Felt F1 SL

Price Paid:  $2600.00 at GreenlineCycles

Favorite Ride:
Hogback Ridge

Bike Setup:
Dura Ace 7900 Group
Easton EA90 SLX Wheelset
3T Ergonova Bar
3T Team Stem (120cm)
Concor Light Saddle
Thomson Masterpiece (zero setback)
Speedplay Zero Stainless Pedals
King Cage Bottle Cages (Ti + Stainless)
Salsa Ti Skewers
Continental Force/Attack Tires

Summary:
This review is for a 2010 Felt F1SL frameset. I built it up with very comparable components as the complete bike that Felt offers.

Being femorally challenged (short legs/long torso), I chose this frameset for it's 74.5 degree seat angle in the 54 cm size. I couldn't be happier with the geometry. My previous bike is a Cannondale 2006 Caad8 with which I had to have a setback seatpost set forward and a super long stem (140cm). Now I have a normal (120cm) stem and a Thomson zero setback seatpost and the bike fits me like a glove. What a pleasure it is to ride. Super responsive and light. It is responsive (some would say twitchy) but with the feeling of complete control. Weighs in at 6.84 kg (15.01 lbs) with my personally selected components - and yes, Felt's stated weight for a complete bike of 13.98 lbs (54 cm) is very accurate.

As others have stated, the bike excels on flats and especially on hills which we have lots of (15% grade sign next the my driveway). I have a compact but don't even use the smaller ring until the grade approaches 10% which was not the case with my Cannondale. Once out of the saddle on steep or short hills, the Felt puts me into a rhythm that I have never experienced on other bikes. I feel I could climb forever. And the bike just carves out corners on our serious downhills. I realize my bike handling skills were hampered by my previous ill-fitted bike so I have some catching up to do to fully take advantage of the Felt F1 SL. Our road are nice so I can't really comment on how well the bike absorbs road buzz. My aluminum Cannondale was ok once I got carbon bars and the Felt is definitely a step above.

Strengths:
Lightweight, responsiveness, acceleration (stiffness), road feel w/o being harsh.

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Caad8

Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
Toowoomba Range

Bike Setup:
Standard plus Reynolds 46mm Tubular Wheels

Summary:
I spent months looking for the best road bike to go with my strengths in climbing and also a bike that could handle the flats. When i picked it up from the bike shop, i was impressed immediately with the beautiful carbon finish and the felt devox components.
The Devox saddle can only be compared with the best of the Fizik range and the stem and handlebars feel alot stiffer then 3T components previously used.
In regards to the Dura-ace group set there really is no surprise that it performs very well and has crisp shifting and the ergo levers are the standard in comfort. The wheels are lightweight carbon laminate clinchers and perform very well in all conditions (although i only use them for training, as i have 46mm reynolds wheels for racing).
The frame is the best part and the reason why team Garmin achieve so much success. It climbs with ease and on the flat it almost takes off. I didnt expect a lightweight bike to be excellent on the flat and i was amazed that a top of the range wasn't actually worth the mortgage. If you are a General classification rider, a mountain goat or even a weekend warrior you will love this bike for its pro-pedigree and affordability. Ridden to 4th in the Tour de France.

Strengths:
Extremely Lightweight but Extremely Stiff, Pro Pedigree and Preferred model of felt by most Garmin Riders

Weaknesses:
None