Felt Compulsion 3 – 2019

Feel Compelled on the Felt Compulsion

With the release of the new Felt Compulsion, Felt can say they have that bike that dips into the enduro side of mountain biking. And we have to say, we are completely obsessed with it. With its 27.5” wheels and carbon frame, it's a capable and confident bike.

Felt is really known for the cross-country side of things, so the uphill capability on the Compulsion is legendary. With its UHC Advanced Carbon and steep seat tube angle, this thing pedals like a horse out of the gate. It's efficient and super quick, living up to the pedigree of Felt. The Equilink suspension system, which is essentially a vertical bar between the lower and upper links that promotes separating the drivetrain and suspension action, keeps the tail end of the bike always stays on the ground. This means that each pedal stroke is counted, and there is zero bob on the rear shock. The uphill is smooth, confident, and efficient.

While thrashing the downhill, the Compulsion is a composed and stable monster. Its a seriously capable bike that is good at both the rough stuff and berms. With 27.5“ wheels, that means that it is super maneuverable and nimble, while still giving plenty of rolling angle and grip to turn on any type of terrain imaginable. The 65° head tube angle means its incredibly slack, but it's lightweight frame and linkage keeps things like a feather.  Combine that with its 170mm fork and 165mm rear shock, and you have an enduro machine that can take on anything that you and the trail throw at it.

Felt Compulsion 3 - The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, you are going to feel compelled to have a good time on this bike, regardless of the terrain. With its 65° head tube and 74.4° seat tube angle, it's not only a super capable downhill machine but an amazing peddler as well. Felt has a long term pedigree for creating bikes that can rage on the uphill, and this one is no different. But on the downhill, this bike shines. Its 170mm fork and 165mm rear shock means you have plenty of cushion for anything that you throw at it, from the smallest of pebbles to the largest of rock drops. With its 27.5” wheels, it's nimble in the corners and fun everywhere else. If you are looking for a super-capable downhill machine that can still give you efficient pedaling and uphill experience, then take a look at this.