Summary: Overall this is a pretty crappy bike. The frame is ultra heavy!! The 56 weighs in at 1400 grams. Thats about 200 grams above the caad 9 (a cheaper and stiffer frame). What is the point of carbon if its heavier than an aluminum or steal bike? The BB isn't stiff. Comes with crappy wheels (option of aksium or alex a270). The front fork has an aluminum feel. Felt has always been considered the equivalent of a dept store name or at best a fuji. Now I know why. Finally, I would never recommend racing on this bike. The carbon is very fragile, and I've noticed not treated right. One crash and that bike will have a carbosion.
Bike Setup: 105- front and shifters
Ultegra- Rear
Dropped Handlebars and Trued wheels
Summary: Ok, so I LOVE this bike. I recently got it and in 3 months, give or take, i have put maybe 1000 miles onto, and enjoyed every one! The bike is stiff, yet flexible to the point that in a turn you will be streamline with the line your taking. I upgraded from a Fuji Roubaix Pro that I absolutely HATED!!! This bike is a good carbon bike for the money, the frame is only 1350g and is totally around 17.5lbs, and that is very light for a sub 1500 dollar bike!! I have no real complaints and recommend this bike to anyone who is searching for a good carbon entry level bike!!
Strengths: The whole bike is amazing... It has Shimano 105 shifters and front derailer and an Ultegra rear derailer... It has nice tires, Vittoria and is all around nice..
Weaknesses: The wheels are not stiff enough for me, and I feel that im going to seen have to get a new wheelset, especially a new HUB set!! Also I dont really like the BLUE paint over carbon fiber, id prefer it to be see through, but thats cosmetic and in NO way effects it performance... OVERALL IM NOT COMPLAINING!!
Similar Products Used: Fuji Roubaix Pro
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Summary: I bought this bike brand new on eBay for $960. I couldn't believe the deal I got on this, even for last year's model. When the bike came in the mail I was very happy with the overall appearance and quality. With a few adjustments, I found a great riding position and the bike (60cm) turned out to be a great fit for me at 6'5", 205 lbs.
This is a great riding bike that seems to be discontinued for the 2008 model year. If you can get your hands on any model Felt carbon bike for a good price I suggest you go for a ride and fall in love.
Strengths: For the money, I could not find a better bike. The carbon frame is very responsive and snappy to your pedal inputs, yet is compliant over rough roads. Win/win. The geometry feels great although I don't have much to compare it to.
Weaknesses: I don't really like the stock handlebars very much, they seem a bit too big. The wheels are heavy and do not have sealed bearings, however this is not a big deal on such a well priced bike...most people end up switching out wheelsets anyways.
The bike is a bit on the heavy side for a carbon road bike, but lets not fool ourselves here, it is not a top end carbon frame and the components are just mid-grade.
The seatpost was too short for me (only 250mm) so I had to replace it with a 350mm...which I didn't mind because I want to upgrade this baby :)
Similar Products Used: Specialized Allez, Roubaix, Langster
Giant TCR
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Bike Setup: Stock with Bontrager race lite wheels with race lite tires, Velo Carbon saddle, Speedplay pedals and Ultegra brake calipers with KoolStop brake pads.
Summary: Fantastic bike! Rides smooth, like riding a stick of butter. This bike replaced my Giant OCR2. The component group is decent but by spending a few extra bucks I've upgraded to ultegra brakes and Botrager race lite wheels. These upgrades lightened the bike up somewhat and I have great braking power. The frame is relatively stiff not as stiff as Orbea’s but then again it’s $1000 less than the Orbea Onix.
Strengths: The frame semi-compact geometry has a race bike feel. A very strong frame. I had a bad wreck in which was rolling down the road and saw my Felt flipping through the air and literally bouncing down the road....HARD bouncing! I knew my frame was shot, but when I got up and picked my Felt up it was unharmed; although some components were damaged (as was I), I finished the ride! Graphics are in the paint (no over the paint decals). Clear coat finish.
Weaknesses: Had to take it into the LBS to have the BB bearing cup threads greased, they started creaking after about 200 miles.
It's a heavy carbon bike, but for the price not too heavy. It is a modular monoquque frame. This means that it is not a one piece frame. It is assembled from individual monoquque sections - which are where the extra weight comes from. The Gossamer crankset sucks(too heavy). I'll be upgrading to a Carbon crank and that will shave some weight. The Bottom Bracket could be stiffer. The carbon seatpost gave out at 1000 miles. The top (metal) came loose from the carbon post. I spent an afternoon re-engineering it....luckily I'm a machinist.
Similar Products Used: Orbea Onix, Giant OCR, Giant Perige.
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Summary: I was a long time mountain biker and this is my first road bike. For the price I paid as well as the components and frame I find this bike is totally awesome. The carbon frame truly gives you a smooth ride on rough road.
Strengths: Carbon Fiber Frame, Light weight, Good components, and looks great
Weaknesses: Limited to one color. I like blue but Felt could be a little more creative and have some options.
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