Bike Setup: stock frame and components and wheels, profile design carbon stryke aerobars, time pedals.
Summary: i have thus far been really pleased with this bike. i can't claim to be an expert rider by any means, but i enjoy riding and am working toward being a competitive triathlete. i've put about 1100 miles on it so far without issue. it climbs pretty well from what i can tell, though without a compact crankset i find it difficult to keep cadence on steeper hills. regardless, this thing flies and is very lightweight, which is nice. My biggest gripe is the seat, which i find uncomfortable for longer rides, and causes soreness and chafing. perhaps i haven't adjusted it right, but i've tried several setups and haven't found a solution yet.
Strengths: lightweight, good component set (especially on the '08 model) sleek looks, all carbon fiber for <2500
Weaknesses: uncomfortable seat, and it's so dear to me that i'm always worrying about it
Similar Products Used: bridgestone road bike from the early 80's
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Summary: Bike is actually a 2008 with most Ultegra SL parts. I rode my brother's bike for a few weeks (a 2006 Giant TCR Limited) and I just knew I had to have CF bike. I borrowed his bike to do a local triathalon, but fell in love with road biking as a result where I had to get my own. After doing some research, I thought the F4 offered the most bang for the buck. Since Felt upgraded the 08 model to Ultegra SL, I knew it was the bike for me.
Compared to the Giant, it feels a lot more stable in the turns probably because of the slightly longer wheelbase. Also, the shifters are noticeably more smooth.
I added Ultegra pedals as the only addition to the bike (in addition to CF bottle holders). So far, I'm loving the bike and should do very well for this upcoming triathalon.
Strengths: Stability, smooth shifting, and IMHO a sexy bike.
Weaknesses: The seats a little hard, but that's what padded shorts are for.
Similar Products Used: 2006 Giant TCR Limited (stock)
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Bike Setup: Stock, selle italia seat, Look Keo sprint pedals.
Summary: I am another MTB racer that wanted a road bike for trainning, and road riding seemed fun. Although I do not have a big frame of reference for road bikes, I can tell you this thing is a ton of fun. It's light, stiff, but not uncomfortable. I enjoy the easy shifting, and when I rolled into my LBS and they were knocking a 1,000 duckets off this ride, I just could not pass it up. Great components and it is a work of art, if this bike can hold up to all the miles I am going to put on it, then it was a steal. I really feel the instant power transfer when I get out of the saddle with this thing, and I ride cobbled roads and think the bike rides sweet. Can't wait to try and race with some of you roadies.
Strengths: Great components, carbon fiber, beautiful, fast, light (17.5), and is just so fun to ride.
Weaknesses: I don't know of any, yet. I am worried about the longevity of carbon fiber frame, but I am used to Mountain bikes and don't like carbon on dirt bikes.
Similar Products Used: test road a madone 5.2 ( didn't like it ), and a Klein ( it was OK ).
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Bike Setup: 58cm, Selle Italia Flite saddle, FSA stem (for fit, stock was good)Crank Bros. Pedals, Neuvation SL2 wheelset for racing
Summary: I bought this bike mostly to train for MTB racing but also for some criterium racing. This thing is fast. Not flexy like some carbon bikes. It feels very stable when descending at high speeds (40mph+) and solid when climbing hard. Great for 60min crits and 4 hours endurance rides. A wheel upgrade is must for racing.
Strengths: Light and Stiff, but compliant on rough stuff. Component mix well though out for a club racer.
Weaknesses: Wheels are heavy but stiff. Good for training. Get some race wheels and easily knock a pound or more off the bike.
Similar Products Used: Steel Road Bikes 105 and Ultegra level
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