Felt’s Nine FRD is as fast and light as they come
THE NINE FRD is the top of the tree when it comes to Felt’s performance hardtail line-up. At a claimed 900g, the frame is as light as many top-end road models yet it’s built to tackle not only the hard and fast world of XC racing but also the demanding conditions thrown up daily by hardcore trail riders.
Cutting-edge tech
Virtually every high-end frame these days seems to have been created using aerospace and automotive technology. If there’s carbon fibre involved, then somewhere in development there may well have been some influence from the pointy end of performance material design. Felt look to have done something genuinely new in the bike world though – they claim to be the first in the industry to use a new carbon fibre material called Nano TeXtreme.
While it may be a cliche, Nano TeXtreme really was developed for auto sports and the aerospace industry where high performance and low weight is vital. While threads of carbon fibre are usually woven together into a yarn, with the resulting layers needing to be laid up at 90 degrees to one other, Nano TeXtreme comes as a flatter tape, with a higher density of fibres and less resin.
When these ribbons are interwoven, they create a single layer of carbon fibre that weighs half as much as the traditionally layered-up carbon fibre yarns, say Felt. At the same time, the material is said to be just as stiff as traditional carbon fibre, has increased impact resistance and saves 300g over the standard carbon Nine.
Materials aside, Felt have also chosen their own path during frame construction. Their technique, called Modular Monocoque Construction, is a way of building major frame parts separately, before joining them together to create the finished article. By constructing each main section individually, it’s easier for them to perfect each section’s characteristics, and the inside of the frame can be made smoother and lighter.
It doesn’t take a genius to look at the bike and quickly work out that it’s designed to cover ground fast. The components list is as jaw-dropping as the effort that’s gone into the frame. The Kashima-coated Fox Float 32 CTD fork is buttery smooth in its delivery of 100mm (3.9in) of travel, while the ENVE Composites carbon rims and Chris King hubs create a set of 29in wheels that might not be the lightest out there but are stiff and ready to take a pounding on the trails.
Power output
In the world of high-end road bikes, power meters are becoming increasingly common, providing an accurate way to train and measure performance. More and more mountain bikers are fitting them to their rides too, so it’s no surprise to spot a Stages Power XTR crank arm on this Nine. The back of the arm holds a strain gauge that connects wirelessly to ANT+ devices, such as GPS bike computers, to give accurate real-time power readings. While power meters are relatively commonplace on the XC circuit, enduro and downhill riders such as Danny Hart and Jared Graves have also been spotted using them to improve power on DH tracks.
While SRAM’s XX1 groupset has revolutionised lightweight drivetrains, the owner of this bike – who works for Felt’s UK distributors Saddleback – has opted for a dual-ring Shimano XTR set-up instead. Aside from racing, this Nine FRD is also going to be used for everyday trail riding where lower gears are appreciated, especially on long Peak District climbs.
The frame is one of the few new, high-end XC frames to use a standard threaded bottom bracket. This, Felt says, still proves to be the most reliable, easiest to service option and gives the longest bearing life. It also allows you to fit a wider range of cranks.
At 2845$ the Nine FRD frameset is going to have a pretty limited market, but Felt’s standard carbon fibre Nine range starts at 1970$ for a full bike, while aluminium versions (with slightly longer chainstays) can be found much cheaper.
CHECK IT OUT
The chequerboard pattern on the frame is a result of the Nano TeXtreme carbon fibre. Its interwoven ribbons are stiff, light and impact resistant –all good things when the frame’s purpose is to go fast
NO CORNERS CUT
Dropouts on carbon fibre frames are often made from aluminium, but Felt have gone for a full carbon build (save for the aluminium mech hanger) to save weight.
DATA COLLECTION
Power is critical for improving race results, so the Stages Power cranks are a worthy addition to the Nine FRD. They’re relatively cheap, but are accurate, light and provide masses of useful data
BEST OF THE BEST
Shimano XTR has been at the forefront of shifting and braking for years, and with the bike’s owner loving its feel, range of gears and powerful braking, it’s understandable why it appears here
CARBON ENVE
ENVE Composites are one of the most lust-worthy component manufacturers out there, so it’s no surprise that they feature heavily on this superbike. Rims, bar, stem and post have all come from their Utah factory
INTERNAL AFFAIRS
While the brake hose is externally routed, the gear cables are threaded through the frame, keeping the lines clean and the cables free from performance destroying dirt
WHY IS THIS A SUPER BIKE?
- Built from a cutting-edge material that’s unique to Felt in the bike industry
- Chris King hubs are the ultimate in bike bling
- ENVE Composites parts will induce carbon envy
