"Virtue" is the name of the new Fully platform from Felt. From the Eurobike trade fair, four models - marathon racers and enduro-orientated bikes ("Virtue One" to "Virtue Four") - will be based on this platform. Our "Virtue One" test bike represents the top marathon model and comes with 130 millimetres of suspension travel (Fox fork can be reduced!). That can't hurt, we think, if it doesn't put you at a disadvantage.
Felt's new rear suspension system called "Equilink" is based on "VPP" (Virtual Pivot Point) technology with a virtual pivot point. Conventional "VPP" systems tend to pedal kickback when pedalling without lockout and on the small chainring. Felt wants to eliminate these problems with the "Equilink": The red aluminium strut between the two rockers of the carbon rear triangle provides additional support. This should keep unpleasant drive influences at bay.
In practice, this works: the bike has propulsion, gives the rider a fast feeling and a sporty riding position. The Felt is a lot of fun in tight bends: it is agile, manoeuvrable and fast. The rear suspension makes a firm impression even with the shock open, but is not insensitive. You don't feel any pedal kickback on the small chainring. Downhill, the thin frame tubes make the bike feel a little unsafe. Braking from high speeds causes frame flutter.
The "Virtue One" has a clear area of use: thanks to its low weight and top equipment, it is a marathon bike for difficult routes where a lot of suspension travel is useful. However, we do not consider it to be ideal for CC races or enduro use - Felt offers other models for this. For the top model "Virtue One", however, you have to dig deep into your pockets. The price has not yet been finalised, but according to importer Sport Import it should be at least 5000 euros.
PLUS
- Plenty of suspension travel for rough terrain
- Sporty riding characteristics
- High-quality equipment
- Drive-neutral rear suspension
MINUS
- Low lateral stiffness with large frame
- Rapidfire with inverse rear derailleur
