Strengths: Durability. This bike has taken a heck of a lot of abuse from me, and sll it has ever done has begged for more.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike as I got more seriously into mountain biking. Soon after, I started doing some downhill/freeriding, and it has held up great. The geometry is a little steep for DH riding, but it has done fine for me. I have heard complaints of a tall bottom bracket height. And while it does have that, I never felt affected in the corners. A large frame is extremely comfortable to me (6'0).
This is my favorite bike of all times. It is pretty light, and the equilingk helps to transform it into a great AM bike. But even the suspension components it comes stock with make it a comfortable jump and DH rig. I will never get rid of this bike. They don't sell these brand new in the US anymore, but if you find one, you should definitely buy it!
Bike Setup: My Redemption came with a Domain 160mm fork and a Fox float shock. I upgraded soon after I bought it to a Talas 36 160mm and a DHX 5.0 air. Huge difference! I also have added Raceface respond bars and stem.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Wolfgang Dangler
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2011
Strengths: So I’m a SITCOM (Single Income Two Children Oppressive Mortgage) type of guy. I tell you this because it means that I don’t want to spend money unless it’s going to have a payoff. I thought $1000 was a smoking good deal for this bike. I loved my old Klein Mantra full suspension, but his bike really is in a whole other category. I’m now riding on features that used to scare the hell out of me. The suspension is so plush and the handling is tight – it just inspires confidence. I’ve never been a jumper, but with this bike I’m hitting the jump park any time my weekend trails are too sloppy. And the Equilink is the real deal. This bike is heavier than my last one, but it doesn’t feel that way because it climbs so well.
Weaknesses: It is heavy, but that is just the way it is with a true all mountain bike.
The bottom bracket is a little high, which took a few rides to get used to. Good for getting over logs.
Strengths: exellently designed frame-
angles are great for climbs & decents. equalink is simly amazing-makes a 6.5" bike climb like no other!
I've read some reviews claiming that the 08' model has bad geometry. well, mine are 09' redemption 2 and the geometry is great.
sticks in corners, good handeling, very plush riding.
inspires confedence.
Weaknesses: feels a little heavy when lifted with both hands, but thats because it's built heavily (heavy rims, tires...).
however-you don't feel the weight when going up thanks to the equalink. (I never use the propedal)
Bottom Line:
this bike is great. for many years I felt my previous bike (k2 lithium) is bounding me, and since I got my felt I can finelly ride freelly and do downhill, freeride, drops and what not. this bike gave me confidence to do stuff I wouldnt even consider with my old bike.
this bike is very versatile. it comes set up somewhere in the middle between all mountain and freeride-if you set it up lite you get an ultimate all mountain machine, that is also capable of light freeride. if you set it heavy you get a great freeride bike ,that still pedals great thanks to the equalink, and you can ride everywhere.
a special word about the equalink should be said.
IT IS SIMPLY AMAZING!
in the past I wasnt impressed by the descriptions published by manufacturers about their special technologies, because they turned out to be a lot less then promised. but felt made me believe again that with careful design you can actually make a difference. the equalink does everything its promised to do.
Similar Products Used: k2 lithium, specialized enduro, a couple of friends bikes
Bike Setup: stock 2009 redemption 2-
rock shox lyric 2step front
fox rp2 rear
x9 rear deore front
avid elixire R brakes
sun single track front rim double track back rim (real heavy duty rims, withstand everything)
maxxis minnion DH front 2.5 and rear 2.35
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
bigdave
a Weekend Warrior
from glendale, arizona, usa
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2010
Strengths: behind a skilled riders this bike will eat up any trail and not look back.
Strengths: Excellent rear travel, takes 1.5 inch forks,been crashed hard and still going strong, i love this bike. You need your wits about you for this one but gets you in the zone.
Weaknesses: Some might not like the steep fork angle it can flex the forks a bit on hard tarmac stops, but makes for very responsive turns, perhaps a bit twitchy when going fast DH.
Bottom Line:
A bullet proof frame with very responsive steering, excellent rear travel and good for climbing with no bob. Not the lightest frame for sure but i crashed it HARD and its still good. No, the crash was from over ambition and not the steering :) Big drop, too quick : O
Strengths: Super strong, equilink works like a charm, eyecatching design, FSA parts are outstanding.
Weaknesses: Juicy 5s aren't my favorite but they are adequate
Bottom Line:
This bike was sort of a pegasus for me. I wanted one the minute I saw it back in '08. Spent the last couple years keeping a casual eye out for one. Finally saw one in immaculate condition on craigslist (that I could afford) and jumped on the chance. I couldn't be happier... the bike is outstanding. Absolutely in love with it. Read some complaints about head angle and bb height but I'm 6' with a 33" inseam and this bike fits me perfect. Nothing awkward about geometry at all. Climbs very very good. Bombs downhill. Easy to ride technical. Frankly, I've never loved an inanimate object more.
Similar Products Used: Rode my buddies Specialized Enduro a few times. This climbs better while tackling downhill just as well.
Bike Setup: Marz 55 fork, DHX 3.0 rear, Avid Juicy 5 brakes, FSA headset, Deore chainring and cranks, Sram X9 rear derailure. XO shifters.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
JoeCriscione
a Downhiller
from Portland, Oregon
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2010
Strengths: Amazing performance all around. Love the Lyrik fork, and my Fox float works like a charm. The brakes are pristine, and the Sram X-9's shift with ease.
Weaknesses: When the chain get's muddy, it skips if pushed too hard. Nothing new.
Bottom Line:
This bike is great. I love it, and always will. I'm only 15, and can definitely tell that this bike is just as good downhill as the stab, and just as good XC as an Ellsworth. I would definitely recommend this bike to anybody. It's amazing. The bike is very content downhill, and I am not afraid to do the large jumps. Be kind to it, and you will be rewarded. Neglect it, and it will bite you in the you-know-what.
Strengths: This bicycle is amazing. It pedals excellently up the hills, and bombs back down them. It jumps excellently, rips around corners, and flies down logs. I use it for all-mountain, downhill, freeriding, even cross-country with weight weenies. The lyric is awesomely plush, and the juicy fives have some serious stopping power.
Weaknesses: The one thing this bike needs is a quick release seat post clamp, or even better, a Crankbrothers Joplin
Strengths: Very light and easy to manouver! Love the Equilink system its fantastic with minimal to 0% pedal bob. Forks are fantastic and you can adjust whilst riding :) - Jumps very well and the overall quality is fantastic value for money! (Oh also... people cant help but stare at this bike all the time!)
Weaknesses: *Bars & Stem - These (At 50mm rise)are just wrong! The bike is about 2 inches shorter due to the Equilink system being in the way! this should (hypothetically) mean they add the extra length to the the front stem to compensate for this (but they dont) Read the Bikeradar review on this Bike here:
* Seatpost - you can compensate the odd frame sizing by buying a Thomson Elite Layback! these are super strong and look cool too!
*Seat - Like riding on a granite slab but this is OK for half hour (MAX!) I swaped mine for a WTB Pure V Race Saddle - This is Wade Simmons saddle choice and its very comfy..
* Tyres - The Maxxis Ignitors are top notch tyres for Downhill/Freeride! "BUT" For rolling ressistance for those of us who ride a fair bit of road to get to our trails then maybe these are not best! I had alook around and for the money I have gone for 2.1 Tioga Square 8 Tyres. These are great for the road & super gripy too + when I go off road they are very nice & again love the rocky hard packed dirt and lose stuff for trails (They dont like thick mud though so be warned)
* Lastly the breaks are not he strongest & they are very squeaky if wet/a bit gritty but they managed to save a guy and his dog when they stepped out in front of me from nowhere!!
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome+++++! It rides amazing and is a dream on the trail/downhill! (I would advise getting an air valve pump as the bike comes with only bout 180 in the can! I weigh in @ 94Kilo's so I had to put it up to 270 otherwise it felt a bit to spongie)
I have made a few changes to the bike over the time I have had it and I think I am now totally happy with it! As I only paid $1300 for it I think it was a bargain! I could of gone for a Kona Coilair (which was my other choice) but that was an extra $500 more so i saw no need when this bike is fantastic! I would have to say that if your after a good bike for not to much $$$$ then this is the one for you!
(Please note) I ride about 70% road and 30% trail - this bike was not really suited for what I want & had it not been so cheap I would of gone with something a bit lighter & with front & rear lock out) "But" I only wanted 1 bike I could ride in all conditions/terrain - whether it be, Road/Trail/Downhill/North-shore & all with minimal pedal bob! I live in Prague (CZ) & we have a lot of mixed terrain here! so i needed something Light/With a bolt through front axle/200mm+ front disc & 6"travel & to top all that off it had to be around £800!! This I have to say is 100% all my boxes ticked!
I only put 4 chillies as I see having to spend money on a seat/Post/Bar/Stem a bit of a waste! It warrants 5+ for the ride alone I assure you :)
Similar Products Used: Kona Stab (2006 - my previously much loved baby)
Bike Setup: Swapping Stem for: Thomson Elite X4 Stem 80mm 0deg (or) FSA-FR 70mm as I tried a FSA Ride @ 100mm but was to long and far to flimsy/flexi!
* Swapping to 25mm riser bar: Either FSA K-Force carbon (or) 19mm Race Face Atlas?
* Will be adding a E-13 DRS - BB (ISCG)Chain Guard soon too!
*Also as stated I have changed tyres too Tioga Square 8 Tyres
*Next new Item coming will be: Rock Shox Poploc Pure Lockout Upgrade Kit (This costs £61.99 from chainreactioncycles.com)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
pvsd4090
a Cross Country Rider
from Breckenridge, CO. USA
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2009
Strengths: Lyric fork is stout with tons of adjustment. Geometry fits me well. Nice paint scheme. Strong brakes. Nice feel to the cockpit; stem,bars,grips all have great feel and geometry to me.
Weaknesses: Fox DHX 3 Air seems to have poor mid stroke compression and limited adjustability. Seat is uncomfortable and there is no quick release on seatube; which is essential for a 6+ inch travel mtb.
Bottom Line:
Got the bike 50% off from local dealer. Overall great bike for AM. Very beefy frame and with good part spec. Lyrik fork is off the chain; strong, stiff, great adjustability. DHX in rear does not equal the capability of the Lyrik in front. Bike is well spec'd for heavy duty AM. Around 35lbs for M 17.5 on my scale. If your trails are very bumpy with steep down segments this is the bike for you.
Will give 4 flamin' chilis for value because this bike listed for 3500$...could have better rear shock,seat,cassette,chain,wheelset for that price; but for what I paid..I am very happy!
Submitted by
CraptacularOne
a Weekend Warrior
from Hollywood Florida
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2008
Strengths: Pedaling efficiency, extremely predictable descending, equilink suspension, climbing is also very easy thanks to your weight being over the rear tire.
Weaknesses: Weight (but if you're descending this becomes a plus)
Bottom Line:
This bike is amazing in it's forgiving ride characteristics. You can literally make your own line with this thing. While your friends doge and weave to find a good line you can just pedal over nearly anything on the trail. From rock gardens, to gnarly roots and everything in between this bike eats it for breakfast.
The bike is surprisingly fast and really transitions it's weight well in the corners. It climbs nearly as good as my last bike (07 Felt Virtue 3) but it lets descend that hill you just climbed with supreme confidence.
Bike Setup: 08 Felt Redemption 3, all stock from the factory.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Exfactoryguy
a Weekend Warrior
from Waianae, HI
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2008
Strengths: This Bike is absolutely Amazing. I love to ride technicle stuff and this bike is extremely balanced for it. This rig climbs fantastic and screams downhill.
Weaknesses: The Equilink gets in the way of the anchor bolt on the SRAM X9 front derailleur.
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. I built my bike from the ground up. This bike is the most efficient bike I have ever had. This bike has almost seven inches of travel yet it is as efficient as a light weight, three inch travel, cross country bike. Out here in Hawaii we have a variety of terrain, dry powder and mud and wet roots, and everything in between depending on where you are and the weather. This bike is great on the dry stuff and it is just as good on the wet. Steep climbs, Steep descents, slow technical obstacles, high speed technical stuff, nothing fazes this bike. I did a race on this bike and my lap times were almost as fast as those that had "high speed" race cross country bikes. This is a true all mountain bike. Buy one you will not be disappointed.
Bike Setup: Felt Redemption Team Frame, DHX 5.0 rear shock, Marzocchi 55 slider, sunline carbon bars, sunline headset, Thompson seatpost, Thompson X4 stem, Hadley Hubs with 819 wheels, Pure V Team saddle, Full XT M770 transmission triggers and shadow rear derailleur, Hayes Stroker Trail brakes,
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Scarney19
a Downhiller
from SAn Dimas, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2008
Strengths: I love this bike. I have only had it for week and gone on 3 rides with it. I have taken it on some pretty aggresive trails and have had no issues with. Now that I got the suspension tuned right, I can really fly down the hills. I like the bike because it has the a mild downhill bike feel, but it climbs really good as well. The RockShox Lyrik fork in amazing and I think the best feature on the bike.
Weaknesses: I have heard the horror stories about the rear Fox DHX air 3.0 shock. I have had any problems yet, but if I do, I may have to upgrade.
Bottom Line:
Great bike. The price tag is a little hig($3500), But I got a steal on mine....$2399 well worth every penny.
Submitted by
dirtbikerpbdave
a Downhiller
from Bolton, Connecticut
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2008
Strengths: The bike (Felt Redemption 2)is awesome so far. Although I've only had it for 2 days and gone on 2 rides with it. It only weighs 34 pounds so it climbs very well for a Dh/FR bike. Also, the Equilink works really good. I don't have any pedal bob when sitting down and pedaling. Uphill the Equilink helps because you still get power and it still absorbs all the bumps. Its a really easy bike to climb with because bumbs are so smooth on it even when you have the pressure in the shock high like I do. Off of jumps the boost valve works great. I went off a 6 or 7 foot drop with a really really flat landing and that was the only time that I got the measuring O ring thing to go to the bottom of the shaft (but it didn't fall off the shaft. I also could have pumped the shock up more and that would have helped with that drop but overall it was very smooth for the size and roughness of the drop. Its extremely smooth going downhill. I cant really get the travel to go to 165mm in the front it only goes to 160 on the gauge but thats fine. Apparently the shock is famous for having problems (look at the review for the 3.0 air on this website) but mine came with custom valving and its fine. Overall its an awesome bike and if you could get it I would recommend it.
Weaknesses: None so far really.
Bottom Line:
get it if you can get a good deal on it. msrp is $3500 so its not cheap if u get it new. Oh and the paint job is awesome. I only gave it 4 chilis for value because its so expensive new.
Submitted by
ejheverest
a Cross Country Rider
from Gloucester, Ma.
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2008
Strengths: equilink rear suspension design, efficiency of bike. Bullet proof frame, Rock shox Lyric U-turn 160mm fork works great. Build kit is ok, avid juicy 5 brakes, sram 9 rear, sram 7 shifters, lx cranks.
Weaknesses: haven't found any yet.
Bottom Line:
I was looking at all-mountain full suspensions for the last year, I compared the Cove G-spot, Norco Six 2, Santa Cruz Bullit, and Transition Preston FR.
If you are looking for a capable XC full-suspension bike but, want something to take to the ski areas in the summer and bomb downhill without worrying about breaking the frame this bike kicks ass. It weighs around 33 lbs and has the 1 1/2 headtube for more fork options. A new Redemption 2 goes for around 33-3500$. My bike was a demo and was only ridden a few times plus I paid half price.
If you had a chance to buy one of these two bikes.......
Bike 1 - 2007 Epic Expert
Bike 2 - 2009 Felt Redemtion
Ride style... All mountain, no downhill, occasi Read More »
last tuesday or wednesday, i rode most of a trail that made me walk/ride at a crawling pace a few weeks ago...we turned and went uphill before things got really narrow and left/rig Read More »
Is anyone running the double specific front derailleur on their Redemption? I just got a FD-M667 dual pull top swing and it does not look like it is going to clear the equilink, th Read More »
Picking it up from the shop in an hour, just got new F&R shifter cables, new brake pads, and a new top pivot bolt for the rear suspension and a tuneup. This guy is ready to go!
Read More »
