This article is part of the Mtbr's Enduro Compare-O. See all the stories in this special section here--https://reviews.mtbr.com/category/enduro-compare-o-2014

When compared with some of the high-dollar superbikes in our Enduro Compare-O, the $3,800 Felt Virtue Nine 20 is by its very nature at a disadvantage. But rather than looking at what a $10K bike does better, we're going to use the Virtue to prove a couple points. One, you can have a heck of a lot of fun on any quality mountain bike, and, two, what you do with your bike is far more important than merely possessing one, regardless of price.

The Nine 20 is the top-of-the-line aluminum version of Felt's 29-inch wheel Virtue model that uses the company's proprietary Equilink suspension design to regulate its 130mm of rear travel. Felt developed Equilink in an attempt to isolate the active, working suspension from drivetrain and braking influences. To do this, the system employs an unusual bracing bar running from the lower to upper suspension linkage, directly behind the seat tube. This bar keeps the suspension from bobbing under power and prevents brake jack-the unwanted effect of suspension stiffening under braking-and pedal kick back, a similar malady when hitting a larger impact that can be felt through the pedals.



Felt's Equilink suspension system is unique and effective.

Better than expected going up

On the trail this translated into a bike that ascended very efficiently despite the Virtue's 31-pound weight. Pointed uphill, this bike resists bobbing as advertised, even when pedaling with the RockShox Monarch RT rear shock fully open. On long fire road climbs, the Virtue was so efficient, we preferred to leave the rear suspension open to save our backs for the long haul.



Photo by Tyler Frasca.

Like all the aluminum bikes in our test, the Felt Virtue Nine 20 is heavier than its higher priced carbon counterparts. But this alloy chassis carries its weight well and, paired with the efficient pedaling suspension design, climbs admirably. On steep, technical climbs, the Equilink suspension helps keep the rear tire planted when clawing up the rough stuff.

Downhill steamroller

On the downhills, we didn't notice any brake jack or pedal kick back, so mission accomplished there. Like the 29er it is, the Virtue isn't the fastest to accelerate, but once up to speed it has a noticeable "steamroller" effect and you may indeed find yourself going faster than you're use to. Thankfully Felt spec'd a pair of Shimano's dependable XT hydraulic disc brakes to keep things sane.



Photo by Tyler Frasca.

More discomforting than speed, however, is the Virtue's tendency to ride high in its travel, giving the bike a somewhat stilted feel. A check of the bottom bracket height showed 13.5-inches on the tape measure-right in the sweet spot for 29ers-but it didn't seem to sag-in to that comforting between-the-wheels feel. It also contributed to the Felt's less-than-plush descending feel. No matter how much sag we ran or how much we futzed with the compression and rebound adjustments, we couldn't dial-in the downhill silkiness we were seeking. As such, the Virtue Nine 20 works better for straight-ahead bombing than finessing the rough stuff.

Continue to Page 2 for more on the Felt Virtue Nine 20 and full photo gallery »

Lip swallower

When it came to catching air, the Virtue soaked up both our attempts to preload, as well as the lips of most jumps, making it difficult to get any kind of pop. The Felt is clearly more at home with its feet firmly planted on the ground, with one test rider commenting it "exhibits a less-than-playful attitude in the air."

The Virtue's 140mm-travel RockShox Sektor played a role in this affect-like the rear shock, it was difficult to get dialed in. It also came with a handlebar-remote lockout that most riders ended up using more than anticipated. Generally we ended up running the shock slightly soft to get some plushness, then used the lockout to firm up the front end and keep it from diving, which it was prone to do even on mid-size hits.

Though by using the remote, you could create a workable fork, it often felt like a kludgy work-around. What's more, the remote button is easily confused for that of a RockShox Reverb and we found ourselves hitting it when we wanted to lower the saddle-a duty handled by a KS LEV whose remote lever is on the other handgrip.



Photo by Tyler Frasca.

A great parts spec for the price

At $3,800, the Felt Virtue Nine 20 is the second most affordable bike in our test. To get a full complement of Shimano XT componentry along with one of our favorite dropper posts-the aforementioned KS LEV-for that price is simply amazing. The 2x10 drivetrain is appropriate for both the price point and weight of the bike, and, along with the XT hub/DT Swiss wheelset mean the Virtue Nine 20 should provide years of dependable service. It also comes shod in a nice, big set of tires- Continental X-King SL 2.4-inchers.

Geometry and Fools Gold

Virtue Nine 20's geometry skews toward the cross country side of the spectrum rather than all-mountain. The 69 degree head angle and 74.5 degree seat tube angle are middle-of-the-road trail bike numbers and, in conjunction with the 17.7-inch chainstays give the bike a fairly maneuverable, planted-on-the-ground character.

While the Virtue has some stylishly hydroformed tube shapes throughout, it's striking "Fools Gold" metallic finish makes the bike virtually glow-particularly amongst the stealthy black consensus of the rest of the Enduro Compare-O bike field.

Who is this bike for?

For the advanced beginner to intermediate trail rider, the Felt Virtue Nine 20 is certainly worthy of consideration. While it's not likely to win any races, this tough, good rolling bike balances climbing, descending and spending rather well. A good first full-suspension 29er for the rider on a budget, the Felt Virtue Nine 20 is a solid choice.

Bottom Line

Though the Felt Virtue Nine 20 requires careful suspension setup and some mental coordination to get your head around its control setup, the bike is smartly spec'd with a Shimano 2x XT drivetrain and brakes, a quality wheelset and KS Lev dropper post. Its unique Equilink system does a good job of isolating drive forces from braking and suspension input, delivering surprising climbing ability. It can handle wide open, roll-straight-through style descents but can get in over its head on super techy trails with big rock gardens, drops and jumps.

Felt's promo video featuring Virtue Nine series - a quick overview of both the carbon and aluminum versions. Video courtesy of Felt Bicycles.

Pros

  • Good climber, efficient power transfer
  • Great spec level for the price
  • KS Lev dropper post is a bonus
  • Awesome paint

Cons

  • Complex handlebar controls
  • Difficult to dial-in suspension
  • High-riding stilty feel
  • Weighty

Price and other versions

Virtue Nine 20 (as tested): $3799
Virtue Nine 50: $2799
Virtue Nine 60: $2199
Virtue Nine 1 (carbon): $6199
Virtue Nine 3 (carbon): $4149
Virtue Nine 1 frame only: $3499



2014 Felt Virtue Nine 20 Key Specs

  • MSRP: $3799
  • Weight: 30.73 lbs.(size medium)
  • Wheel size: 29 inches
  • Sizes: SM (16"), MD (18"), LG (20"), XL (22")
  • Color: Fools Gold
  • Frame Material: Hydroformed double-butted 6061 aluminum
  • Fork: RockShox Revelation RL, 140mm
  • Rear Travel: 130mm
  • Rear Shock: RockShox Monarch RT shock
  • Headset: FSA
  • Handlebar: Felt riser bar carbon, 8mm rise w/ 9° sweep, 720mm wide
  • Stem: Felt MTB 3D-forged, SM - 70mm LG/MD - 80mm XL - 90mm
  • Grips: Felt Wing Grip, Lock-On
  • Seatpost: KS LEV dropper post 30.9
  • Brakes: Shimano Deore Hydraulic Disc, 180mm front, 160mm rear
  • Brake Levers: Shimano Deore
  • Shifters: Shimano XT
  • Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore 2x 10 speed front derailleur
  • Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT Shadow Plus
  • Cassette: Shimano 10-speed 11-36T
  • Crankset: Shimano XT Hollowtech II 38/24T
  • Rims: DT Swiss 533D
  • Hubs: Shimano XT center lock hubs 15mm front/142x12 rear
  • Spokes: DT Swiss 1.8
  • Tires: Continental X-King SL Performance folding, 29 x 2.4
  • Chainguide: no
  • Head Tube Angle: 69 degrees
  • Seat Tube Angle: 74.5 degrees
  • Chainstay Length: 450mm
  • Bottom Bracket Drop: 36mm
For more information visit www.feltbicycles.com.

This story is part of Mtbr's 2014 Enduro Compare-O. Check out our intro story here for all the ground rules and goings ons.