Bike Setup: F1C w/ Reynolds ouzo pro fork, Dura-Ace, Zipp 404 w/ Conti GP4000, FSA SL-K mega-exo, FSA Plasma bars, FSA headset, Easton EC70 post w/ ASPide, Shimano pedals
Summary: Like Linda Richman says on SNL's old Coffee Talk skits... "it's like budda!" I've always admired Felt bikes - ever since Paula Newby-Fraser won a few Ironmans in the early 90's. There was just something really cool about the stealth matte-black and his Easton roots. Jim really does his homework, although Chris Boardman complained about "something still missing" in the F2C (same bike-different carbon) in ProCycling. But the F1C has the far-superior Torayca M30 UHM carbon-same grade as some spacecraft.
I have several other all-carbon bikes and this is by far the softest, but in a good way because it's also the smoothest. I'll never forget the first few rides on this bike, especially after being used to riding many other stiff "racing" bikes. It was like butter! Then again, every component except the Dura-Ace + pedals on this bike are carbon. I also swap between Zipp+Conti 4000 clinchers and American Classic carbon wheels+Conti Competition-22 tubulars. The overall package is just like butter! This smoothness really comes in handy to soak up bad roads, and I believe it distributes balance better overall. In comparison, my other stiffer bikes act like a Lamborghini with the tail-end losing grip from too much power transfer. It also makes very-fast descents feel extra stable as you feel like you're in better control.
That's why I spend the most time riding this bike. It's the least rough-riding, but I guess some of the softness/ dampening is lost when you need to put the pedal to the metal. That's why it appears Felt has remedied this deficit with a "F1 Sprint" variant. On a final note, I worry how Felts of late seem to be straying away from spec'ing brand-name parts instead with their own line of good - but still not as good - quality parts, obviously as a cost-cutting measure.
Strengths: -like good-old butter!
-trademark Felt matte-black stealth finish
-matte black makes scratches unnoticable
-superior dampening properties
-very well-laid out cable routing
-Made in Taiwan (keeps carbon prices reasonable)
Weaknesses: -Made in Taiwan (distracting moniker for naysayers)
-superior dampening is lost somewhat in power transfer
Similar Products Used: LOOK kg386
LOOK kg196
bpStealth (like a Lotus)
Cannondale CAAD
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Summary: My Bike is actually a 2008. It is very smooth riding but when I pedal hard it goes. Nice componant selection. SLR saddle takes a little getting use to, as you would expect.
Strengths: Stiff bottom bracket. Smooth ride makes even the biggest bumps less harsh. Upright position
Weaknesses: Compact geometry takes a little getting use to.
Summary: Just bought my first carbon bike and I am totally stoked. 2005 F1c 58cm weighing in at 15.05lb. I was riding a felt previously and love the geometry. This carbon bike is stifff and met for the aggressive rider. Climbs hills like crazy but was a little worried about some noises along the ride. Carbon handle bars and frame are awesome. Felt didn't skimp on anything but the saddle and tires. I replaced the saddle with a fizik saddle.
Strengths: Stiff, light, aggresive, affordable for a carbon, dura ace bike that had an msrp of 4600. totally stoked on the ride.
Weaknesses: tires, saddle! otherwise it may just be you the rider that is weak.
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Summary: 2006 model. Dear feltracer, I was once considering swapping out my reynolds fork for the ec90 slx, but maybe I'll hold off on that. Carbon forks due tend to break if you're flying on your bike.
The reason I'm writing this message is to help you on your journey to eliminating that cracking. I encountered this problem too and tried everything including: messing w/ headset, removing stem and handlebar and re-tightening bolts to recommended torque, greased all those bolts' threads. I tried all that at least 3 times and nothing worked. Then I realized that the cracking might be coming from where the fork meets the wheel. It turns out, the front ES wheel has two magnetic bushings or spaces that fit between the hub and the fork, one on each side. Pull those out and grease up both sides of the bushing spacer thing.
07 looks nice, but I like ES and K wing over new mavics and non-k wing
Summary: I also have the 2006 which I believe was a big inprovement over the 05. I have just seen the 07s. I still am pleased with the 06. Not sure that I like the carbon rims and it looks to be missing the fsa bars. The bike is light and quick. I love everything about this bike except for the easton fork that it came with. Yes I received a rare 06 with the 90slx but check this out on my first ride. I am hearing what sounds to be cracking. I figure I will need to go over the bike and do some tightening. Well six miles into the ride I go to correct from a very strong gust of wind (I was not going to let a stong wind keep me from riding it the first day)and the next thing I noticed is that I have gone over the bars and Im laying on the ground with a broken fork leg. No one can beleive that the carbon fiber fork just broke. My brother-in-law was riding behind me and just could not believe what had happened. Well Felt is taking care of the fork and luckly I was not injured.
Strengths: Carbon, Carbon and Dura-ace and the wheels selection did not hurt.
Weaknesses: How can I blame this fork! No one has heard of one breaking. But still I will keep with the rynolds fork from here on out.
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