The extreme riding stability and the short head tube, which positions the handlebars low down, are also high on the priority list of racers. Apart from the Super Six Evo, the F4 is the only bike with external brake and gear cables. Visually, this may not be the latest trend, but for riders who do their own servicing, this could be a reason to buy. Anyone expecting a tough bike because of the racing design will be pleasantly surprised. The Ultegra groupset with a 52/36 tooth chainring combination is a good choice, but racers will probably prefer the 53/39 gradation. There are compromises to be made with the wheels and tyres.
CONCLUSION Criterium racer with extreme saddle cant, very laterally stiff, very agile steering geometry
Reference/Info www.feltbicycles.com
Price 2,199 Euro
Weight 7.8 kilos
available in specialised shops
MEASURED DATA
Frame/fork/steering bearing weight 1,099/359/66 grammes
Frame sizes 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm
Seat/steering angle 74°/74°
Seat/top tube/head tube 540/560/138 mm plus 23 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 985/50 mm
Stack/Reach/STR 549/399 mm/1.38
EQUIPMENT
Steering bearing No-name, top 1-1/8, bottom 1.5 inch
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket Shimano Ultegra 6800 (52/36 t, BB30)
Wheels/tyres Shimano RS21/Vittoria Rubino 23C
Handlebar/stem Felt/Felt
Saddle/post Prologo Nago Evo/Felt (27.2 mm)
*The frame set accounts for 40 per cent and the equipment for 60 per cent of the overall grade. The grades are calculated with all decimal places up to the final grade; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are given with rounded decimal places.
**Weighed weights.
***Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
****Stack/Reach: projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 an upright riding position.
