ension Manual

Equilink Susp

Contents:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Introduction
Equilink Function Simply Explained
Setup
Rebuild / Maintenance
Parts Lists
Carbon Care Guide

1. Introduction To The Equilink:

Congratulations on purchasing this high quality Felt Equilink equipped bicycle. As with
all of our bikes and components, our aim is to provide you, the rider, with the best
possible product and therefore the best possible riding experience.
Please read this Equilink Owners manual supplement thoroughly, as its purpose is
to help you better understand your bike, set it up correctly, and care for it. If there
are any questions that you still have after reading this guide, please contact your Felt
Equilink Authorized Dealer, or visit our comprehensive Equilink website at www.Feltbicycles.com.
Happy Trails!
Felt Bicycles.

2. The Equilink System Function Simply Explained:

In this illustration notice the red Equilink located behind the seat tube.
The positioning of this special link counteracts weight transfer, so that the drivetrain
doesnt have to.
As you pedal, the Equilink automatically pulls down on the upper horizontal link, which
instantly negates and equalizes weight transfer. The harder you pedal the more weight
transfer you initiate. The Equilink simply mirrors the effort, keeping a constant state
of equalization. By allowing the drivetrain to do what it was meant to do (move you
forward), we are able to maximize pedaling efficiency while allowing the suspension to
remain equalized, and stay ultra-compliant as it moves freely over even the smallest of
bumps.

3. Equilink Setup Guide:

Felt recommends that you start with between 20 and 30 percent sag. This will ensure
that you get optimal performance from your Equilink equipped bicycle.
To determine your actual sag you must first slide the travel indicator on the shock
absorber (the small o-ring on the effective shaft of the shock) upwards until it rests
against the larger part of the shock. Then, with both hands on the respective handlebar grips throw a leg over the bike and gently allow your full body weight to compress
the suspension. Then, slowly roll off lifting your weight off the bike. When you now look
at the shock you will see that the o-ring has moved. The distance between the o-ring
and the top body of the shock is the actual shock sag dimension.
For the Virtue this measurement should fall between 10mm and 15mm. For the Compulsion this measurement should be between 12mm and 18mm.
Important: Try not to bounce or sit up while applying weight to the bike. Doing so
can drastically throw off the resulting measurement. If you feel you have made an error, you can easily slide the travel indicator up and start over.
Suggested sag settings should only be used as an initial starting point. In many cases
the actual settings that work best for you may be different than what works for others
due to riding style, terrain or simply personal preference. We suggest that you experiment with air pressure and damping settings to arrive at your desired feel. More sag
(less air pressure) for a softer, suppler ride or less sag (more air pressure) for a firmer
ride.
WARNING: The bicycle should be considered as a system when setting air pressures.
Changing rear shock air pressure will effectively change the bikes geometry, so the
fork air pressure/preload should be checked at the same time for correct sag to ensure
proper geometry and handling. Failure to do so could adversely affect steering and
handling characteristics, resulting in possible loss of control, injury, or even death. Refer to the fork owners manual for instructions on setting correct sag, air pressure and
damping settings. If you did not receive or misplaced your fork owners manual, refer
to the manufacturers website for details on proper care and
maintenance procedures.

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4. Maintenance Overview:
While all Felt frames are designed to be strong and durable, a little preventive maintenance will protect your investment and provide endless hours of trail riding fun.
General Maintenance

3. If the suspension moves smoothly through its travel, check for any side to side movement. Hold the dropouts and try and move them to the left and right. Any looseness
may be a sign of loose bearing bolts or worn bearings.
(Move suspension as shown in Fig.2)

All bearings used on Felt suspension frames are high quality sealed units. They are designed to provide a long working life; however keeping the bearings clean will extend
their useful life.

4. Check the bearing bolts, if any are loose tighten them to the torque spec that is
conveniently laser etched into the dust shields. In some instances it may be necessary to
reapply a thread locker before you retighten the bearing bolts.

When cleaning your bike, avoid the use of high pressure water or aerosol spray cleaners. Doing so will drive contaminants into the bearings, causing premature failure. The
easiest and simplest way of cleaning the frame is using a bucket of soap and water.
This will remove all exterior dirt and grime, preserving the integrity of the bearing seals.

5. If you notice any wear or problems with the bearings your easiest course of action is
to replace them. Bearing replacement kits are reasonably
inexpensive and the procedure is fairly simple. Bearing kits and complete rebuild kits
are available through your local Felt Bicycles retailer.

When cleaning the frame it is good practice to periodically check for bearing wear.

6. For rear shock maintenance refer to the shock manufacturers owners manual that
was included with your bike. If you did not receive or misplaced your shock owners
manual, refer to the manufacturers website for details on proper care and maintenance procedures.

1. With the bike in a work stand, clamped by the seat post, remove the rear wheel and
deflate the rear shock.
2. Standing behind the frame, lift the rear dropouts, (Move suspension as shown in
Fig.1) it should feel smooth, (with light resistance from the carbon rear triangle). Any
grinding, notchiness or tight spots may be signs that the bearings need to be overhauled.

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Bearing Replacement:

Master Bearing Tool Kit Diagram:

IMPORTANT - Read and thoroughly comprehend these instructions prior to beginning.

Doing so will save you time in the long run and help keep your Felt frame running
smoothly and safely.

Note: Not all tools from the master tool kit will be needed for this model of Felt Bicycle
and may not be included in your bikes tool kit.

Tools required:
Loctite 242 (Thread Locker)
4mm, 5mm and 6mm Allen (hex) wrench
Torque wrench (Metric) with 5 and 6mm hex bit
12mm and 15mm open wrench
Equilink Bearing removal/installation tool kit
Rubber/plastic faced hammer
X-acto knife or dental pick
Cleaner/degreaser
Acetone or similar solvent
Q-Tip or similar
Good Quality Pliers
Frame Disassembly:
1. CLEAN YOUR BIKE!! Even if you clean your bike regularly, clean it again. Dirt and
contaminants including oil and grease will affect the reassembly of the frame components and could prevent bearings from seating correctly and could also keep the
Loctite from curing.
2. After clamping the bike in a work stand, remove the wheels, rear derailleur, rear
brake caliper, crank set and BB. The fewer components on the frame the easier it will
be for you to work on!
3. Break loose each pivot bolt, but do not remove any hardware yet.
4. Deflate the shock, remove the shock mounting bolts and set the shock to the side.
5. Remove the seat stay axle and bolt assemblies that attach the rear triangle to the
linkage. Be sure to not lose the Acetyl Thrust Washers that fit between the Links and the
Seat Stay Yoke.
6. Now remove the bearing bolt/dust shield assembly from the Chain Stay Yoke. The
rear triangle should be free from the frame. Be careful to not lose any stainless steel
spacer washers.
7. Remove the bolts from the shock links. Be careful to catch the Acetyl Thrust Washers
between the link and the frame. The shock link plates should now be free from the
frame.

ension Manual

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Equilink Susp

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Removing Bearings:

Installing Bearings:

1. Place the links flat on your bench and assemble the bearing removal tools as shown
in fig. 3. Use an Allen wrench and open wrench to draw the bearings out of the links.
Repeat this process for the lower link bearings, chain stay yoke bearings and seat stay
bearings (Use tool B in place of tool A for the smaller Seat Stay Yoke bearings) as
needed.

1. Once all the bearings have been removed, clean the bearing bores using the dental
pick or X-acto knife to remove all traces of old bearing seating compound/green
loctite. Wipe down the bearing bore with a Q-tip soaked in a small amount of solvent
such as acetone. This will remove any last traces of loctite and other contaminants.
Dont get solvent on any other portion of the frame or rear triangle as damage to the
paint or carbon resin may occur.
IMPORTANT - The properties that make Acetone and similar solvents work so well as a
cleaner can also harm paint and break down carbon fiber resin. Be very careful where
you apply the solvent as it may compromise the integrity of the rear triangle and/or the
paint finish of your frame.
(Caution-Eye and Hand protection should ALWAYS be used when handling
solvents to avoid contact!)

2. Disassemble The dropout Pivots as follows: (Bikes with aluminum rear triangles only)
A) Remove the Chain stays from the seat stays by removing the Dropout Axle Bolt at
each dropout and then removing the Dropout Axle.
B) Orient the tools as seen in Fig. 4.

2. Once youve cleaned the bearing bores, apply a small amount of grease to the inside surface of the bearing bore and the outside of the bearing. Assemble the bearing
installation tool (as shown in Fig.6). Using the Allen wrench and open wrench to press
(or draw) the bearing into place. Make sure the bearing is seated completely and
cleanly into the link. Repeat this process for the Seat Stay Yoke bearings (Use tool B
in place of tool A for the smaller Seat Stay Yoke bearings) as needed.

C) As you tighten the bolt the DU Press (M) pushes the DU Bushing into the DU
Receiver (Q). Repeat for both Left and Right dropouts.

3. To reassemble the lower link you will use the link support included in the Equilink
tool kit. Install the bearings one at a time as shown in Fig. 7.
3. To remove the Equilink DU Bushings you must first remove the Grease Needle Fittings. This can be done by gently pulling them out with a set of good quality pliers.
Discard the fittings you just removed. There is a new set of grease fittings included with
your rebuild kit. After the grease fittings are removed, orient the tools as shown in Fig.
5. Tighten the bolt until both DUs inside each (top and bottom) barrel of the Equilink
are pressed into the DU Receiver (N).

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4. To press new the bearings into the Chain Stay Yoke, you will need to use the C/S
Yoke Support (O). Orient the tools as shown in Fig. 8.

3. Install the Equilink. The link is not symmetrical so it cant be installed in the wrong
direction. Slide the ends of the link, along with the press in polymer washers, into the
lower link and then between the shock links. Insert the Equilink Axles. Your rebuild
kit may include 2 lower Equilink axles. The easiest way to determine which axle your
bike requires is to simply match your old axle to the correct length new axle. If you lost
or damaged your old axle please refer to the parts list below to determine which axle
you will need. If needed, there are key holes that can be aligned to help hold the
Axle from spinning while tightening the fixing bolts. See Fig. 11. Tighten to the torque
indicated on the link.

5. To press fresh DU Bushings into the dropout pivots (Bikes with aluminum rear
triangles only) orient the tools as seen in Fig. 9. The DU Press (M) should center itself
inside the DU Bushing. Tighten the bolt until the Flange on the DU Press touches the
dropout. Repeat for both left and right dropouts.

6. To press fresh DU Bushings into the Equilink, orient the tools as seen in Fig. 10. The
EQ DU Press (N) should center itself inside the DU Bushing. Tighten the bolt until the
Flange on the EQ DU Press touches the Equilink. The tool is designed to set the DU
Bushings to the correct depth inside the Equilink. Repeat for all 4 Equilink DU Bushings

4. Attach the chain stays to the lower link. With the stainless steel spacer washers in
place tighten the bearing bolt/dust shield assemblies to the torque indicated on the
dust shields.
5. Attach the seat stays to the upper link. The links may need to be rotated up and
down to position the link bolt holes in the correct position. Again, with the stainless
steel spacer washers in place tighten the bearing bolt/dust shield assemblies to the
torque indicated on the dust shields.
6. Reconnect the dropout pivots. Insert the reducer spacers (item #21 in Fig. 11) into
the bearings in the dropouts and slide the seat stay clevises over the bearings and
spacers. Insert the bolt, with washer, from the outside of the frame through the bearings and into the clevis nut that presses into the inside (wheel side) of the clevis.

7. After making sure that the bearing bolt/dust shield assemblies are cleaned of any
contaminants, discard any damaged bearing bolts. You are now ready to re-assemble
the frame.

7. Re-install the shock, remembering that the upper and lower bolts are different
lengths. Once the bolts are assembled in their proper locations they will need to be
tightened to the torque specified on the shock link.

Frame Reassembly:
(Note: use Loctite 242 on all threads when reassembling)
1. Take the rebuilt lower link along with the stainless steel spacer washers (placed on
the inside between the bearing and the frame) and slide the link into place (some force
may be required). Then reinstall the bearing bolt/dust shield assembly, tightening it to
the torque specified on the dust shields.
2. Attach the rebuilt upper link plates to the frame, making sure the stainless steel
spacer washers are in place (placed on the inside between the bearing and the frame)
and the link spacer is in place. Again torque the bearing bolt/dust shield assembly to
the torque specified on the dust shields.

9.

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6. Reconnect the dropout pivots (aluminum rear end bikes only). Place an Acetyl Thrust
Washer (FLAT w/ 13mm ID) in between the Seat Stay ends and the Dropouts on the
Chain Stay. Slip the Dropout Axles through the DU Bushing at the end of the Seat Stay
and through the Acetyl Thrust Washer, into the pocket in the dropout. Install the M6
x 20mm long Bolts through the axles and into the press-in axle nuts. Tighten to the
torque specified on the frame, or 12Nm.
7. Re-install the shock, remembering that the upper and lower bolts may be different
lengths. Once the bolts are assembled in their proper locations they will need to be
tightened to the torque specified on the shock link.
8. Once complete, re-inflate the shock to your preferred pressure and/or recommended sag (see Section 3 of this manual for proper sag settings).
9. Pack the barrel of the Equilink with grease using a needle nose grease gun. The
grease fittings on the backs of the Equilink allow a quick and easy service interface for
the user to maintain the pivots of the Equilink.
10. Reinstall any parts you removed initially to access your
suspension components.
11. Go Ride
12. All pivot and mounting bolts should be re-checked for correct tightness/torque after
the first ride and periodically ever few
rides after that.

Reference these numbers to your bikes Series Parts List on the following pages.
Note: Carbon Rear Assemblies will not include part numbers 22 27.

ension Manual

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5. Equilink Parts Lists:

Virtue Full Carbon Series Parts Illustration

Virtue Carbon Series Parts List:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
28.
29.

QTY / Bike

Virtue Carbon Seatstay / Chainstay Assembly

Chainstay Link
Virtue Equilink
Virtue Shock Link (Left)
Virtue Shock Link (Right)
Shock Link Spacer
Pivot Nut Assembly (66.0mm lg.) w/22mm Cap
Pivot Nut Assembly (78.0mm lg.) w/22mm Cap
Pivot Nut Assembly w/22mm Cap
Bearing Spacer 2.5mm
Bearing 22x8x7 608 2RS Max Fill
Bearing 19x8x6 698 2RS Max Fill
DU Bushing 1008
Acetyl Thrust Washer, Flanged, 10mm ID
Bolt SHCS M6 x 1.0 x 40.0mm Long, Plated
Bolt SHCS M6 x 1.0 x 40.0mm Long, Plated
Upper Equilink Axle (Longer)
Lower Equilink Axle (Shorter)
Grease Port Filling, Allemite #1877
Pivot Bolt Assembly (78.mm lg.) w/19
Pivot Nut Assembly w/19mm Cap
M5 X 0.8mm, 10mm Lg., SHCS, Plated
Virtue Travel Chip

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1
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Virtue Alloy/Carbon Rear Series Parts Illustration

Virtue Alloy/Carbon Series Parts List: QTY / Bike

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
28.
29.

Virtue Carbon Seat stay Assembly

Chainstay Link
Virtue Equilink
Virtue Shock Link (Left)
Virtue Shock Link (Right)
Shock Link Spacer
Pivot Nut Assembly (66.0mm lg.) w/22mm Cap
Pivot Nut Assembly (78.0mm lg.) w/22mm Cap
Pivot Nut Assembly w/22mm Cap
Bearing Spacer 2.5mm
Bearing 22x8x7 608 2RS Max Fill
Bearing 19x8x6 698 2RS Max Fill
DU Bushing 1008
Acetyl Thrust Washer, Flanged, 10mm ID
Bolt SHCS M6 x 1.0 x 40.0mm Long, Plated
Bolt SHCS M6 x 1.0 x 35.0mm Long, Plated
Upper Equilink Axle (Longer)
Lower Equilink Axle (Shorter)
Grease Port Filling, Allemite #1877
Pivot Bolt Assembly (78.mm lg.) w/19
Pivot Nut Assembly w/19mm Cap
M5 X 0.8mm, 10mm Lg., SHCS, Plated
Virtue Travel Chip

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
3
8
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Virtue Alloy/Alloy Series Parts Illustration

Virtue Alloy/Alloy Series Parts List:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
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19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.

QTY / Bike

Virtue Aluminum Seat stay Assembly

Chainstay Link
Virtue Equilink
Virtue Shock Link (Left)
Virtue Shock Link (Right)
Shock Link Spacer
Pivot Nut Assembly (66.0mm lg.) w/22mm Cap
Pivot Nut Assembly (78.0mm lg.) w/22mm Cap
Pivot Nut Assembly w/22mm Cap
Bearing Spacer 2.5mm
Bearing 22x8x7 608 2RS Max Fill
Bearing 19x8x6 698 2RS Max Fill
DU Bushing 1008
Acetyl Thrust Washer, Flanged, 10mm ID
Bolt SHCS M6 x 1.0 x 40.0mm Long, Plated
Bolt SHCS M6 x 1.0 x 35.0mm Long, Plated
Upper Equilink Axle (Longer)
Lower Equilink Axle (Shorter)
Grease Port Filling, Allemite #1877
Pivot Bolt Assembly (78.mm lg.) w/19
Pivot Nut Assembly w/19mm Cap
Virtue Alloy Chainstay Assembly
Droupout Pivot Axle
DU Bushing 1310
Acetyl Thrust Washer, Flat, 13mm ID
Dropout Pivot Axle Nut
M6 X 1.0mm SHCS X 20.0mm LG., Plated
M5 X 0.8mm, 10mm Lg., SHCS, Plated
Virtue Travel Chip

1
1
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1
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Compulsion Carbon Series Parts Illustration

Compulsion Carbon Series Parts List:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
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15.
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18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

QTY / Bike

Compulsion Alloy Seatstay Assembly

Chainstay Link
Compulsion Equilink
Compulsion Shock Link (Left)
Compulsion Shock Link (Right)
Shock Link Spacer
Pivot Nut Assembly (66.0mm lg.) w/22mm Cap - Ti
Pivot Nut Assembly (78.0mm lg.) w/22mm Cap - Ti
Pivot Nut Assembly w/22mm Cap
Bearing Spacer 2.5mm
Bearing 22x8x7 608 2RS Max Fill
Bearing 19x8x6 698 2RS Max Fill
DU Bushing 1008
Acetyl Thrust Washer, Flanged, 10mm ID
Bolt M6 x 1.0 x 50.0mm Long, Titanium
Bolt M6 x 1.0 x 45.0mm Long, Titanium
Upper Equilink Bolt (Longer)
Lower Equilink Bolt (Shorter)
Grease Port Filling, Allemite #1877
Pivot Bolt Assembly (108.0mm lg.) w/19
Pivot Nut Assembly w/19mm Cap
Compulsion Alloy Chainstay Assembly
Dropout Pivot Axle
DU Bushing 1310
Acetyl Thrust Washer, Flat, 13mm ID
Dropout Pivot Axle Nut
M6 X 1.0mm SHCS X 20.0mm LG., Plated
M5 X 0.8mm, 10mm Lg., SHCS, Plated
Travel Chip
M6 Flange Nut / Alloy

1
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Compulsion Alloy Series Parts Illustration

Compulsion Alloy Series Parts List:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.

QTY / Bike

Compulsion Alloy Seatstay Assembly

Chainstay Link
Compulsion Equilink
Compulsion Shock Link (Left)
Compulsion Shock Link (Right)
Shock Link Spacer
Pivot Nut Assembly (66.0mm lg.) w/22mm Cap
Pivot Nut Assembly (78.0mm lg.) w/22mm Cap
Pivot Nut Assembly w/22mm Cap
Bearing Spacer 2.5mm
Bearing 22x8x7 608 2RS Max Fill
Bearing 19x8x6 698 2RS Max Fill
DU Bushing 1008
Acetyl Thrust Washer, Flanged, 10mm ID
Bolt M6 x 1.0 x 50.0mm Long, Plated
Bolt M6 x 1.0 x 45.0mm Long, Plated
Upper Equilink Bolt (Longer)
Lower Equilink Bolt (Shorter)
Grease Port Filling, Allemite #1877
Pivot Bolt Assembly (108.0mm lg.) w/19
Pivot Nut Assembly w/19mm Cap
Compulsion Alloy Chainstay Assembly
Dropout Pivot Axle
DU Bushing 1310
Acetyl Thrust Washer, Flat, 13mm ID
Dropout Pivot Axle Nut
M6 X 1.0mm SHCS X 20.0mm LG., Plated
M5 X 0.8mm, 10mm Lg., SHCS, Plated
Travel Chip

1
1
1
1
1
1
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3
8
6
2
4
4
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6. Equilink Carbon Care Guide:

1. This guide contains important information. Please read carefully and store in a safe
place.
Warning! Failure to follow these instructions may result in a catastrophic failure of the
frame and/or its components while riding, which may result in serious personal injury
or death.
Congratulations! The Felt Suspension frame you have chosen is among the finest
products available in cycling. The Carbon fiber that is used in the rear triangle of some
Equilink frames is a very special material that requires particular care during assembly, storage and riding. This short reference guide contains instructions and warnings
specific to Felt Suspension frames that use these Carbon rear triangles.
Unlike metal parts, carbon composite parts that have been damaged may not bend,
bulge or deform; a damaged part may appear to be normal to a cursory glance. After
any high force load, like a crash, or other impact to your bicycle, thoroughly inspect all
the parts of your bike, and use the following procedures to inspect carbon composite
parts.
Check for scratches, gouges, or other surface problems.
Check the part for loss of rigidity.
Check the part for delamination.
If you are the slightest bit unsure If you have any doubts about the integrity of any
part of your Felt Bicycle, do not ride the bicycle and contact either Felt Bicycles directly
or your local Felt Bicycles authorized dealer for more information or answers to your
questions.
Be very careful when handling carbon fiber parts that are suspected of damage. When
a composite part is damaged, there is a possibility that individual fibers may be exposed. Carbon fibers are thinner than a human hair, but quite stiff. If the point of one
of these fibers is pressed against your skin, it could pierce your skin like a needle.
Warning! A damaged carbon fiber part can fail suddenly, causing serious injury or
death. Inspect a carbon fiber bicycle, or parts, for damage frequently. If you suspect a
carbon fiber part is damaged, replace the part before riding or take the bike to your
dealer for service.
Warning! Do not clamp to, modify or otherwise alter the frames Carbon Fiber rear
triangle. As well as voiding your warranty it may impair the structural integrity of the
frame. Failure to follow this warning may result in serious personal injury or death.

Please visit feltbicycles.com for

the latest technical information
on our proprietary technology.

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om

feltbicycles.c