Felt has so far lacked a model between the "Virtue" trail bike and the "Compulsion" enduro bike. This gap has now been filled with the "Decree" all-mountain bike. With 140 millimetres at the rear wheel and 150 millimetres at the front, it doesn't have much more than the "Virtue". However, it comes with the FAST suspension system, which is already successfully used on the cross-country model "Edict" and a geometry that seems predestined for fun trail excursions.

The frame of the Decree is made from patented "UHC Ultimate plus TeXtreme" carbon. This is also used in Formula 1 and allows for a very lightweight construction without compromising on stability and stiffness. However, this fiber is only used in the top model FRD. The Decree 1 and 2 use "UHC Advanced plus Textreme" fibers and the Decree 3 uses fibers from the Performance series. According to Felt, the stiffness should be the same for all models, the difference is to be found in the frame weight. The Decree 30, on the other hand, comes with a frame made of 6061 aluminum. The rear triangle, on the other hand, consists of one piece and is made of carbon on all models.

The "chess pattern" is characteristic of the Textreme fiber.

The rear triangle can also be described as the heart of the Decree. This is because it is pre-tensioned due to its structure. This acts like a negative spring that is normally found in the suspension elements and ensures a fine response. Towards the end of the spring travel, the rear end gives back pressure, which makes up the final progression of the spring characteristic. Both are deliberately achieved via this preload. Heiko Böhle explains how it works in more detail in the video.

Light, stiff and well thought out
With the Decree frame, Felt has not only done a great job with the suspension system. The frame has internally routed cables and lines, which is nothing out of the ordinary these days. However, these often rattle, which Felt eliminates with special cable outlets. These contain rubber seals that clamp the cables when they are screwed in and out. They are tensioned and no longer hit the tubes. Felt also offers a solution for the fine cables of the electronic circuit as well as different cable diameters with different sized inserts - so-called wedgies.
The lower mount of the rear shock and the end of the front derailleur mount, which is not required for the 1x11 version, are also beautifully designed.

Cables and wires are neatly routed and clamped on the Decree.

Another unusual feature is that the frame offers internal and semi-internal cable routing for the dropper post. Those with external cables can be pulled directly into the top tube after the exit, which also hides them nicely.

In terms of geometry, the Decree stays pretty much in the all-mountain range. The head angle is set at 67 degrees, but can be flattened by one degree to 66 degrees with rotating inserts (flip chips) at the end of the seat stays. In the flat position, the seat angle is 73.7 degrees - not very steep, but still in the green zone for good power transfer.
The seat tube is relatively low and therefore offers plenty of legroom. The reach is also rather short, which is somewhat surprising. Visually, however, this is hardly noticeable and does not necessarily mean anything negative, on the contrary: a slightly shorter reach in turn brings advantages in agility.
The chainstay length is in the middle range. At 436 millimetres, it is short, but not ultra-short, which could ensure a good balance with the slightly shorter reach.

One degree brings the angle adjustment by means of the flip chips. In the position shown, the steering angle is 66 degrees, reversed would have been 67 degrees.

FRD - a bike in a class of its own
Felt doesn't let itself down with the top model "FRD". Only the best parts are used on the Decree frame with the high-end carbon fiber "UHC Ultimate plus TeXtreme: Sram's top XX1 drivetrain as well as their top Guide Ultimate brakes. The tried and tested Reverb Stealth is used for the seat post. The Monarch Plus Debonair suspension strut and the Pike RCT3 dual-position fork also come from Rock Shock. When it comes to rolling stock, the luxury continues with Enve M60 Forty carbon rims mounted on Chris King Iso hubs. These are driven by the Next-SL carbon cranks from Race Face.

This much high-end also suggests a low weight. At 11.17 kilograms, as stated and weighed by ourselves, this is truly light, considering that the equipment is still robust enough.
So much luxury is also reflected in the price: the top model FRD costs a proud 11,990 francs. At 5,799, 4,799 and 3,999 francs, the Decree 1, 2 and 3 models are significantly less expensive.

www.feltbicycles.com