DP Roberts

Check it out here.

Among other things, they finally have specs & prices on the new z95, which has the new 10-speed Tiagra. It fits between the 105-equipped z85 and the Sora-equipped z100. However, the z85 went up in price to $1249, the z95 is $899, and the z100 is $849. I don't understand having a $50 price difference between your two lowest bikes, and then a $350 jump to the next bike. And I can't imagine anyone NOT spending the extra $50 to get the z95 over the z100.

I'm also not fond of the "ghost bike" look with white everything (frame, saddle, and tires, with only the bar tape being black. And the alternative - British Racing Green - wouldn't look so bad, but I don't like the yellow trim. I guess if you were a fan of the Oregon Ducks it would probably be ideal for you.

Carloswithac

I don't like some of the new colors. Like the Z5, glad mine is white! Then again, the custom paint choice is pretty cool!

RT

Why, why, why do the low end bikes always come in that hideous blue? Trek, Fisher (now the same), Cannondale (well, not this year), Specialized, Giant.

asv

There was time when Felt was a good deal on the higher end, I guess that time has long since passed. $7500 for an F1 with red? Why would anyone bother buying that when you can get a Cervelo R5 VWD for the same price?

gladiator13

The whole AR series looks awesome! Ultegra DI2 for under 5K. Looks like a sweet bike. The SRAM Red AR2 looks great as well. I think there's definitely room for expansion though. Based on the price of the AR2 and AR3 they could easily do a mechanical dura-ace for 5K and it would be slick. I'll be all over that like white on rice. I'm also not so sure about the FSA mid compact on the AR4 and AR5 but to each their own I guess. I think the new "black" ultegra cranks look awesome. All in all, great looking bikes though.

nosaj

The F6 occupies an interesting niche. Not many major brands have a carbon fiber bike at that price point.

c_mack9

i saw that too! the AR3 looks like a steal. a trek with a carbon frame, internal cable routing, and electronic shifting would probably cost at least $8000. i like the monster green they used too. all the others in the AR series are kinda ugly to me, i like the 2011 paint jobs better.

Mike F

+1

gladiator13

Agreed. I like the 2011 paint jobs much better. I really don't care for the stock saddles either but lets be honest. Anybody buying a 3K and up bike is putting a new saddle on so that's no big deal. I still think mechanical dura ace will be a new sweet spot for high end bikes. Looking at the weight and cost of mech dura ace and ultegra di2 I'm inclined to go with dura ace even though electronic shifting is the bees knees. I guess I'd just rather have mechanical dura ace and know I have one of the best gruppos out there then be able to add di2 on my own terms.

dtrain

Looks like the z100 and z95 both come with Microshift brifters and front der.? So the Tiagra vs. Sora is largely just the rear der.? Yeah, the $50 dollar difference is still a little weird...but the larger price jump to a more complete 105 group makes a bit more sense.

wrr1020

Not a road bike but i'm eyeing an F65X. Been wanting a cyclocross bike and i want to commute on it as well.

pgjackson

At least they got rid of the white tires on the Z85!

Mike F

Saw that The most consistent Internet complaint Ive read regarding the bike was the white tires.

cptsilver

I'm in the market for a new bike. Are Felts in general considered to offer better value in terms of features and components? (vs Trek, Specialized, etc)

IcySmooth52

Features yes, but not as much components. Even their cheaper F series aluminum has tapered headtubes and BB30 is very common on their bikes.

I gotta say the new Breed has my eye and I'll probably order one real soon.

bobones

Yes, great customer satisfaction, better specs at same price points, good looks and cache of riding something that's less than mainstream but recognised as quality. I think it's fair to say that Felt owners love their bikes and have no regrets.

DP Roberts

The only other difference is the z100's triple vs. the z95's compact double w/ 10-speed Tiagra. So really, it's two different versions of the same bike, you just have to decide between 27 speed or 20 speed. You'd think they would have upgraded the z95 to a carbon seat post or better wheels like the z85 and sold it for $999. A few weeks ago, I would have been in the market for that, so I'm glad I didn't wait for the new Felts. OTOH, I'm sure they know their market better than I do.

zigmeister

Although the AR1 pricing isn't that bad, the stiffness, or lack thereof, is well known and tested. Pretty flexy and disappointing. It is one of the most aero and "fastest" bikes. But start to stand and stomp on it, and it gets rubbery.

SuperDaveFelt

Or the F3 with RED for under $4500?

Why wouldn't you pay the same for an F1 as an R5?!

-SD

SuperDaveFelt

"rubbery" yet stiff enough for Julian Dean...

c_mack9

i love standing and stomping on mine. aparently im clueless as to what rubbery means because mine handles it just fine. maybe im just a sissy and not nearly half the man you are?

Mike F

Id give my left nut for that kind of rubber....

shovelhd

The F6 is a game changer.
An F2 with Ultegra Di2 for $4999, I'd be all over that if I was in the market.
The F2 with DA7900 is missing the crank. The FSA crank is no slouch but the 7900 crank is the crown jewel of that group.

I think that these are some smart moves by Felt. Hopefully they'll pay off.