Felt F85 - any good?

scopes15
scopes15 Posts: 84
edited February 2013 in Road buying advice
Hi guys,

I've had a couple of posts regarding buying a new bike and managed to get to a bike shop not far from my work the other day.

I'm looking to spend £500 -£700 on my first road bike after using a hybrid for a few years. The guy in the shop seemed fairly knowledgable and knocked 15% off of the price of a F85 Felt 2013 ( to make it £680) as they had the 2012 on their website for this price but had sold out. I tried the bike for size and it seemed ok but as I have never been on a road bike previously I was unsure. I asked if I could take it a spin round the card park but it was raining outside so they didn't let me.

Looking at the spec of the bike it looks good for the price only thing is some sites have advised that it may have "racier" geometry.

Anyone have any opinions on Felt bikes or think as a road beginner I might be better with something else?

Comments

  • bobones
    bobones Posts: 1,215
    Yes, great bike. Frame has smooth welds, a tapered head tube and standard threaded (BSA) bottom bracket, which to many is more desirable than problematic BB30. 10 speed Tiagra is a great group set. Brakes, wheels and chainset are basic, but more than good enough. They other kit is fine too. I'd go for it, but then again I ride a 2011 F85 and love it! Is the black or white job?
  • scopes15
    scopes15 Posts: 84
    They have either - think I will go for the black though as I'm from Scotland and might be easier to keep clean with all the rain!

    Thanks!
  • dwanes
    dwanes Posts: 954
    Nice bike and very good value. Forget the racy / sportive / relaxed geometry rubbish, that is all marketing speel.

    NO road bike will feel 'comfortable' to begin with so may take some getting used to, and you may have to put up with some aches and pains to begin with.

    I would take it as long as it is the right size and you like the look of it. Felt are a very good, well established brand so you should have no problems, and buying from a Local shop is a very good idea.
  • 1981miked
    1981miked Posts: 259
    Where in Scotland are you mate and what shop?

    I'm in Scotland and after a bike at the same budget.. I'd go for one of them at that price..

    Although I did nip into a Planet X bikes today after I finished a delivery for a look at the SRAM rival carbon bike... That Is one nice bike!

    Wonder if they could do me a deal on the price?
  • on-yer-bike
    on-yer-bike Posts: 2,974
    I know that the F75 is lower at the front for its size than most other brands because I'm hiring one on holiday. The 54 has a 130mm headtube and the 56 a 150mm. Which makes it racy geometry in my book. Is the F85 the same frame with different bits? If you are coming off a hybrid it may be quite a change and you may end up having to use lots of spacers and flipping the stem. You'll notice this even more if you have long legs and need your saddle high.
    Pegoretti
    Colnago
    Cervelo
    Campagnolo
  • bobones
    bobones Posts: 1,215
    edited February 2013
    F75 has same geometry as the F85, just a slightly better spec. I ride a 56 F85 and I have long legs (34") so I have quite a lot of saddle to bar drop, but it is not an issue and I am an old git.

    You getting the bike from Cyclelane? They're my LBS and good guys. Black looks sweet to me!
  • leem1073
    leem1073 Posts: 17
    On Sunday cyclelane had the f85 on at £699 and j e James in Sheffield price matched them for me. Cyclelane do offers and drop the price ever so often just keep checking the web site it's normally just for 2 days. Picking my bike up Friday.

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