First the work, then the pleasure: If you want to enjoy trails on Lake Garda, you have to work for it - or get on a shuttle. But because I want to try out how well the new Felt Compulsion climbs, the shuttle is out of the question. So I roll out of Riva through Torbole, head up the cobbled road from the town centre towards Parco Busatte, leave our classic test lap on the right and turn onto the legendary asphalt road towards Baldo/Altissimo.
Who doesn't know this route? It is probably one of the most travelled climbs of all. Thousands of bikers have been winding their way up here for over 25 years; after all, Lake Garda is one of the few places where you can toil your way up from almost sea level to over 2000 metres. You know the types who crank their hardtail uphill here with a helmet on the handlebars and race back down (still with a helmet on the handlebars) (...shake your head...). But that's actually clear, because the trails that you can reach from this road are neither suitable for hardtails nor for people without helmets. But they are perfect for the Felt Compulsion. So let's take a closer look.
The bright blue aluminium chassis was not simply converted to the new 27.5 inch wheel size. During development, particular attention was paid to the Felt's own Equilink suspension system. A lot of weight is said to have been saved here. Overall, the top model Compulsion 10 weighs around 12.9 kilos. The hydroformed frame offers 160 millimetres of travel and is equipped with a 142x12 millimetre thru-axle. At the front, the Rock Shox Pike, also with 160 millimetres of travel, is designed to prevent you from choking on bigger chunks. Schwalbe's Hans Dampf tyres on the test bike provide the right grip.
The enduro category has always been at home on the Lago, at least for those who detest shuttle buses. I'm surprised at how well the Felt climbs, the riding position is great and the single-gear ratio is sufficient to ensure that I still have one gear (the 42 sprocket) in reserve despite the steep ramps. As long as you stay in the saddle, the suspension is unobtrusive. When you're pedalling, the rear end starts to move, which is down to the suspension concept. The Rock Shox shock has three platform settings, the hardest of which comes closest to a lockout and is highly recommended for such climbs.
After a good hour on the rough tarmac road, we reach the start of the Coast Trail. A short rest, chew a bar, drink, put on our jackets and open the suspension. Lower the air pressure in the tyres a little, retract the seat post. Even on the first few metres of trail - a mix of forest floor and mud-covered rocks - I'm happy about the tyres and the steering precision. Thanks to the Pike fork, the Compulsion goes wherever you want it to go. However, a loose hand on the handlebars doesn't hurt from time to time, as the greasy terrain leads the way anyway. The moderate speed means that the suspension travel is not utilised, but it is there when you need it.
On we go: The upper part of the Coast is history, we turn right on the forest track to get to the 601. We pedal uphill for two or three kilometres, combining the Coast and the 601 is certainly not a classic, but it is possible, so why not? With a flick of the wrist, we tighten the fork and shock, extend the saddle and open the zip. Then it's off to the 601. It's dry and grippy because not so many people ride it and the damp soil hasn't spread over the rocks. But anyone who knows the 601 knows that it's no fun on an enduro bike. Even with the Felt, I'm more of a passenger than a pilot, I choose a moderate speed here too, preferring to get off the bike sometimes - due to the lack of protectors and full-face helmet...
A downhill bike would be the right weapon for this route. Nevertheless, the Compulsion is stable, safe and the suspension works very well. The fork in particular once again deserves praise for its sensitive function and stiffness.
Conclusion: We've reached the Parco Busatte and are chasing the last few metres over familiar terrain, namely our BIKE Magazine test lap. The impression is complete: the Felt Compulsion is an excellent Lago trail bike. Stiff, precise steering, convincing suspension with sensitive function and reserves for the really rough stuff. You can ride it on classic tours, nobody expects it to be suitable for marathons anyway. There is also nothing to criticise about the equipment - the top model. With the Compulsion, Felt joins the ranks of the Radon Slide Carbon, Cube Stereo 160, Simplon Kuro or Specialized Enduro. All bikes that blur the line between all-mountain and enduro. According to the motto: 160 is the new 150 - in terms of suspension travel.
We don't have any prices or measurements for the bike yet, but the top model we tested will probably be in the 4000-5000 euro range. Here is the first information from the manufacturer about the Compulsion 10 including the geometry data.
