Felt 75 /Sportive bike advice needed

Donnybrook

Hi all,

I am considering getting a new bike for Sportives here in Dublin.

I am looking for a comfortable bike but also a good hill climber, as most of my cycling will be done up in the mountains. In summary I am probably looking for a performance sportive bike and not a 300km Audax tourer or aggressive racer and will be hoping to complete a good few sportives each year.

I have very limited technical knowledge so I would be very appreciative of any tips you have.

I currently have a trek 1.2 alpha 2010: Here is the spec:http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/12-triple-2010-road-bike-ec019677#features

I am thinking of upgrading to a felt f 75 or Felt f 85 here is the spec: http://www.feltbicycles.com/Ireland/201 ... s/F75.aspx
http://www.feltbicycles.com/Ireland/201 ... s/F85.aspx


My preference would be to get a carbon (based on reviews etc) or even better an understated titanium bike but these are out of my strict budget of 1,400 Euro./ 1,100 Sterling

My concern would be that I have read that alum frames are quite uncomfortable in general and I have noticed this on the trek 1.2 but then again I haven’t compared this to another road bike. However is the alum honestly any stronger than carbon? I would damage bikes quite easy so this could be in favour of the Felts.

How much difference will the alum frame make to someone who likes to complete sportives comfortably but in good times competing against themselves compared to an entry level carbon bike.

I have heard that the components are good on these felt bikes but would not know how to gauge this.

Any ideas or thoughts and is it worth upgrading at all from the trek 1.2 ? or have you any ideas on other bikes you would consider, I also looked at the BH range but got negative feedback in relation to components.


Very much appreciate any thoughts. Hope you all have good safe year on the Road
Steve.

Calpol

I am not sure about the Felt bikes but what I have read is that the F series bikes have a more aggressive geometry so if you are felling discomfort on your Trek then maybe this is not the way to go. I could be completely wrong but I think the Z series Felt bikes are the more relaxed/sportive designed bikes. I think a Z6 carbon version is almost in your budget if you are wed to Felt as a brand.

I suspect that the Trek 1.2 is a very competent machine. Unless you are beasting on your hilly routes with the triple and need more challenge of say a 53/39 chainset then I am not sure what benefit you will get by buying another aluminium framed bike at £1000. A £1000 carbon bike will surely be a bit lighter and may come with a slightly higher spec groupset but you won't gain any more gears and fundamentally it will do the same thing. It may be worth popping some new wheels on your Trek as an interim step before you fork out another £1000 on something that is shinier.

That said we all have to like what we ride and want to get on it so stick with the general advice to go for a bike that fits first and foremost rather than worrying too much about carbon vs ally - either is durable enough.

bobones

I ride a 2011 F85 and I don't find it harsh at all. That said, it is quite an agressive setup (short headtube so low bars) so you may prefer the more comfortable geometry of the Z series. The Z85 is a nice bike with more 105 components than the F85, but if you're really set on carbon then perhaps it's better to wait until you can afford the bike you really want. The Z6 and F6 are not too far from your budget and you can still get some bargains on 2011 models.

Donnybrook

Thank you very much bobones and Calpol.I Will take your thoughts on board.

The Local bike shop guy is very adamant that the F85 is a much better bike than the Trek 1.2, I have also considered
the wheel change so food for thought.

teamcrane

I bought a Felt Z series bike for its sportive geometry as I like cycling longish distances, say 100miles in one day. The only thing that let the bike down in my opinion was the saddle. My backside was on fire after 30 miles or so. After changing the saddle for a Brooks B17 standard, all was well. The Brooks is a bit on the heavy side 520g (miss a few cake stops to compensate) compared to others but is 175mm wide so it will take your sit bones comfortably compared to the other narrower but lighter types of saddle.