Is this a good Bike?
06-28-23, 05:35 PM
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Is this a good Bike?
Hello I am new to this forum and finally purchased my first road bike. I've been riding around in an old Schwinn Volare hybrid bike I got at Sears for 7 years now. I recently purchased a used 2011 Felt F5 LTD for $350 in excellent condition with low miles. Any recommendations on upgrades or is the stock hardware on it good enough to ride around. I bike around 20 and sometimes 30 miles a day. Thanks in advance.
06-28-23, 05:53 PM
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I don't know much about Felt. Google says the 2011 Felt F5 LTD has MSRP of over $2000. If as you describe, you scored a very nice bike at a great price. Were I you, I would have it checked out and maybe serviced by a reputable bike shop. Even with low miles, it's 12 years old and may need some tender care. Don't know your level of mechanical skill with a bike. There are things you can probably check out and maybe do yourself. Lots of YouTube out there to show you what to do. I bet it at least needs tires?
06-28-23, 05:57 PM
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Nice bike at an excellent price. Congrats! 
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06-28-23, 05:58 PM
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According to Google, it's a carbon frame, Mavic wheels, Shimano 105 groupset. Definitely good enough for 20-30 mile rides. As you get more miles on it, you'll figure out if you have to change anything (stem, bars, saddle) to make it fit better and be more comfortable for you. Hopefully it's the correct frame size for you.
06-28-23, 07:01 PM
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If you're new to road bikes, it may be useful to get a bike fitting. It can be surprising how different a bike can feel with very minor adjustments.
As far as upgrades go, I agree not to do anything unless/until you perceive a weakness that needs to be addressed. For now, just ride and enjoy.
As far as upgrades go, I agree not to do anything unless/until you perceive a weakness that needs to be addressed. For now, just ride and enjoy.
06-28-23, 07:51 PM
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That Felt is a good score. Nice bike! I’m not familiar with their current stuff, but in years past, Felt tended to hit above their price point.
Felt Bicycles was started by Jim Felt who was welding custom aluminum frames in his So Cal garage in the mid-‘90s. I know a couple of guys who rode/raced those early frames. The brand has sold a coupe of times, but is well-established as a maker of high-quality machines.
Felt Bicycles was started by Jim Felt who was welding custom aluminum frames in his So Cal garage in the mid-‘90s. I know a couple of guys who rode/raced those early frames. The brand has sold a coupe of times, but is well-established as a maker of high-quality machines.
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06-29-23, 10:00 AM
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Thanks everyone for the advice. I am going to get it serviced by my local bike shop before I ride it. I am 5 foot 9 and the frame is a 54 cm so it looks like it fits perfect for me.
06-29-23, 10:53 AM
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Ride it. Keep on top of the maintenance. Chain swaps on the early side of wear indications will help keep everything running tip top. Cable swap about once a year because those levers will eat cable heads. Good tires and just ride.
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07-02-23, 01:15 PM
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It is a good bike and a light one, ride and enjoy it.
