Strengths: Carbon seat stays and fork really help to mellow the rougher roads.
Weaknesses: Have had some issues with the Felt headset. It has been replaced with in a year.
Bottom Line:
I have been riding this bike for 6 years and really enjoy it. I started doing TT with it last year and it has been a very comfortable and responsive bike.
Strengths: Comfort (carbon fork, seat stays and seatpost make a difference), climbing, handling.
Weaknesses: Stock wheels (Mavic Cosmos) aren't great. I'm going to switch back to the Velomax Circuits for a while to compare.
Bottom Line:
Well, I feel a little silly writing a review right out of the chute on a bike that I haven't had all that long, but I'll call this V1.0 and revise later if necessary. First off, I got this bike as a replacement for a KHS that I pro-dealed in 2002 which was trashed in a car-bike collision 2 months ago. The F45 ended up being affordable and available with the insurance compensation, so there wasn't any hard, long thought out process that went into acquiring this model. OK, on with the review. I was fully expecting to be satisfied with the Felt since I had ridden several in the past (mostly as rentals for various reasons) and had found them to be serviceable but unremarkable. I have to say, though, that I was surprised at the ride quality and handling of this one. It's very comfortable and I'd even use the word soft to describe the ride. Sometimes I almost feel like there is some flexiness to the feel, but that hasn't been reflected in any measurable way in terms of climbing performance (which I'll get to) or top end speed, so it seems to be more of a feel than an actual phenomenon. On the other hand, it could be the Mavic Cosmos wheels which are giving it that feel. I've been using Velomax Circuits, which are quite stiff and have a particular tightness to them. I digress. The thing I noticed immediately when riding the F45 was that it climbs pretty well. Climbs that I used to have to mash out of the saddle I can spin up relatively comfortably on the F45. Since I have ridden much in 2 months, I can only credit the bike for that because the rider isn't any fitter. Handling on descents is also nice. The bike tracks quite well and feels tight at speeds. My immediate thought was that my next big descent down one of the local hills might scare the crap out of me since I would have no problem laying off the brakes more than in the past. So, in short, if you're looking for an upgrade from a recreational bicycle to something a little more race worthy or serious, the higher end Felts seem to be worth a look. As I previously mentioned, I wouldn't really recommend the lower end models from Felt at anything other than very entry level.
Strengths: The selection of the components and the addition to the carbon fork and seat stay really make this bike the bargin it is.
Weaknesses: Headset bearings didn't last a year but, were easy to replace. The bars were to narrow and needed to be swapped out
Bottom Line:
Major step up from my Cannondale. The carbon stay and fork help greatly to smooth out the harsh roads where I ride. Couldn't beat the components for the price. Nice and stiff for making the short, often steap, climbs on the rolling terrain of the Kettle Morraine
Similar Products Used: Giant tcr, Paramount, Alan, Olmo, Colonago, Masi too many otheres to remember ( I have been at this a while, so please don't send me messages about it being "just another Aluminum Bike")
Bike Setup: Slight upgrade from stock, DA shifters and FD, Cane creek SEALED headset, DA Chain, Felt Carbon Seat Post. Maxxis Hor's Catagorie Tires.
I am looking at a bike for the girlfriend just getting into it and wanted some opinions...seems like a steal to me, but wanted some input. 04 Felt F45 Superlite...I think it is mo Read More »
I am looking at a bike for the girlfriend just getting into it and wanted some opinions...seems like a steal to me, but wanted some input. 04 Felt F45 Superlite...I think it is mos Read More »
I am looking for a good entry price point full carbon bike. I have ridden a 'closeout' GT gtr series two with full Ultegra and a very snappy, if a touch stiff ride. It's superligh Read More »
