When we set out to design our SHOT freeride hardtail models, we had one simple goal in mind: Make the real deal.

We noticed there was no shortage of wannabe jump/freeride bikes on the market today. We saw that many other brands sacrificed durability to save cost, sacrificed function to save R&D time, and sacrificed features to streamline production. While others may simply disguise everyday mountain bikes with puffed-up tubing, in-your-face names and aggressive paint jobs, Felt has strived to offer the market exactly the right bike, with the right features, for varied disciplines of riding.

There are three different SHOT frames used within the series, and each one has a unique and specific purpose. Whether it’s the dirt jump-specific Jump Shot, the freeride Straight Shot and Double-Shot, or the slalom-ready Dual Shot frameset, what they all have in common is a ton of design detail, the ability to perform, and the strength to handle serious abuse.

One exceptional example of design detail can be found on the Jump Shot frame and its custom eccentric bottom bracket set. Since dirt-jumpers often choose a single-speed setup, most brands simply provide a BMX-style horizontal dropout so that chain tension can be achieved. For most people, this normally straightforward task can become quite a challenge once adjustable disc-brake caliper mounts are introduced into the equation, and complicated even further when the rider decides he needs a different gear combination. With the Felt eccentric BB design, the rear wheel axle is mounted in one location (a normal MTB dropout), so the disc brakes line up no matter what gear combo you run. No clumsy pulleys or chain tension gadgetry required. Instead, the eccentric BB is simply rotated until chain slack is gone, and is then tightened down (only 2 allen keys required). And get this--for those who prefer heavier-duty cranks and bearings, when our internal eccentric parts are removed, this BB shell turns into a large (USA) size for BMX-style cranks! This is just one example of the thought and effort that has gone into every SHOT frame and bicycle.

Utilizing the latest in hydroform tubing technology, the SHOT frames are as aggressive and tough as their looks imply. Hydroforming allows for unusual and complex external shapes while using high-end butted aluminum tubes. This results in lightweight yet remarkably strong tubing, not requiring additional gusseting or reinforcement. 6000 series aluminum is the material of choice, and each frame tube is customized exclusively for Felt and tailored to its intended purpose. Beefed for strength only where necessary, and ranging from 4 to 4.5 lbs, our three Shot frames remain considerably lightweight for their intended purposes. Like all Felt frames, our Shots have a certain refinement which the competition lacks.

Built up with real freeride and dirt jump worthy components from brands like Truvativ, Answer, Marzocchhi, and Hayes, it is clear that whichever Shot suits your need, it will handle whatever you can dish out.