I have a z85 and love it. I have 1500 miles on it and have had no problems.It has been comfortable on every distance I have ridden from 25 miles to 105 miles.

 

True, there isn't much discussion here on the Z series. The Felt website describes the Zs as a blend of performance (racing) and endurance (comfort), whereas most of the active participants on this site are discussing the F series with its "no-nonsense racing geometry".

There are comments scattered thoughout this Felt Forum describing the use of Zs by professional racers on courses with rough roads (cobblestones) or when long distance endurance (comfort) is needed.

I ride a 2011 Z5. :thumbsup: I haven't seen anyone in this forum talk down about the Zs. The Zs are as much a high quality and "bang for the buck" machines as are those in the F series.

Maybe SuperDave (product manager Dave Koesel) will chime in say a few words to dispell any doubt about how a Z will brighten your life.

 

Maybe SuperDave (product manager Dave Koesel) will chime in say a few words to dispell any doubt about how a Z will brighten your life.

Here is a little bit about the new Z:

Felt Road Bicycles - New For 2013 - YouTube

-SD

 

I think the Z uses a better carbon weave then the F series.

 

I have a '10 ZC frameset which is probably very similar if not identical to the current carbon-framed Z bikes. Mine came with an upgraded fork from what the original specs called for (can't remember the specifics, but it's an all-carbon, pretty lightweight fork).

It is an excellent frame in it's "type". The only real difference between it and the Cannondale CAAD frame it replaced is the head tube length. The seat angles and ETT length are very similar.

To me, it feels just as racy as the CAAD, but more comfortable, probably because i have the fit dialed in very well on it. It is an excellent riding bike. I "believe" I felt that the handling is not as quick as my CAAD, but but felt more stable and comfortable at high speeds. I can't really say for sure since I don't have the CAAD any more to compare. I do feel that I feel much more comfortable descending than the CAAD. 40-50 mph was fairly nerve wracking for me, but now it feels very comfortable and stable. That's about as fast as I go.

Of course I can't say anything about the rest of the Z bikes as mine is built up with a Sram Red group and fit parts (saddle, post, stem, bars) and wheels/tires that I had already (all of which contribute greatly to my satisfaction with the bike as a whole, I'm sure).

I'm happy.

 

I love my Z85. However, I must say that I've only owned three other road bikes (all steel) so I'm certainly not an expert.
I've had it up to 44mph and it felt very stable. It climbs nice too (despite old, sluggish engine). I was a bit worried about the alum. giving a rough ride, but its surprisingly smooth.

I test rode the Z5 and really loved it. I ended up with the z85 b/c I was able to get an amazing deal on it.
Pic from yesterday's ride:

 

I too have a zc frameset...soon to be for sale.....

 

The Z-series is the workhorse of our road line. It is by far the largest volume category. It is suprising you don't see more discussion on the Z bikes are there are more out there than the F or AR.

If you have specific questions about the Z, please let me know. I think you'll find our Z-series geometry is very similar to bikes like Orbea and Specialized's Tarmac pure race bikes. It is not a dumbed down novice-only ride. Indeed it has been used in the ProTour at the Spring and Fall Classics, from San Remo to San Sebastian. It has won National Championships and raced in the Tour. The Z is just an alternative to the hyper-aggressive F-series. The Z's primary design focal point is ride quality, the F is STW and the AR is aerodynamics.

Regards,
-SD

 

The Z is just an alternative to the hyper-aggressive F-series. The Z's primary design focal point is ride quality, the F is STW and the AR is aerodynamics.

Regards,
-SD

Well, I have to say, I think you guys met the objective with the Z as far as comfort goes. Some riders don't like the saddle, but I like it a lot. Paired w/ the carbon seat post it feels pretty plush.

 

Shokhead -- From the responses, I think you see there is plenty of "Z love" out there. Go for that Z3.

 

I got a 2012 Z4 back at the end of September and have put 600 miles on her in the last month. I cannot begin to tell you how much I love riding this bike. Its better bang for your buck than the competition. I test rode a Cannondale Supersix and Synapse, Specialized Roubaix, and Jamis Endura. The Z felt better to me, has better components, and undoubtedly looks better. I get a lot of people coming up to check it out, particularly fellow Felt owners. You will not be disappointed in a Z series bike. Pull the trigger

 

kudos for the Z2 as well. great ride and performance and well spec'ed. btw, try to check out the Felt demo truck if it comes to your locale. Great choice of bikes to ride and nice folks helping out.

 

Z85 here and love it

 

Put about 1500 miles on my Z5 and it's performed great. Very comfortable ride, well built and looks good.

 

6130 commuting and recreational miles on mine. Two warranty issues resolved nicely by Felt/Shimano/LBS. Only remaining niggle is it doesn't track quite straight at low speed (< 10mph), but this hasn't been bothersome enough to have looked at.

Initially I didn't care for the look of the heavily sloped top tube, but it's grown on me and I appreciate the extra stand over room when commuting.

I actually found the stock saddle very comfortable and was disappointed when the pan cracked and I had to retire it.

Upgrades: Ultegra brakes and RD, Felt 1.2 fork (warranty replacement - original was not aligned correctly), wheels (DT Swiss RR465+ Ultegra hubs).

Fun, versatile bike. Would not hesitate to get another should something happen to this one.

 

I have a 2011 Z6 and really like it. First road bike, long time mtn biker. Wanted a bit of a more comfortable bike and I think this bike fits the bill- have rode it more than my mtn bike since the purchase!

 

I have a Zc and it is fantastic. I would highly recommend it.

 

I have an old grandpa z80, and that baby rides smooth.

In fact I love the z series geometry so much, I probably won't stray from it in later bikes, just full carbon instead.

I can get real speedy on it if I like, or have a good average over a large sum of miles. Best of both worlds for me.

 

I've had my z85 for a month & love it so far!

 

Count me as another with a Z85. I've put over 3,300 miles on it since I got it April of this year. The only quibble I had with it was the white tires. I couldn't wait until they wore out and I went all black. Looks nicer - at least to me.

 

I think Felt eventually switched away from the white tires to the black and red Bontragers that I got with mine (see pic above). They preform OK but because they are the cheapest tires Btrager makes($12 a piece) sometimes at high speed I'm thinking to myself, "I hope these tires don't explode, slide out, unravel etc". IN the spring I'm probably going to switch them out for some GP4000's or Pro Race 4;s.

 

bought my z85 about a year ago, its a very good bike, maybe just not for me. i feel its too relaxed and dampens too much my push, the tires dont help of course and the saddle prevents me from moving forward. Make sure you know what you get these z frames for. Now i'm selling it to get a more aggressive geometry. Anyone with the same conundrum?

 

Test rode this because they didn't have one with Di2 yet until after the first of the year.

 

I'm new here as far as posting but have been reading for just a little bit. I just recently purchased a 2011 Z5. I'm definitely enjoying this bike!

I actually wasn't looking at a road bike specifically and was definitely not looking to spend this amount.

I was originally shopping for an all purpose bike that I could go riding around the neighborhood with my 4 year-old daughter while also getting myself back into biking. I used to ride a road bike over 20 years ago and have not owned a bike since then.

After trying out a couple of hybrids, the store mechanic introduced a few road bikes to me. I test rode a Trek 2.1, Trek 3.1, Trek 4.5, Specialized Roubaix Elite, Orbea equivalent spec'd, and the Z5.

Well, I fell in love with the Z5 as soon as I rode it and I couldn't believe how much I missed riding a road bike. I liked it so much that I completely forgot my original intent of getting an all-purpose bike

Not until I went out riding with my daughter for the first time on the Z5 that I realized I completely missed my mark as far as what I was looking to buy and spend! This bike is definitely not what I would call easy to ride with my daughter around the neighborhood with needing to stop and go alot. I may need to either buy a lower dollar all-purpose bike for that or change my clipless pedal to one of the dual sided pedals so that I don't have to clip and unclip so much when I'm out riding with her.

 

And...I have gone out riding much longer distances, now that I have this Z5.

 

I'm new here as far as posting but have been reading for just a little bit. I just recently purchased a 2011 Z5. I'm definitely enjoying this bike!

I actually wasn't looking at a road bike specifically and was definitely not looking to spend this amount.

I was originally shopping for an all purpose bike that I could go riding around the neighborhood with my 4 year-old daughter while also getting myself back into biking. I used to ride a road bike over 20 years ago and have not owned a bike since then.

After trying out a couple of hybrids, the store mechanic introduced a few road bikes to me. I test rode a Trek 2.1, Trek 3.1, Trek 4.5, Specialized Roubaix Elite, Orbea equivalent spec'd, and the Z5.

Well, I fell in love with the Z5 as soon as I rode it and I couldn't believe how much I missed riding a road bike. I liked it so much that I completely forgot my original intent of getting an all-purpose bike

Not until I went out riding with my daughter for the first time on the Z5 that I realized I completely missed my mark as far as what I was looking to buy and spend! This bike is definitely not what I would call easy to ride with my daughter around the neighborhood with needing to stop and go alot. I may need to either buy a lower dollar all-purpose bike for that or change my clipless pedal to one of the dual sided pedals so that I don't have to clip and unclip so much when I'm out riding with her.

 

I'm new here and have recently bought a 2011 Felt Z5. Haven't put too many miles on the bike yet but absolutely enjoying it.

You'll enjoy it the more you ride it. I've made a few changes to my 2011 Z5. Triple crankset and high angle stem (age and disability). Selle Italia SL Flow saddle. American Classic wheelset. Black tires (white ones finally wore out enough to be replaced).

 

Thanks! I think I'll probably replace the tires with black ones when these white ones wear out. Haven't decided whether I will upgrade the wheels yet.

I am liking the saddle alot so far. I have even ridden one of the 20mile rides without a proper pair of cycling shorts...regular briefs and soccer shorts. Felt great! So, I don't think I will be changing the saddle anytime soon.

 

I have over 3,000 miles on my 2010 z85 now, and I love it. I've dropped the bars a bit since I purchased it to get a bit more aero, and it feels great. For the price point, I believe it's one of the best "bang for your buck" bikes out there. A tad heavy when compared directly to some higher end bikes, but to drop another pound or two you'd have to spend significantly more money - and at ~19.5 lbs heavy is certainly a relative term.

I've done rides longer than 100 miles on it and finished feeling great, and my highest climb so far is 4,000 ft of elevation in a single go - all handled quite well by the Z.