Felt F3C

Price Paid:  $600.00 at Andy Jordans Bicycle

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Justins loop, SC

Bike Setup:
shimano 9 speed, xsr-1 wheels (ok, gotta move up here) Fizik Wing Flex Saddle, specialized pave seat post, 105 crankset and Campagnolo Skeloton D brakes..sound terrible but works perfectly and thats what I seek

Summary:
Over thirty years of riding, including much racing on custom builts, this is the overall smootest, best riding frame I have had under me. My component selection is also one made up from my experience. this bike simply performs and keeps performing.

Strengths:
Stiff yet forgiving, climbs way better than I do and decends as well as any I have ever ridden. smooth ride over rough terain. and drop dead good looks.

Weaknesses:
It doesn't even know the word

Similar Products Used:
Paramount, TCR, Casati, Olmo, Alan, Colin Laing Customs, Specialized, Trek, Masi...others

Price Paid:  $3000.00 at Guy's Bikes

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Copper Triangle Colorado

Bike Setup:
Dura Ace derailers
Fizik Arione Saddle
Ouzo carbon fork
Bontrager Carbon Lite seat tube
Bontrager Carbon bottle holders
Kyrium SLC Wheels

Summary:
List price was mid 2's, but I upgraded to Ksyrium wheels in lieu of the Askiums. I immediatley felt great improvements in acceleration when sprinting or attacking on a hill with all energy seeming to be applied to my forward momentum. I tested this along with the Scott CR1. While I liked the Scott a bit more for its responsiveness, for the value and the degree of improvement over my steel frame the Felt was the easy winner.

Strengths:
Responsiveness, Dura Ace component group, FSA compact carbon crank

Weaknesses:
No name brakes
Felt Seat

Similar Products Used:
Lemond Zurich

Price Paid:  $2100.00 at Bicycles Unlimited

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Terra Cotta area in Toronto

Bike Setup:
Felt F3C 60cm Stock Bike so far - will likely upgrade wheels.

Summary:
I purchased bike after test riding it at the bike store. I instantly fell in love with the bike's responsiveness and its solid feel when hard cranking during climbs. The frame finish is excellent and standard components make for great value.

Strengths:
Very responsive to climbs.
Comfortable on long rides.
Excellent frame build
DuraAce Components.

Weaknesses:
Unkown Caliper Brake brand

Similar Products Used:
1996 Masi Team 3V

Price Paid:  $1650.00 at Performance

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Along the ocean

Bike Setup:
Stock except some lighter wheel skewers.

Summary:
The FC3 that I purchased was a leftover 2006 that I purchased for dealer cost. At $2999.00 this bike is a good deal but at $1650.00 this bike is a total steal. I'm really impressed with the bike....stiff and fast when you hammer on the pedals but also very comfortable over road irregularities. The gearing is a little high for climbs but the lightness of the bike offsets this.

Strengths:
Light weight, stiff bottom bracket yet also compliant. Great component package.

Weaknesses:
The brakes are not a name brand but they seem to work fine.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Allez

Price Paid:  $3521.00 at Ciclo Race - Brasili

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Anel Viario

Bike Setup:
Stock, changed the saddle for Fizik Arione.

Summary:
Best cost-benefit you can find in the market. Very light, fast and confortable. Beatiful bike.

Strengths:
Weight, confort, price, design, fork, handlebar.

Weaknesses:
Wheels, stem, saddle, brakes.

Similar Products Used:
Felt F65, Fondriest.