Felt F5 2012??

[jrk]

Morning
Does anyone have any opinions on the Felt F5? I have £1000 to spend and i have found it for £1074. Fully carbon which is nice and a big plus over the other £1000 bikes i was looking at ie Boardman Team, Madone 2.1, Giant Defy 1.
Trying before i buy may be tricky as no-one seems to have that model in stock. This will be my first road-bike and i plan to do long commutes, the odd weekend run out and a sportive here and there. Does anyone own one and love it? Or shouldi steer clear?
Cheers
James

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

why is it being fully carbon a big plus?
No all carbon bikes are created equal, and as carbon is a cloth the quality and layup differs dramatically. One of my bikes is currently the s-works Venge, this bike has a different carbon and layup process to the non s-works Venges.. If you have ever ridden both long term you are very aware that they have vastly different levels of comfort and characteristics.

Carbon is used as a sexy buzz word to sell bikes, don't always assume its lighter, stiffer, stronger or better. There is a wide choice available and imho some shocking Carbon frames.
Get the best bike for purpose, no matter the material.

Im not a fan of felts, they are possibly one of the best looking bikes out there imho and reasonably well put together, but every one I have ever ridden is ultimately bland, they simply fail to put a smile on my face. They do not evoke an emotion in me good or bad.