2009 Felt Compulsion 4

[Gash]

Hi Guys

I am considering upgrading from my old hardtail (Haro) to a dual suspension. Does anyone one have any comments on the Felt Compulsion 4 currently selling at R14400-00 and are the any other brand offering similar spec at a similar price?

[Sean Badenhorst]

We have a Felt Compulsion 4 reviewed in Issue 2 of TREAD. Good bike, very good price!

 

 

 

[AndreZA]

Just take note that the Compulsion is a trail bike and not a XC like your HT. Shorter top tube, steeper head angle and alot of travel.

[flex]

R14.4k for a dual suspension? That does seem like a very good price.

[AndreZA]

R14.4k for a dual suspension? That does seem like a very good price.

 

 

 

nogal 140mm of travel.

 

 

 

SeanB, in you test summary you state that the Felt's frame is T700 blend carbon-fibre monocogue with a DT Swiss shock but you can see it is alu with a Fox shock.

[Iwan Kemp]

Depends on the type of riding you want to do. Don't just buy cause it's inexpensive.

 

 

 

Spend a good couple of miles on one and didn't find it that a great a bike. Equilink is super, but the bikes geo is out of sorts.

[AndreZA]

Depends on the type of riding you want to do. Don't just buy cause it's inexpensive.

 

 

 

Spend a good couple of miles on one and didn't find it that a great a bike. Equilink is super' date=' but the bikes geo is out of sorts.[/quote']

 

 

 

and that is what bike shops don't tell people. But then again, that is not what people really want to hear. They see the shock at the back and the price tag and just buy.

[Sean Badenhorst]

 

R14.4k for a dual suspension? That does seem like a very good price.

 

 

 

nogal 140mm of travel.

 

 

 

SeanB' date=' in you test summary you state that the Felt's frame is T700 blend carbon-fibre monocogue with a DT Swiss shock but you can see it is alu with a Fox shock.[/quote']

 

Well-spotted and quite correct. It is actually Felt hydroformed aluminium with Fox Float R shock with 150mm travel. Apologies for inconvenience caused.

 

 

 

[Martin7499]

I don't know what is the specs for the Compulsion 4 but the Silverback Mercury 2 and 3 is a good bike for the price.

[Aquatic]

FRAME/SHOCK/FORK:

Felt Equilink ''Aggressive trail/All Mountain'' Full Suspension, 7005 Double-Butted Aluminum w/Hydroform TT & ALLOY SEAT AND CHAINSTAYS 150mm travel, Compatible with Felt ISCG Mount; Fox Float R XV Rear Shock;MARZOCCHI XC 44 LO Air 140mm travel Suspension Fork

 

DRIVETRAIN:

Shimano Deore Shifters; Deore FD; SLX Shadow RD; Truvativ Blaze 44/32/22T Crankset ;Howitzer BB; Sram PG-950 9 Speed Cassette

 

COMPONENTS:

FELT XAM All Mountain stem; FELT XAM All Mountain Riser Handlebar; Shimano BR-M486 Hydraulic Brakeset; Felt XAM Saddle

 

WHEELSET:

WTB SPEEDDISC All Mountain Disc rims with Shimano Centerlock hubs; Felt XAM Mountain tire with Folding bead

[Iwan Kemp]

Even though Felt makes great bikes, I would agree with going for a Silverback at that price range. Might be more in tune with your riding style. 150mm of travel is A LOT for a first dual.

 

 

 

What type of riding do you do?

[Gash]

Thanks Guys

 

I do weekend warrior / fun riding as well as shortish MTB races frpm 30 to 60 kms.

I will take advice and look at the silverback.

I have also been looking at the Merida Trans-mission 900D (Best price approx R16500-00), however all size 19's are sold out (checked with the distributer) as the 2010 models are due in September.

 

Thanks again for the assistance.

Later

G

[WorcesterWheelers]

Hi Gash.

 

Did the Merida guys mention the new dual suspention bike they will be bringing in for 2010 range? (Sorry cant remember the name)

 

But from what I can recall from a recent chat, they are bringing in something below the very popular 96'er, and more affordable. 

[Gash]

I stand to be corrected, however I think it was the 120 or 128 series and the replacement would be the TFS 800D. The bikes would not necessarily be cheaper, but better value ie full XT on the 800D (replacing the 900D transmission). Depending on exchange rates the range should start at R12K, R15K, R18K, R22K.

[Iwan Kemp]

For the type of riding you do I wouldn't go with the Tran-Mission. It's quite heavy and slack. It's intended use is trail / AM. Rather look at the Ninety Six range. Perfect for weekend warrior / races / and trail riding. Will be perfect for Epic as well.

 

 

 

Same with the Felt. Rather look at the Virtue than the Compulsion. Compulsion's BB is high and geo is slack and it has too much travel for what you want to do.

 

 

 

Not sure of your budget but consider the following bikes:

 

 

 

Merida Ninety Six

 

Giant Anthem

 

Mongoose Canaan (09 as 08 had some issues)

 

Morewood Marathon (should be in shops around Oct!)

 

Silverback Mercury (a bit heavy and I've heard of some frame issues)

 

GT Marathon

 

Felt Virtue

 

 

 

For more money:

 

Spec Epic (09 only and nothing with a Specialized fork or shock)

 

Tomac Carbide

 

Pivot Mach 4

 

Titus Racer-X

 

 

 

[WorcesterWheelers]

I stand to be corrected' date=' however I think it was the 120 or 128 series and the replacement would be the TFS 800D. The bikes would not necessarily be cheaper, but better value ie full XT on the 800D (replacing the 900D transmission). Depending on exchange rates the range should start at R12K, R15K, R18K, R22K.[/quote']

 

Thanks for refreshing my memory, yes that sounds about right.

 

Also aggree with The Crow's comment's, so it all depends on your budget.