Just doing some research, and wanted to know if anyone has experiences with the Felt F3? The spec on the 2008 seems pretty decent at least for me. I'm a recreational rider - do a charity ride every year and train on the road for fitness/fun. I don't race, except for an annual MTB event. I weigh about 175 (heavier now..)
Currently riding a Specialized Robaix triple with mostly 105 in the burbs around Boston. It's 5 years old, was my first road bike. It might be time for new wheels, and that got me thinking about the upgrade components on this bike vs. buy new debate.
I'm probably a while out from taking action on this - but wanted to do some research. This year's F3 has a claimed weight of ~16.4lbs mix of Ultegra/Dura Ace components and Ksyrium Equipe wheels at an MSRP of $3200. What else out there is in that ballpark? Not opposed to Specialized - I guess the Tarmac Expert would be about the equivalent. Thye don't list weights - anyone know what it weighs? I know weight is not the be all end all, and certainly take the manufacturers claimed weight with a grain of salt - just curious.
Just my opinion but, like me you are not racing but are probably a somewhat serious rec rider 2-3 thousand miles a year with a few events thrown-in. Why spend so much money on a bike? Unless you have the money to burn a less exspensive will be right for your type of riding.
If you like Felt(I do) look at some other models. F55 has all Dura Ace and will save you a $grand$; not all carbon fiber though. The Felt Z35 might be a good choice also.
But, in the end it comes down to what you want. Any automobile will get you from point A to point B but it's fun to have a Porsche if you can manage it.
The felt F3 has somewhat aggressive geo. Do you like having a low position? Do you have back problems? Check out the Z series bikes. I'm not sure of the pricepoint equiv, but it is something to think about. Typically, Felts are spec'ed pretty well for the cash.
Just doing some research, and wanted to know if anyone has experiences with the Felt F3? The spec on the 2008 seems pretty decent at least for me. I'm a recreational rider - do a charity ride every year and train on the road for fitness/fun. I don't race, except for an annual MTB event. I weigh about 175 (heavier now..)
Currently riding a Specialized Robaix triple with mostly 105 in the burbs around Boston. It's 5 years old, was my first road bike. It might be time for new wheels, and that got me thinking about the upgrade components on this bike vs. buy new debate.
I'm probably a while out from taking action on this - but wanted to do some research. This year's F3 has a claimed weight of ~16.4lbs mix of Ultegra/Dura Ace components and Ksyrium Equipe wheels at an MSRP of $3200. What else out there is in that ballpark? Not opposed to Specialized - I guess the Tarmac Expert would be about the equivalent. Thye don't list weights - anyone know what it weighs? I know weight is not the be all end all, and certainly take the manufacturers claimed weight with a grain of salt - just curious.
Is there a reason you think you need new wheels and/or components? Are yours not working well and beyond repair?
Other than fit, a new bike will make very little difference (or none) in your overall speed and more importantly enjoyment.
With that said, if you WANT a new bike just because you want a new bike,
than by all means, get one.
I currently have six (about 4 more than I need) and will be getting another one in a few months. There is nothing wrong with owning a garage full of bikes. Just don't do it because you think you "Need" to.
Felts are great bikes at any price and are really good values. If the F3 gives you Wood, than get it.
The felt F3 has somewhat aggressive geo. Do you like having a low position? Do you have back problems? Check out the Z series bikes. I'm not sure of the pricepoint equiv, but it is something to think about. Typically, Felts are spec'ed pretty well for the cash.
Good point about the F series geometry. I think Felt are great bikes and are competitively priced for their specs, but out of the box the geo is too aggressive for me. For reference, I tolerate a 5.5 cm drop to bars. If you tolerate more drop or don't mind flipped up stems, it may be a good choice.
FYI, according to Specialized customer support, the Tarmac Expert weighs in at 16.75 lbs., but as the OP mentioned, take that with a grain of salt.
Thanks for the replies and the info on the Tarmac Expert. More info:
I don't NEED a new bike. The bike was my entry level roadie - so I tried to get in at a price point that would not be too painful to the wallet if it turned out that the bike just gathered dust. My deal was that I knew I could upgrade down the line if I had the desire and had used it to the point that I could justify an upgrade. It's now 5 years in and I'm starting to think about the next level.
I may need to replace the wheels at some point. I have busted a few spokes on the rear wheel - I think 2 or 3 occasions last year. Not much time for wrenching - so these have always been repaired and the LBS which has a good reputation. The most recent trip in, I asked why the spokes kept breaking, and they mentioned that at some point, you just need to replace the wheels. I'm paraphrasing the response, and there was no hard sell at all to go along with the response "we've got a great set on sale right over here...". Thinking about replacement wheels is another option that could certainly extend my use of this bike - though I wonder if there's a logical ceiling price for a wheelset to go with a bike that was originally $1200?
As far as geometry goes, that's a very good point. Current bike is billed as more of a charity/recreational type bike, so I guess it's more upright, less aggressive. I would definitely ride something before buying - just looking for info.
As far as geometry goes, that's a very good point. Current bike is billed as more of a charity/recreational type bike, so I guess it's more upright, less aggressive. I would definitely ride something before buying - just looking for info.
There are lots of considerations as others have pointed out, but get what turns you on!!
I have an F3 and love it. It is super light, and feels very nimble. I wouldn't discourage anyone from getting one, as they tend to be a great bang for the buck.
You may just want to upgrade wheels for now if money is an issue. I had a nipple pull out of my rear X-lite. I found a NOS set of X-lites from Landrys for $300. I believe you are running Alex rims on the Roubaix which are okay but if you switch to a set of Xlites or Kysrium Elites you will notice the difference. I know because I started out with an 04 Roubaix. I now ride a Jamis Xenith Pro which I built up last year.
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