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Submitted by
Josh
a TriathleteDate Reviewed: February 21, 2012
Strengths: 105 compos; Stiff frame; more relaxed geometry; Personal preference is the color scheme (I like black/red/white) (not the most visible bike if you desire this); Compact Crank (2 X 10); Very smooth rideWeaknesses: Saddle - I know this is a very personal area but the saddle has excessive amounts of padding and for the weight wennies out there it isn't the lightest thing
Brakes - I haven't done it yet but I will switch out to Kool Stops once the original pads wear out. When applying the brakes they make a rough scratching sound. I have read this is eliminated once the pads are replaced.
Personal Preference here - Wheels - I do enjoy the white tires but I don't like that they are 25mm, I would rather they be 23mm. I will ride them until they give up and switch them to Michelin Pro 3's potentially (probably red in color).Bottom Line: Overall a great bike (review on a 2011 Z85). I looked at the 2012 and the 2011 and the only difference I noticed was the change in the color scheme, other than that the compos and setup was identical. The bike looks great other than the stem (glossy white) which does not mach the matte black bike. I plan on changing that out to a black Devox stem. The bike came with a compact crank which works well for where I ride and the 105 compos work great. The bike is stiff and handles very tight I feel very comfortable when riding 40+ mph down the hills. The best thing about the Z series is the more upright riding position. Compared to other bikes I have riden (specialized, cannondale, schwinn) I come off the bike feeling more refreshed (disclaimer - I did also put more effort in getting the geometry correct with this bike). But with the drops where they are it is still possible to tuck and ride as desired.
Favorite Ride: Back roads to town
Price Paid:
$1020.00
Similar Products Used: Cannondale CAAD7; Specialized Allez;
Bike Setup: Changed out seat for a Specialized Toupe with Ti rails. This made all the difference in the world. Plan on changing the brake pads to Kool Stops. Will change out the stem to either a Devox stem or Ritchey. Tires will be changed later.
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Submitted by
klmmicro
a Recreational RiderDate Reviewed: March 23, 2011
Strengths: Good ridged and strong aluminum frame. 10 speed 105 drive group. The frame has a great geometry for the way I ride. At a hair over 20 pound curb weight without water, it is not too heavy. Swap out a few of the heavier components and you can easily shave a pound.Weaknesses: Brakes are no name that left a bit to be desired. While they stop the bike well on flat lands or light down grades, they are weak on steep or fast descents. I changed them out to Shimano BR-6700 series. The stock tires are serviceable, but heavy. Good for spares I guess. Seat is a gel type that is comfortable in the back, but the horn is pretty wide. It is also heavy.Bottom Line: Mine is a 2011 model with many pieces from the new 105 group set. This is a great all around fun bike. I ride it as a commuter and recreation/get in shape bike with the occasional street race. I tried several bikes when searching out a replacement for my aged Trek 1400. This one came home with me after only 5 miles of test miles. Comfortable and ready to climb the hills that are everywhere around my home town. The downhill bombing brought to light a lack of confident braking power, but that is easily fixed. I have shaved over a pound from the stock weight by just changing out a few simple components. Tires alone bit 12 ounces. Another 5 with a seat change. The brake swap was a wash. All in all, this would be a great bike off the floor for most flat land riders. It should be a great bike for climbers, though attention is required for downhill racers. It is not the latest carbon fiber racing frame, but anyone wishing to have a great aluminum road bike would be hard pressed to find a better value.
Favorite Ride: Cardiff to Oceanside Harbor
Price Paid:
$1075.00
Purchased At: Bicycle Warehouse
Similar Products Used: Trek 2.1, Fuji Roubaix.
Bike Setup: Stock headset, bars and drive. 2010 Ultegra BR-6700 brakes. Forte Carbon/Titanium seat. Conti Ultra Race 700x23 tires and featherweight tubes.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a TriathleteDate Reviewed: March 18, 2010
Strengths: Lightness of frame, components for the price, looks of the bike (its sexy and aggressive all at once)Weaknesses: Alex wheels - blah, I'll probably have to replace them after 1,500 miles so I've read.Bottom Line: The bike is the 2010 model, the dropdown only lists 2007 as the newest model. Whatever. So its my first road bike, using it in group rides and triathlons. I put on some Profile Design T1 Viper Aero bars and Shimano Ultegra pedals, and the bike has been a dream. Other makes and models cant compare the price for what you get. I was looking at similarly priced Trek, Specialized, Gary Fisher, and Cannnondale, and they all were at the Sora/Tiagra componentry for the same price as the Felt full 105. Boom. Easy decision. (Plus the current Trek's paint scheme is very ugly. Whats up with that anyway??)
Favorite Ride: Felt Z85
Price Paid:
$1149.00
Purchased At: Adventure Cycle
Similar Products Used: Trek 1.3
Bike Setup: Aggressive as I can on this frame. It would be easier on the F Frame, but the Z Frame has lots of options.
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