felt uses the FAST rear suspension system on the Decree, which has proven itself on the Edict. Initially, this system was reserved for bikes with less travel - mostly race fullys. However, Canyon has already shown with the Nerve CF that it also works on bikes with more travel. The Felt single-pivot bike does without a Horst link and relies solely on the flex of the carbon seat stays in the rear triangle. As this would not work with aluminium, the entry-level Decree 30 also has a carbon rear triangle - although the main frame is made of aluminium. In order to maximise this flex effect and be able to use as much travel as possible, the rear triangle is already compressed in the unloaded position. Only when you sit on the bike and the shock dips into the negative suspension travel (SAG) is the rear triangle in a neutral position. The advantage of this preload of the rear triangle is felt when the shock compresses a lot: Because then the seat stays can flex further. This should make it easier to utilise the full stroke.
Geometry of the Felt Decree: long, low, flat and adjustable
The Decree is based on modern geometry as we know it from the latest generation of all-mountain bikes: long top tube, short stem and slack head angle. In size M, for example, the top tube measures 595 mm, the stem is 55 mm and the fork is set at a 67-degree angle in the short 105 mm head tube. This means you sit relatively upright, holding a deep, wide cockpit (740 mm handlebar width) in your hands, which transmits steering manoeuvres precisely and directly to the front wheel. However, the geometry and therefore also the riding position can be tuned: you can switch to the "high" position using two chips at the rear end of the rocker. This raises the steering angle by one degree and the bottom bracket moves upwards by 10 mm. As a result, the lightweight all-mountain bike climbs even more effectively with the fork lowered. However, switching the flip chips is not for a quick conversion at the summit, because it takes a little time as you have to let the air out of the shock and relieve the main bearing.
When designing the frame of the Decree, Felt also focussed on keeping the seat tube as low as possible. The distance from the upper edge of the seat tube to the main bearing is around ten millimetres longer than on previous models. This allows you to ride telescopic seatposts with more travel even with low frame heights. The complete set of cables and lines runs inside the frame. The cables enter the frame via two inlets at the front of the head tube, and thin Di2 cables, thick hydraulic cables and outer shifting sleeves can be attached using interchangeable rubber adapters. The cables are also fixed at the exit so that nothing rattles. Outputs for Stealth dropper posts and Shimano side swing derailleurs have also been included. The Decree conceals a possible Shimano Di2 battery with a plug-in adapter in the bottom bracket area.
The chainstay protector made of a plastic-rubber mixture can be simply clicked onto the chainstay. As the Felt Decree is available with single and double drivetrains, it must be possible to mount front derailleurs. Felt has solved this problem with a removable front derailleur mount to which you can screw direct mount front derailleurs. If you only ride one chainring, you can screw in a cover plate. An ISCG mount can also be fitted to the classic BSA bottom bracket housing. This is also removable. The wheels do not require the Boost standard. Instead, there is a 12x142 mm thru axle.
TeXtreme: the carbon layup of the Felt Decree
The diamond pattern of the top model, the Decree FRD (Felt Racing Development), is striking. This comes from the TeXtreme layup that Felt uses on the FRD, Decree 1 and Decree 2. However, the 10,000 euro top model uses the highest quality version of the fibre weave. This is called TeXtreme 76, which means that one square metre of the carbon weave weighs a feather-light 76 grams. The carbon mats are a weave of different stiff and flexible fibres. TeXtreme 100 is used in the Decree 1 and 2. With the same stiffness as the 76-gram version, this version simply weighs a few grams more.
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First test: riding impression of the Felt Decree
At the presentation of the Felt Decree on Lake Garda, we were able to ride the top model - the Decree FRD - extensively. Unfortunately, it was pouring with rain around Torbole, which made the rocky Lago trails a real challenge. The scales stopped at 11.46 grams when I fitted the XTR pedals. With 160 PSI air pressure in the Monarch shock, trimmed by Rock Shox for the Decree, I achieved the recommended 30 per cent SAG - perfect. Then off to the trails! But before that, the steep concrete ramp at Parco Busatte awaits. With plenty of pressure on the pedals, it's up the 150 metres in altitude. Pedalling in the saddle, acceleration, exaggeratedly large gears - the Decree is extremely stiff, the rear triangle remains extremely smooth even without platform mode. Although I usually always switch on the platform, as I can't stand even slight bobbing, I can confidently do without it on the Decree. The engineers seem to have done a good job with the kinematics and the shock setup. Because you hardly feel any influence from the drive.
I was amazed at how light-footed you can climb on an all-mountain bike with 150 mm travel. Of course, the light, stiff frame is a perfect basis. But the wheels, which were fitted to our test bikes with latex tyres instead of tubes, also play a big part. The combination of Enve M60 rims and Chris King hubs not only sounds good, but is also light. The Nobby Nic in two different rubber compounds (Trail Star at the front, Pace Star at the rear) was at its limit on the wet and slippery Lago trails, but it is a good compromise for touring riders and for long climbing sections. The fork can also be lowered for a sporty climbing position. However, only a small water bottle (0.5 litres) fits in the M frame.
Then we turn into the trail and it gets right down to business. The last few metres of the legendary 601 are a real challenge for the Decree. After just a few metres, a colleague is looking for his chainstay protector. It wasn't too tight and the heel of his right shoe knocked the thing off. The handling with the low cockpit and short stem is very precise and direct. Handlebar width is a matter of taste, but the mounted 740 mm was enough for me. The Decree meanders confidently through the rocky fields and ledges. It's easy to get onto the rear wheel and easy to pull off. The shock works best in the mid-stroke range. I can't get the Monarch Plus Debonair to bottom out even later with 35 per cent SAG, which on the one hand speaks in favour of the strongly progressive characteristic curve, but on the other hand almost never releases the full 140 mm. Instead, there is always a kind of reserve in the rear. There are certainly more sensitive rear ends when it comes to responding to very small bumps. However, the Decree climbs just as neutrally and bob-free.
For another test lap, I switch to the "High" setting by turning the two flip chips. Steeper angles and a higher bottom bracket are the result. But what fascinates me most is that the Decree climbs even more nimbly as a result. If you lower the fork now, even long, steep climbs like the one from Ischgl to the Idjoch are no longer scary. At high speeds, the Decree is no longer as stable on the trail, but for touring riders and Alpine crossers, the climbing advantage should be the deciding factor. And with a seat angle of almost 74 degrees, this is better.
Test summary of the Felt Decree
With the stiff, super-light carbon frame, Felt has created a great basis for a lightweight touring fully. Touring riders in the mountains and trail riders in particular, who work up every metre of altitude with muscle power, will be delighted with the drive-neutral 150/140 mm bike in 27.5 inches. The FRD version of the Decree impressively demonstrates what is possible when money is no object. But even the more affordable versions - above all the Decree 2 for 4250 euros - are first-class, classic all-mountain bikes that dispense with the Boost standard and plus tyres. What's more, the Decree 2 is equipped with 2x11 Shimano XT and only weighs 12.4 kilos.
