Felt bikes

[Black knight]

Hi,

Been musing over a new bike for a while but struggling to get good advice. I've been round plenty of Independent bike shops and they just seem to want to sell me what suits them.

I quite like the look of the Felt bikes. Started going into the shop Mid August and the guy said hand on as the 2013 bike will be in early September. Size and fit is a concern so I wanted to hang on until I could actually test the bike. I've been in twice since and had a hard sell but still not yet seen the bike nevermind ride it.

He suggested a F series is the only/best option but looking at Felt website it seems the Z series suits my need better.
I'm a beginner looking to do 50-100mile casual rides. Avg spd 14mph. Comfort is a major concern.

Any advice on the Z over the F series?
Any advice on buying before seeing?

Struggling to find many of this models online. Wiggle has a few as does Evans but nothing thats really comparable.
Budget is £900.

 

[Andrew Gronow]

Quiet a few models to choose from on your budget.
I currently use a Felt F65 2006 model and have been very happy with it.
Any reason you want a Felt?
To be honest, on your budget there is a staggering amount to choose from.
Now is the time of year the dealers are making way for the 2013 models so there are bargains galore.
You may pick up the same 2012 model and the only thing that will differ we be the colour.
Regardless on what brand you go for, the best bike for you will be the one that fits.
You may pay a little more by buying from a shop but you can at least take it for a test ride.
Happy bike hunting,
Andrew.

 

[Cyclist33]

It seems a bit odd that the dealer would tell you to wait for the 2013 models to come in, as you ought to be able to get a good price on a 2012 one.

Not sure what you mean about availability online as Wiggle clearly have the F6 and Z6 carbons and the F75 aluminium bikes still going and around your quoted budget..?

 

[GentlyBenevolent]

I've had a 2012 Z85 for about 2 months, and very happy with it so far. It's my first "proper" road bike, and the choice was made after going into a shop, discussing sizing, sitting on a few and riding it around a bit.

I do like the gearshifting - positive and quick. I'm happy with the ride, but I've not got much experience of different bikes to single out this one over any other. Just make sure it fits and is comfortable.

 

[musa]

Got the 2011 z85 nice bike. Really nice finish too. But unless go into the shop look around and haggle a deal

 

[pally83]

I have the 2010 F85. Nice bike, done a few 50+ milers on it without problem. Now used mainly for commuting (24 miles each way, so comfort is fine) and turbo sessions.

The difference between F and Z is that F stands for racing geometry and Z stands for comfort. Or something.

 

[Black knight]

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm concerned that although I specifically asked for a comfort bike i.e Z series, the dealer is advising me to buy an F series.

Makes me question how much faith to put in them.
The F may be suitable, but again, without seeing opr riding one I'm hesitant to hand over my cash.

I did see the offering on Wiggle but they don't have either the Z85 or Z95. The Z6 on Wiggle is priced closely but as I need to buy locally (for sizing) I imagine it will be out of budget.

 

[smokeysmoo]

FYI Felt do have a weight restriction on their frames of 16 stone, (lots of other manufacturers don't).

This may or may not affect your decision, but it stopped me buying a Felt AR2 a couple of years ago.

 

[Black knight]

Good to know.

I'm probably a little over that.

 

[sidevalve]

So to be exact the dealer advised you to buy a bike [fair enough] but didn't offer a test ride ? At your budget, which even to the biggest dealer must be a nice little wodge of cash I'd keep my money, move on and try somewhere else. That's a big investment only to find out it's not quite "right".

 

[Cyclist33]

So to be exact the dealer advised you to buy a bike [fair enough] but didn't offer a test ride ? At your budget, which even to the biggest dealer must be a nice little wodge of cash I'd keep my money, move on and try somewhere else. That's a big investment only to find out it's not quite "right".

To be fair it doesn't say he was denied a test ride, just that the bikes aren't yet in store. The original post is moot on the question of whether the dealer said he could have a test ride one the stock came in...

 

[Black knight]

I had hinted at on on a 2011 F85. My second vistit I went to the trouble of cycling over so I was in all the correct gear and cleats.
He mumbled something about it being cable tied down so I made my excuses and left.

 

[Cyclist33]

I had hinted at on on a 2011 F85. My second vistit I went to the trouble of cycling over so I was in all the correct gear and cleats.
He mumbled something about it being cable tied down so I made my excuses and left.

What a dick. Him, not you.

 

[AndyBaker]

I recently decided to return to road cycling for the first time in a long, long time, having been exclusively MTB for the last few years. After doing quite a bit of research I bought a 2012 Felt F75.

It arrived 4 weeks ago and I'm very, very pleased with it. I did the BHF Manchester to Blackpool (and back) ride on it on Saturday and it is very comfortable. The 105 group set is excellent with very positive and smooth gear changes, the brakes are very powerful and the bike, whilst light, feels solidly built. No complaints at all.

The reason I chose the Felt was down to the fact that it came with a decent group set. I know general advise is to get the best frame and not worry about the components because you can change them but, in all likelihood I won't, so I just went for what I considered to be the best bike for the money. I'd also considered the Canondale Caad 8 which was very nice too, but I'd decided I wanted something with Shimano 105 so the Felt it was.

I bought without trying from Wiggle as they had a sale on, the size guide on the Felt site was spot on, I'm 6ft2 and I went for the 58cm. If you get one... just check the tyre pressures on arrival, I forgot and got a pinch flat after only 4 miles, both front and rear were at 50psi - half the stated minimum on the tyre. Also, I'd recommend a torque wrench, I got one from Amazon for about £50. You don't want to over tighten the seat post clamp and crack the carbon fibre post.

Other than the decals, they don't appear to have change much between the 2012 and 2013 models.

 

[Black knight]

I'm sightly taller 6'3". I've a sightly longer than average reach.

Worth getting the bigger bike or would the 58cm suffice?

Edited for being a pleb!