Felt versus Trek, or otherwise

[Susie Derkins]

I would test ride as many different brands as you can. Felt and Trek are both good, so it really comes down to feel. For me, Felt's geometry wasn't quite right; the top tube was too short and that was that.

Other bikes to look at might include:
Scott Contessa, Fuji Finest, Specialized Dolce (all aluminum, generally with carbon forks), and Trek Madone, Specialized Ruby, etc. (all carbon).

As far as aluminum vs. carbon, they have their pro's and con's.

Aluminum is more reasonably priced. That's probably its biggest asset. On the down side it tends to transmit more vibration up to the rider, so it's less smooth.

Carbon's more expensive, and a little more fragile. A crash can crack it fairly easily. But it's lightweight, and dampens the vibration making for a smoother ride.

Ride both, and see how you feel about them, relative to your budget.

[trisha17]

Thanks everyone for your input! Keep up the good advise!

[Lauralyn]

I have been riding a Felt Z85 for the past year, I am 5'9" and the WSB were to small. I bought her on a whim for stress and relief, and I lover her, I do wish that I bought carbon though. I broke the rules and did not test ride anything else, I guess I lucked out.

[Jaten]

I have a 2011 Felt ZW6 and LOVE it. I bought it a year ago (1st road bike) and enjoy it immensely. I bought a Yakima stand up rack just so that when I travel for work, my bike goes with me.

Trouble free, very smooth ride, and looks great!!!

[RadicalEdward]

My Roadie is a Felt ZW25 - (Fit Womens range)
I love her to bits

Take them for a ride - just make it a good ride - a good 20 minutes or so, you don't need to work up a sweat to know if the geometry is right for you, but it can take time to settle into a new position
a 20 minute ride will tell you if your body can cope with the change - both bikes put you in a very different position than your current hybrid

[hulagirl]

Ride everything you can. You just never know. I had my heart set on a Cervelo. But it felt...I dunno...off. LBS handed me a Felt....and that felt...well, really bad for me. Tried Bianchi, Specialized, Fuji, Trek and then...happy day...an Orbea.

Ding! Winner!

Fit like a GLOVE. Made for me I swear. No idea who or what Orbea was, just knew she fit and felt like riding a Formula 1 race car.

So no matter how much research you do, don't go by text and names and numbers. Go by feel, fit and comfort. Than make things work by text, names and numbers. Ultegra vs Red isn't going to make the bike feel better or worse. So once you find the fit, then find the other things that make it even more awesome.
Denise

[elbowglitter]

I tried out both the Lexa and a Felt ZW6 last weekend. I liked both, but the Felt just felt right (haha). Ride them both. See what seems right to you.