New Felt IA Bike.....
Last Post 08/21/2013 08:03 PM by Dale Dale. 13 Replies.
Author Messages
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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08/18/2013 02:47 PM
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Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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08/18/2013 02:51 PM
Likely not of huge interest here since it is not UCI legal, but it is interesting to see some "outside the box" thinking re: bike designs. Some of the ideas have already bled over into the new Felt AR aero road bikes for 2014.

$14K.....sheesh.



http://www.tririg.com/galleries.php?id=2013_08_Felt_IA_Launch

New AR Road frame
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
Gonzo Cyclist

Posts:568

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08/18/2013 07:16 PM
wow, that TT bike is STUNNING!!! really liking the aero bike also
eurochien

Posts:163

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08/20/2013 01:15 AM
What's the idea behind the seat stays being so low with such a tight angle? My first impression would be that it would make the bike twitchy, which is something a tri bike really doesn't need as responsiveness and maneuverability aren't really where these bikes shine. I've seen that rear triangle design on Quitana Roos too so there must be some theory I guess.
6ix

Posts:485

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08/20/2013 08:52 AM
The seatstays are purposely made at a low angle so that the frontal surface area is minimized. It's the same reason why many modern TT bikes are using horizontal top-tubes rather than sloping. If looking at the tube from the front of the bike, a horizontal tube presents a very small area that interacts with the air. A sloping top-tube has more because it's at an angle.
pikeHillRoad

Posts:95

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08/20/2013 01:50 PM
Not a carbon nut but the road rig has a nice look to it.
6ix

Posts:485

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08/20/2013 02:53 PM
Agreed, the road model looks pretty slick. That said, does anyone else think the stem looks out of place? The handlebars are bladed and the head-tube and fork assembly is very smooth and integrated. And then there is this bulky, industrial-looking stem connecting the two.
Orange Crush

Posts:4499

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08/20/2013 03:07 PM
comparatively little thought seems to have gone into front brake on road rig.
6ix

Posts:485

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08/20/2013 06:10 PM
Excellent observation, OC. It still blows my mind that Specialized has the front brake mounted front and center on the Shiv. All that work to make the frame super-aero and they slap a regular ol' caliper brake on it. Makes very little sense to me. That's one of the many reasons I think the Trek Speed Concept is one, if not THE, best TT bike on the market currently. They thought of just about everything.

IMO, integrated brakes are necessary if the goal is to have an aerodynamically efficient bike. Otherwise, the calipers create a lot of dirty air. I know there are some major drawbacks to integrated brakes when it comes to professional racing (difficult to adjust brake-pads on the fly, etc.). As a mechanic, I'd be scared to death to adjust the rear brake on this new Felt AR or the Trek Madone. BUT, that's really the best location for the rear brake as it is completely out of the wind.

I still think there is an enormous amount of room for improvement in getting all of the systems/components to integrate cleanly on the bike. Currently, nearly every single component produced has to work with every single frame on the market. Doesn't that seem a bit ridiculous? Every engine in the auto industry doesn't work with every platform that every manufacturer offers. No, they develop proprietary systems to work with those particular platforms and resulting models. That said, it creates some headaches when it comes to acquiring replacement parts.

My belief is that bicycles can be FAR better than what they currently are if we embrace the full integration of components. It would greatly increase the performance of each individual part because they wouldn't be handicapped by having to work with everything out on the market.
ChinookPass

Posts:809

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08/20/2013 08:01 PM
I with you, Six, that performance can be gained through integration but I still love the convenience of interchangeable parts. As someone who has to replace many worn parts on my rigs each year, I'm sure it is a lot cheaper and more convenient for me to not have to hunt down parts and tools that only work on the frames from one manufacturer for perhaps one model year. From that standpoint, I've kinda liked the grouchiness of the UCI and having most of the racing technology trickle down to the masses. If all the teams were racing frankenbikes with propietary parts it would make racing-class bikes even more expensive for the common folk. Bikes aren't cars and I feel the interchangeability of parts has served me well over the years.

That said, if there were a split with a class of bikes with extremely durable but still lightweight parts and racing bikes with the fastest and lightest possible design, that would be ok too.
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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08/21/2013 08:57 AM
For a TT bike, I am all for integrated brakes. But for an aero road bike, I am fine with standard brakes. B definition, aero road bikes are a compromise. And elements of road racing (drafting) can minimize the aero benefit of some aero features. Add into it the convenience of using standard brakes for adjustment / maintenance and it just makes sense.

You also need to factor in the performance of integrated brakes, which for some is not that impressive.
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
bobswire

Posts:304

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08/21/2013 02:46 PM
Posted By Cosmic Kid on 08/21/2013 08:57 AM
For a TT bike, I am all for integrated brakes. But for an aero road bike, I am fine with standard brakes. B definition, aero road bikes are a compromise. And elements of road racing (drafting) can minimize the aero benefit of some aero features. Add into it the convenience of using standard brakes for adjustment / maintenance and it just makes sense.

You also need to factor in the performance of integrated brakes, which for some is not that impressive.
I like that Felt roadie too but I'm with CK on this. I use either DA 7700 or 7800 on all my bikes for their wicked stopping ability and quick brake release for exchanging a wheel. Even if all the rest is Campy.
Even my old merckx uses 7700 calipers.

vtguy

Posts:298

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08/21/2013 03:04 PM
At the risk of sounding like a retro-grouch, the Merckx has more class than either Felt.
Dale

Posts:1767

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08/21/2013 08:03 PM
^ What he said


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