Endurance test performance: 3,016 km | 18052 hm
I just can't let it go. It had to be another 29er. This time the carbon racer from Felt. After a brief taster session, I tackled my first marathon with long and steep descents. As I lacked a bit of braking power, I immediately changed to a 185 brake disc at the front. After that, the Felt was ready for the long haul:
I rode the 29er hardtail day and night in several 12 and 24-hour races. This was later followed by countless brisk rides with our Ritzelschinder troop on the Isar. The double gear ratio with 39/26 teeth is a dream for undulating terrain. On long, steep climbs, however, it shows you its own limits. The flawless XO equipment also made a rock-solid impression in terms of durability right up to the last kilometre. Unfortunately, the superbly finished frame lacks drainage holes. As a result, I always had to let the bike "drain" on my head after wet rides. The narrow seatpost clamp caused marks in the carbon seatpost. Apart from a little bearing play and a freewheel service, the 29er system wheelset from Mavic was at its best. Depending on the weather and surface, it was fitted with various Continental tyres: from the pre-installed, low-profile Race King to the all-rounder X-King and the Mountain King for the muddy autumn and winter months.
Conclusion: High-quality, fast 29er for ambitious racers and marathon riders; I had a lot of fun with the Nine Team, especially on undulating terrain.
Function *****
Shelf life ****
(max. 6 stars)
Defects / changes
1. insufficient braking power - 150 km: 185 mm brake disc fitted at the front
2. crank cracks - 270 km: dry screw connections greased
3. water in seat stay and seat tube - always when wet: drain off water
4. freewheel rattles - 2350 km: Freewheel cleaned and greased
