Interbike 2013: Felt Virtue NINE Enduro
At Interbike 2013 in Las Vegas, Felt presented their all-new enduro/trailbike called Virtue NINE. The bike has 130mm of travel and uses Felts own Equilink suspension system.
The Equilink-suspension is a VPP-like system, but with an open rear triangle, where the upper and lower rocker are connected with an aluminum bar. This is to prevent the rear from squatting and to make pedaling more efficient
When we examine the geometry of the Felt bike it has rather long chainstays (450mm), a 69 degree steering angle and a 74.5 degree seat angle. Bottom bracket height is 36mm and the wheelbase varies between 1,11m and 1,20m, depending on the frame size. To increase rigidity, the Virtue NINE uses an 142×12 axle.
There will be five different versions of the Felt Virtue NINE. The lower priced builds are based on an aluminium frame while the three top models will come with carbon frames.
Prices run from 1.699,- € for the entry-level aluminum-version, equipped with a Suntour fork and RockShox rear shock (14,4kg) all the way up to 4.999,- € for the top model NINER ONE (pictured). The NINER ONE weighs 11,5kg and is equipped to a high level:
Fork: RockShox Revelation RLT, 140mm travel, Solo Air, PushLoc remote lockout, hollow 6061 aluminum crown, tapered aluminum steerer tube
Drivetrain: SRAM X01 11-speed shifters, derailleur, crankset, 11-speed chain & 10-42T cassette
Components: Felt carbon riser bar (8mm rise w/9° sweep, 720mm wide), Felt MTB 3D-forged threadless (1-1/8″ +/-7° rise) stem, RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post w/ remote, Prologo Evo X10 T2.0 rails custom, Avid X0 Trail (180mm rotors)
Wheelset: Easton Haven aluminum (tubeless compatible), Easton Haven 24-hole (15mm axle) front, Easton Haven 24-hole (10-speed, 142x12mm axle) rear, Schwalbe Nobby Nic SnakeSkin (tubeless ready folding), 29×2,35″
Finish: Matte Carbon
Sizes: SM (16″), MD (18″), LG (20″), XL (22″)
More info: www.feltbicycles.com/
Text: Aaron Steinke | Fotos: Robin Schmitt
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About the Author
Aaron Steinke
Aaron was our first employee and actively helped make our company what it is today, significantly shaping the look and direction of our various magazines. Aaron has been pursuing his own projects since mid-2020 but he continues to advise and support us on issues of marketing and technology. For many years, you would usually have found Aaron at casual enduro races, but increasingly you'll find him riding his road bike – long live freedom on two wheels!
