Review

Teaser Issue #015 | In the Grouptest: Felt Edict1

12.03.2015
by

ENDURO Issue #015 is here and chock full of exciting tests, tips and adventures. One of the highlights is the big group test of seven New-School XC-Bikes, which we made a special trip to sunny California to complete. You’ll find the whole article in the (free!) magazine, here it’s time to take a first look at the bikes in the test – in this case the Felt Edict1!

issue015-cover-in-ipad-en-teaser

The Felt Edict1 looks brutally quick before the start. The black/blue frame finish with unpainted carbon, the clear lines and the saddle/stem overhang are testament to the bike’s race attitude. With a weight of 10.55 kg it’s also the second lightest bike in the group test.

Das Felt Edict 1 macht bereits im Stand einen extrem schnellen Eindruck!
The Felt Edict1 looks pretty rapid even when standing still!

For the Edict, Felt utilises a carbon structure called TeXtreme. This uses flat tapes instead of carbon yarns. Less epoxy is required allowing a decrease in weight and increase in stiffness.

Das Schachbrettmuster der TeXtreme-Carbonstruktur ist gut zu erkennen.
The chess board TeXtreme Carbon structure is easy to recognise.

The sporting intentions of the Edict1 are underscored by the uncompromisingly high-end spec. Parts such as the super light ESI grips are already well known in racing circles as they let you save even more weight.

Getuned bis ins Detail, selbst bei den Griffen setzt Felt auf leichte ESI-Grips.
Tuned to the ninth degree, Felt even fits the lightweight ESI grips.

Felt relies on a SRAM 1×11 spec for drivetrain duties. The carbon machine is slowed down with SRAM XO brakes whilst Felt use their own brand seat post and cockpit ensuring perfect overall aesthetics.

Farblich perfekt abgestimmt passen selbst die Flaschenhalterschrauben perfekt ins Gesamtbild des Bikes.
Maximum colour co-ordination – even the bottle cage bolts fit the overall concept perfectly.

Suspension duties are taken care of by a RockShox SID RL fork and Monarch RT3 shock. Both elements provide 100 mm of travel. At the rear end Felt have used a flex carbon seatstay to save an additional bearing and thus weight.

Für noch mehr Vortrieb kann der Fahrer den Monarch RT3-Dämpfer zusätzlich verhärten.
The rider can firm-up the Monarch RT3-Dämpfer for even more forward momentum.
Die Schalbe Racing Ralph-Reifen sind tubless-ready und sorgen dank ihres flachen Profils für minimalen Rollwiderstand.
The Schwalbe Racing Ralph tyres are tubeless-ready and create minimal rolling resistance with their low profile tread.

One thing’s for sure: with the Felt Edict1 you can line up at the front row of any XC race without hesitating! But how does such an uncompromising race machine perform on the trails? If you want to find out get yourselves a copy of issue #015 of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine! You’ll find the whole test and a load of other exciting stories!

About the test

Our request to the manufacturers was simple: send us a fast, light and potent XC bike for maximum fun on the fast, flowing southern California trails.

We let the manufacturers decide for themselves which exact models, wheel sizes and suspension-travel range this actually meant. The only fixed criteria was the price limit of € 5.500.

The test field: BMC Fourstroke FS02 | Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 2 | Felt Edict1 | Giant Anthem SX Advanced 27.5 | Ibis Ripley | Marin Rift Zone 8 | Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5

The bike makers were also allowed to improve the downhill performance of their bikes by making small spec changes, just like bike shops often do. This includes changes to the cockpit, tyres and retrofitting a dropper seatpost.

The test team, made up of ENDURO editors Robin Schmitt, Joe Parkin and several other experienced test riders carefully examined the bikes over multiple days. The team established the strengths and weaknesses of each model, and discussed in depth the verdict of every bike.

Along with demanding trails the test track rewarded with breathtaking views.
Along with demanding trails the test track rewarded with breathtaking views.
The test team were supported by bike legend and Santa Barbara local Duncan Riffle.
The test team were supported by bike legend and Santa Barbara local Duncan Riffle.
The team tested, analysed and discussed until sunset.
The team tested, analysed and discussed until sunset.

Words: Tyler Malcomson Photos: Abner Kingman

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