Felt F75

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at Denver VeloSwap

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Anything with minimal traffic!

Bike Setup:
Stock with Time pedals.

Summary:
Great Bike! I upgraded from a 20 year old Trek, so just about anything modern would feel better. But, I really think I chose wisely and am really pleased with the component mix and overall performance / comfort.
I wanted a full Ultegra group, but found I couldn't get that new for $1K, so the 105 & Ultegra mix fit the bill.
All of my riding is in hilly areas and I like the way it climbs and descends. It is stable at speed, yet changes direction very quickly, which took some getting used to.
I was suprised that the seat fit me so well and that I haven't wanted to replace it.
This is my first experience with this type of shifting mechanism, but it seems to work well with the exception of the front derailleur which usually takes a couple of tries to fully shift from small to large chainring.
I'm glad to have the carbon fork/steerer and seatstays as it feels pretty stiff even with these items, as compared to the old steel frame. The overall ride though, is pretty nice.
In my opinion, this bike is a great value for the fast recreational rider.

Strengths:
Quick, relatively light, responsive, good-looking, Rubino slick tires are wearing well.

Weaknesses:
Front derailleur shifting on compact crank.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $1399.00 at Cycles BiKyle

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Felt F75

Bike Setup:
http://feltracing.com/08/product.asp?catid=1504,1515&pid=8665

Summary:
Actually have a 2008. It's my first road bike. I'm 34 and in good shape, so I wanted something fast but didn't want to spend 2k or more. I ride in NJ where its relatively flat. This bike is great. Fast, smooth, great looking, and light.

Strengths:
Looks, components, smooth

Weaknesses:
Wheels and tires?

Price Paid:  $1199.00 at Ambridge Bike Shop

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Mount Lebanon - Bridgeville - South Park

Bike Setup:
Changed the pedals (got Shimano's), and that was it.

Summary:
Got the bike to start running Triathlons and could not be happier. The bike is light, fast and comfortable, even for me at 6'4'.
I have the largest frame and the bike is perfect for my long legs.

Strengths:
Light, great on hills. The areas I ride have no flat spots, I am either going up or down hill, and the bike is great for it. I don't mind the breaks, they are fine to me.

Weaknesses:
A little stiff in bumpy areas, and Pittsburgh has quite a few of those. The handlebar is a bit wide.

Similar Products Used:
First bike, but I would not change it for any other

Price Paid:  $850.00 at eBay

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
My next ride

Bike Setup:
52cm Frame
Selle Royal Forma Gel Saddle
Topeak Saddle Bag
Rol Volant Wheels

Summary:
Special traits include:

1) Semi-compact geometry appropriate for folks with short legs, gives more standover height while maintaining traditional look and feel
2) Matte black paint is unique, classy frame graphics on 2006 model
3) Internal rear brake cable routing is nice, keeps a clear top tube
4) Frame angles steep enough to make a good tri bike

Problems encountered:

1) FSA compact chain rings are trobulesome, swapped to Shimano
2) Brake pads are week, swapped with Koolstop
3) 11-23 cassette not provide enough granny gear, swapped with 12-25
4) Bike came with useless pedals, threw them in a box
5) Shimano R500 wheels do not stay true, upgraded to Rol Volant
6) Came with poor saddle, threw it in a box

General comments:

1) This is my first road bike and the ride feels fine to me, don't lust over a carbon or titanium upgrade
2) Handlebars are quite heavy but are sturdy and seem to absorb road shock very well
3) Felt addressed issues 1-4 above with 2007 model!
4) One digg is Felt never responed to a customer support email I sent

Strengths:
1) Frame
2) Higher-spec parts only where it counts

Weaknesses:
1) Chainrings
2) Brake pads
3) Wheels
4) Saddle
5) Pedals

Similar Products Used:
Tested a Trek 2200

Price Paid:  $1400.00 at Veloce

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Cornelius Pass and Old Germantown Rd

Bike Setup:
Fully stock with Look under the shoes

Summary:
What a great bike. I have the 75 Specs, Tour of CA edition. Fantastic. Zippy and light, yet rock solid on the descent. I am training for my first tri. This bike makes it fun and about as comfy as the miles can be. Even the seat is fine.

Strengths:
Light, fast, and pretty sexy, if you ask me. Very solid on the climb and the descent. I am a 220 lb guy with high leg strength. It all goes directly to that poor rear wheel.

Weaknesses:
The bars are a bit thick for my aerobars. I will have to replace them. Brakes are a bit too squishy.

Similar Products Used:
Only other bike I have now is a Gary Fischer Utopia from 2001.