felt bikes?

[Darby361]

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

[CyclaSutra]

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!

[SouthernBelle]

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

[NJBikeGal]

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!

[CyclaSutra]

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?

[Darby361]

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

[newfsmith]

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.