The resemblance to its little brother cannot be hidden, the Edict Nine is the spitting image of the 26er. But the new top model looks very good. And the values delivered by the BIKE test lab are also very good. The carbon fibre frame with shock weighs 2608 grams (20-inch size), the stiffness is okay for the target group (67 Nm/degree). The wheels weigh just 3.6 kilos and are fitted with top tyres. Thanks to the lightweight SRAM XX groupset, the scales show an eleven before the decimal point, which puts Felt within the usual class range. The frame is well protected against external influences by chainstay protectors and a carbon plate to prevent chain jamming. As soon as you sit on the bike, you can feel the race genes. The long, stretched geometry and steep head angle make the bike aggressive and manoeuvrable. The goal of keeping the 29er as agile as the 26er seems to have been achieved: the Edict wants to accelerate, attack behind fluttering tape or at least fight against the clock through the low mountain ranges. The steep seat angle improves power transfer uphill, but Sunday cyclists won't enjoy the tight double gearing. The 28/36 mountain gear is definitely not enough. While we're on the subject of criticism: The platform on the shock could be a little tighter, which would reduce the perceived bobbing tendency of the rear triangle. Due to the low bottom bracket, the pedals touch down early. Felt also offers the Edict Nine in more affordable versions, four with carbon frames and two with aluminium frames.
ConclusionThe Edict Nine follows in the footsteps of its little brother. A fast, agile race fully for marathons and sporty tours. Luxuriously equipped and correspondingly expensive.
PLUS Agile handling, suitable for competition, good frame details
MINUS Heavy translation
