The two speedsters replace their predecessors of the same name, which were created under the influence of sporting goods giant Rossignol. With Pierer Mobility, under whose umbrella the former US cult brand only slipped in 2021, a company has set foot in the racing bike business with a focus on electromobility. The parent company wants to concentrate on its core business again and is investing in the Gasgas and Husqvarna brands. Felt was sold at the end of 2023 to a newly created consortium grouped around ex-Pierer board member Florian Burguet. The models, which are based on the Eurobike 2023 which could still be marvelled at as Pierer prototypes, are now to go on sale under the new management.
Felt FR: Lightweight road bike for competition
The sporty pole of the new line, now in its fourth model generation, is occupied by the new FR, which has an emphatically slim design and was conceived as a lightweight mountain racing bike. A graceful silhouette, clear lines and little playfulness characterise the overall appearance. With an emphatically aggressive riding position, lively steering behaviour and - due to its short wheelbase - maximum space for 30 mm tyres, the FR clearly positions itself as an old-school road competition racing bike. The equipment variants with carbon handlebars and aero rims can conceal the obvious weakness of the frameset somewhat. But even if the marketing advertises the FR with streamlined profiles: The brand's former aerodynamic expertise can only be found on the frameset in rudimentary form at best. This leaves room for speculation as to whether the developers are still working on a new AR in the background, with which the US brand pioneered aerodynamic racing bikes years ago and which was always one of the fastest aero racing bikes of its time. A contemporary update for the fast flounder is still pending.
Felt FR: The most important facts
- Weight of complete wheel: not specified
- Frame weight: <900 grams (all models)
- Fork weight: 380 grams (all models)
- Stack/Reach/STR: 567/390 millimetres/1.45 (size 56)
- Maximum tyre clearance: 30 millimetres
- Frame sizes: 45, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm
- Prices: 2999 to 11999 Euro
Keep it simple
The FR focuses on low weight and high rigidity in the bottom bracket, and the "Advanced" frames should break the 900 gram mark in all qualities. Felt has not stated how much the "Advanced Plus" frame, which is only available with a clear coat and is available with Shimano Dura-Ace or Ultegra equipment for 12ooo or 8000 euros, will cost. Complete weights were also not mentioned. The FR has a decidedly maintenance-friendly design with a round standard seat post and a T47 threaded bottom bracket; as a special feature, the frame is prepared for a UDH derailleur hanger, which already points to possible new SRAM groupsets with the standard familiar from mountain bikes. The frame set includes an aerodynamic handlebar combination, which is fitted to complete bikes from 5000 euros. Cheaper models come with classic stems and handlebars from FSA, which can be easily replaced individually.
Equipment and prices
Complete bike offers are available with all Shimano groupsets down to the mechanical 105 twelve-speed drivetrain. The top model with Dura-Ace is priced at just under 12,000 euros. Interesting for the smaller purse: from 5ooo euros there is an electric Shimano 105 Di2 drivetrain and aerodynamic carbon wheels; those who already own fast rims can give the FR Advanced with mechanical 105 twelve-speed drivetrain a significant boost for 2999 euros.
Felt VR: For a calmer pace
The Felt VR endurance road bike is also getting an update. The predecessor already set exciting trends in the endurance segment with particularly small gear ratios, wide tyres and an emphatically upright riding position. Today, the 32 millimetres also fitted to the new VR are standard in the class; however, with up to 38 millimetres, the new VR has significantly more room to manoeuvre and also caters for light off-road ambitions.
Felt VR: The most important facts
- Weight of complete wheel: not specified
- Frame weight: <900 grams (all models)
- Fork weight: not specified
- Stack/Reach/STR: 595/386 millimetres/1.56 (size 56)
- Maximum tyre clearance: 30 millimetres
- Frame sizes: 45, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm
- Prices: 2999 to 5999 Euro
Made for long after-work rounds
Based on the new design language, the VR also has a straightforward and clean look; the eye is drawn to the striking seat node with the elegantly integrated seat clamp. The seat tube contains a standard 27.2 millimetre round seat post and a vibration-damping elastomer sleeve; depending on comfort requirements and rider weight, the frame can also be ridden with a thicker 31.6 millimetre seat post. The riding position is aimed at occasional cyclists and long-distance riders, with the handlebars sitting three centimetres higher than on the FR race counterpart. The front triangle frame also comes with a T47A thread in the bottom bracket and the UDH derailleur hanger, which is mounted directly on the thru axle. The frame offers no other special extras; you won't find threads for a top tube bag or a small storage compartment, tools and a spare tube have to go in the saddle or jersey pocket.
Equipment and prices
Felt offers three price categories for the VR, starting with a mechanical 105 drivetrain, with which the bike costs just under 3000 euros. With an electronic 105, the price is 5000 euros, with Ultegra Di2 6000 euros. Only the top version has the carbon handlebar unit, which is also fitted to the FR race model. The new models are now available to buy or order, and the company website lists a very dense network of dealers for German-speaking countries.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
