In the wind tunnel test a year ago, the AR frame from Felt was already convincing as a successful cross between a road and time trial frame. The same applies this time: the model maintains its place among the fastest frames on the market against prominent competitors; the gaps to Specialized and Cervélo are marginal and within the measurement tolerance. It is pleasing that the manufacturer has addressed the frame's weaknesses instead of resting on its laurels. Thanks to optimised fibre layup, the torsional stiffness has been increased by seven percent compared to the previous year's model and the weight has been reduced slightly at the same time. Riding stability has now reached a level that should enable experienced riders to master all conceivable riding situations. Another positive aspect is that the seatpost flexes reasonably well despite the aero profile; not every aero road bike is as comfortable to ride. One drawback remains the high price - for which there is at least top equipment including electronic Di2 gears and stable aero wheels from Shimano with good braking characteristics.
Price 8,500 euros
Weight 7.3 kilos
Reference/Info www.felt-bicycles.com
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing** 1,154/439/57 grammes
Frame sizes*** 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm
Seat/steering angle 73,5°/74°
Seat/top tube/head tube 560/565/161 mm plus 16 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 990/50 mm
Stack/Reach/STR**** 563/396 mm/1.42
EQUIPMENT
Fork Felt
Steering bearing FSA (1-1/8 inch)
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (53/39 t, BSA)
Wheels/tyres Shimano Dura-Ace C35 CL/Continental Grand Prix 4000S
Handlebar/stem Devox/Devox
Saddle/post Devox/Felt
*The overall grade includes: the aerodynamics grade with 20 per cent and the grade for the frame set with 80 per cent. The grades are calculated up to the final grade with all decimal places; 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 upper edge of the headset cap; STR (Stack to Reach): Values 1.45-1.55 mean a sporty riding position, below that race-like, above that comfortable.
