The new Felt FR1 is the top model in the California company's new Felt Race lineup that features a laterally stiff BB386-based chassis, a plush rear end, thanks to long, unbound seatstays and thoughtful touches like integrated magnets for power meters, reflective paint and bar tape, and size-specific tuning of both carbon layups and headset-bearing size. I rode the $8,999 Felt FR1 with Zipp 202s on a loop near the company's base in Southern California, and found that the bike hit the sweet spot of taut efficiency and, yes, vertical compliance.
Put another way, when you stomp on the pedals, the bike launches forward with a minimum of flex, but it isn't a teeth-rattler when riding seated over rough pavement. The FR1 is no Trek Domane SLR or even a Madone in terms of a cush ride, but at 13.9lb / 6.3kg it can go toe-to-toe with any WorldTour race bike in terms of sharp handling and all-around performance.
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The numbers behind the new FR frame design
Felt overhauled its road bikes, splitting the lineup into the new FR race bikes and the new VR endurance machines. The new FR bikes use the massive (86.5mm) BB386 shell for maximum real estate upon which to build a stiff chassis. The wider shell allows for wider chainstays, which means two things: a stiffer rear end (by a claimed 30 percent over the outgoing F series) and improved tire clearance (to handle 28mm clinchers). Typically, these two traits are at odds with one another, said Felt road product manager Hubert Otlik.
Lighter and stiffer are also often at odds, but the FR1 frame weighs a claimed 685g, a 5 percent slimming on the outgoing F frame.
Smart details on the FR line
First ride impressions
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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