Scott Steering Damper

Felt Edict Pro review

Felt have finally filled the long-standing void between their carbon fiber hardtails and 120mm-travel Virtue platforms with the 100mm-travel, race-ready Edict. A new suspension design helps keep it suitably efficient and appropriately light but the quick handling and go-fast tires limit its appeal off the racecourse.

Ride & handling:  A pinner on climbs and on tight trails, but somewhat nervous at higher speeds

Let there be no mistake, the Edict is a dedicated race bike and it makes no apologies for it. Its geometry, equipment spec, spring rate and suspension travel all lend themselves very well to short-track and cross-country courses where explosive acceleration, efficient suspension and quick handling are key.

Big cross-sections and a tapered head tube yield good frame stiffness up front, while the all-carbon stays with pivot-free dropouts do the same out back. The chainstays are fairly short for a full-suspension, 26in-wheeled bike at 425mm, and with a relatively steep (when compared to the growing trend of more relaxed angles, even on race bikes) 71-degree head angle, the Edict is quick to change direction.

The net result is that climbing up tight, steep switchbacks is almost laughably easy, and the short wheelbase can also come in handy when descending tight switchbacks that aren’t too steep or fast. In addition, the low 31.5mm-high bottom bracket works well at keeping a low center of gravity on smoother trails.

Felt's FAST (Felt Active Suspension Technology ) rear suspension design is purpose-built for cross-country endeavors. The first 50mm of travel is so progressive that the Edict feels more like a 60-75mm travel bike on smoother trails. The ProPedal platform damping on the Fox RP23 rear shock isn't necessary when seated, as long as you can produce a reasonably smooth cadence, and the system is efficient enough that climbing out of the saddle typically doesn't call for it, either – at least for short bursts.

Scotts Steering Stabilizer Review KTM 525 EXC « Only Trail Bikes!

I have always been skeptical about steering dampers. However when the opportunity came up to test the Scotts unit I was willing to give it a go and finally, find out for myself what all the talk was about.

The little gold box comes well packaged with all the components in foam and comprehensive installation and servicing instructions. Mine even came with a police escort, but that’s a whole other story! . You just have to remove the bars and the top triple clamp. While you have the triple clamp off don’t forget to grease those steering head bearings! Slip the damper spigot on the frame around the steering head and tighten the locknut. Then slip the triple-clamp back on. The Scotts Damper mounts with it’s own bracket replacing the original top bar clamps. It is easier if you have someone to help on the install, as the front wheel might want to roll away when you take the top clamp off. I had a few helpers, but most were offering advice only. One tip is to cable-tie the front brake lever on so the wheel can’t roll away and the peanut gallery can keep watching.

The first test was some rutty and rocky terrain. It really reduced the small ruts and corrugations letting me track better across the terrain in the direction I desired. I then adjusted the Base Valve Knob, to a firmer setting as I got used to the feel of the damping. No longer is there a fear of ruts and rocks as the front wheel tracks positively where ever I point the bars. My next test was down at the local Motocross track. Picking my own lines across ruts and eroded berms was easy. This gives you a better run out of corners so be prepared to start bashing bars with the front-runners. I even went back to have a good look at a few corners to see what I was getting through. Jumping was even improved, both on the up ramps and the landings. You did not have to fear any rocks or lips on the top of the jumps and you will track straight on landing. I even tried landing a little crossed up (for testing purposes only) and rode out of it fine.

On a small test track I was clearly travelling faster than ever before. The reduced deflection of angled roots and rocks is confidence inspiring. Especially when you take sudden hard hits and you find the bars are not ripped from your hands. The other benefit for a trail rider is reduced fatigue. You are not fighting the bars to hold lines, but look ahead to the next obstacle, or just enjoy the scenery if you are game!

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