felt bikes?

Hi all! I have been lurking for a while, and decided it was time to start asking some of the 100s of ?s I have! I am new to road biking. Last year I bought a hybrid and spent the summer riding rail-trails. Who knew that I would love biking so much! Now I am ready to pedal into the world of road biking. I am interested in doing club rides and being able to hit the streets after work. I have been shopping for a road bike, but have had a hard time finding ones to test ride - no one seems to stock 52 frames so much! Anyway, this weekend I rode the Felt Z70. I loved the way it rode - shifted real easy, little vibration etc. Here's the thing - I have never even heard of Felt? I really want to buy my bike from this shop, they have great service. Any thoughts on Felt?

Thanks in advance!
Trish

Hey, I have the Felt F70, it's 3 seasons old and I love it. Not sure if they make it still, but it had a carbon fork/rear triangle to dampen road vibe, and it seemed to be way less expensive than any other brand. I've loved it, but it was my first road bike so I don't have much to compare to.

Test ride some other stuff if you can, but it's hard to go wrong with a friendly/great bike shop and the service they provide after you drop $$$$ with them.

Good luck!

Darcy, If you post the general area where you live, somebody may be able to recommend an LBS for you.

Felt is more well-known for tri-bikes. Although, you will see a few pro teams riding the really high end versions! They are great bikes.

I also have the F70...my pretty yellow Athena!!! I LOVE this bike! Rides great, handles bumps and road garbage well. I don't think that they make it any longer, but they have the F75, which is a step down (I think it does not have the carbon in the back triangle) and the F65(?) which is a step up.

When I bought her, I also test rode a Scott and a Cannondale. She rode nicer than those and was a lot cheaper! :)

Check out what other people who own Felts say on road bike review.com... the F70 got a 4.56 based on 16 reviews, but like NJ said, they don't make it any more. The F75 and 65 both look like they got above a 4 out of 5 ...

http://www.roadbikereview.com/mfr/fe...2_5668crx.aspx

Maybe compare that to other brands you were considering?

Thanks for the encouragement on the Felt bikes. I loved the way it rode, but I am just leery of a brand I am not familiar with. Thanks for the suggestion on roadbikereview.com - it seems Felts get good reviews overall even though the Z70 is not listed. As I said above, I would really like to buy my bike from this LBS, as they have outstanding service and a great reputation.
Trish

My F70 is also 3 years old. I've ridden 3 Pan-Mass Challenges on it. I like it very much. I have the smallest frame they made, with 650 wheels. No toe overlap. It has been crashed, and came out better off than me. It is quick and not a harsh ride like other Al frames I've ridden. The carbon seat stays and fork really work. Felt has made a very good line, and most of their frames have shorter top tubes than other brands so they tend to fit women well.

I test-rode my first Felt yesterday and hated it (it was either the F4 or the F55, can't remember which one). Granted, I am about 5'2" tall and was put on a non-wsd 50cm frame with a 52.5cm top tube. I felt like I was bent in half and really stretched out and was in lots of pain as a result. However, I have to say that the carbon frame absorbed road chatter very nicely and the price point for a carbon frame, and a combo of Ultegra/DuraAce components was the best I've seen so far. My physical therapist has said that Felts are really good bikes (he's a US Cycling Coach as well).

So, while this particular bike certainly was not for me, that is not to say that Felt's are a bad bike. I'd encourage you to take a test ride.

Thank you for the words of encouragement, and the link to the roadbikereview.com! I am going back on Thursday night to ride the bike again.
Trish

FWIW, I test rode an F4 last November and my reaction was, "Eh." I wasn't in pain or anything. I just wasn't going to spend that kind of money on a bike unless it blew me away and was significantly better than my steel Paramount. Well, I then rode an F3C and fell in love. Go figure. I test rode Orbeas and Scotts and some other bikes and I kept coming back to the F3C. It is an incredible bike and I am a very happy woman. :) I can't believe how well it climbs.

Alex

for all the great advice and encouragment! I am off to test ride the bike again on Thursday!
Trish

I test rode the felt again tonight, and love it as much as it I did on Sat, So.... I bought him!! Yipee!! I have taken tomorrow off from work so I can put some miles in! I am so excited! I traded out the saddle for a Terry and the pedals for spd. I am going to wait for the custom fit until I get used to the feel (only have experience on a hybrid) Here's to following passions, improving health and social life! Cheers, Trish

congrats on your new family member!

I see you are in Ct, are you close to the Western MA border, by any chance?

Hey Stella, actually I live very close to the MA border - but the other end - South of Palmer. I drive everywhere to ride though - today I rode with a friend down in Farmington!
Trish

hi there, I just want to chime in...better late than never..I have a felt F75, I have had it just over a year now and I am very happy with it. My LBS sells them so I ride with Lots of people who have felts and are very happy with them ....Happy riding