US manufacturer Felt Bicycles is often called one of the best in the world.What is the brand and why is it so popular?Read on and you will learn what it is - a bike Felt, what are the advantages and disadvantages.
little history
Jim Felt became famous in motocross as one of the best engineers for Japanese brands Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha.Working with well-known racer Johnny O'Mara, Felt built his first frame for racing / triathlon.Motocross star, though it seemed strange in 1989, used a bike to keep fit, and even participated in competitions.With a frame made Felt O'Mara in 1990 won the championship of California individual race with a separate start.
was followed by cooperation with the sporting goods manufacturer Easton Sports.The designer did a bike Felt B2 for triathlon legend Paula Newby-Fraser, who once again won the competition Ironman.Then Felt gained a reputation as a man who knows what speed, and how to get it.Sports Legends line up for his bike.
is not surprising that in 1994 he left the company Easton and launched its brand.
new target audience
After 7 years of popularity and big victories sportsmen who had a bike Felt, in 2001 it was decided to change the philosophy of the brand.Since then, he is not limited to the production of two-wheeled friends to famous racers, but also produces models for enthusiasts.In the line there are road, mountain, city bikes, BMX and, of course, bikes for triathlon.
At the same time there was the company's entry into the international market.It is noteworthy that the two presidents Felt - one is in America, the other - in Europe.Who issued 147 models, which are sold in 27 countries.But in fact staff and production volumes, the company small in comparison with manufacturers such as Trek, Specialized, Giant and Cannondale.The company is known not through advertising but through the product itself.
Why so popular models of this brand?
presence of famous riders in the portfolio - it is definitely a plus, but why ordinary consumers choose the company's products Felt (bikes)?Comments and opinions of experts first note is an important advantage, as the durable carbon frame and fork.
CFRP - awesome material hardness comparable to that of titanium, but lighter than aluminum.However, it does have its disadvantages: due to the nature of the structure of its fiber bicycle frame can crack on the bounce.And at first it can be quite noticeable, because a gap occurs at the upper layers of fibers.But one day at running a small bump bicycle risking collapse.
Felt engineers are struggling with this shortcoming in two ways.Firstly, they have a carbon fiber and staggered in the direction of the load vector, thus increasing their strength.Secondly, the frame components are manufactured separately, each one with a different number of layers of carbon fiber according to the expected load, and then they are fused, to provide a seamless connection.So in competitions or simply riding a difficult track mountain bike Felt let you down.
Attention to detail
Jim Felt never put it in the key advantages of their bikes, and other manufacturers, much later, it began to sound at every step.It is about the diameter of the frame pipes, which varies depending on its size, which allows the bicycle light but still strong.After all, if you have a model designed for the growth of up to 1.7 m, what to take into account the burden for the rider under the 2m?
Felt Bicycles has good aerodynamics even as standard.After all, the company often ignores the recommendations of the relationship between the size of the frame tubes of the International Cycling Union and makes the models with a frame, which significantly reduces air resistance while driving, even taking into account such things as attached to her bottle of water.
Non-standard mounting saddle (taking into account the physical characteristics of carbon), fixed under the carriage to the frame, so it does not rattled and less wear - the company's engineers do not disregard anything, and as a result create a quick and durable bicycles.
Disadvantages
But the same can not all be perfect?Buyers find fault with such famous bike:
- brakes.Most cyclists do not like the quality, especially indignant lovers mountain biking up steep hills.On flat terrain brakes work well, but when rapid descent and the terrain with a slope they do not cope with the task.Therefore, many are advised to change them immediately.
- seat with gel pad.Although it is designed to give comfort during the trip, not everyone likes such an innovation.Plus, the seat has a pretty significant weight.
- quality frame.Despite all the efforts of designers, it may break.Also it can peel paint.
- Narrow and heavy tires, which are supplied to the bikes with aluminum frame.
- With Arms quickly stripped winding.
- very difficult to buy spare parts, often have to take the b / y.In case of failure you will be offered to address in a specialized workshop where repairs will be costly.
But the number of deficiencies depends on the price: the more expensive model, the less unhappy customers.
Price question
In line Felt like there are budget options, and high-end models.
For example, the price of children's bicycles range from 7 to 11 thousand. Rub.depending on the material of construction of the frame - aluminum or steel, such as brakes and other parameters.As for the adult bike, here the cost can vary significantly.For example, Felt Bixby city bike with a steel frame and a conventional foot brake (pedal turn in the opposite direction) will cost only 13 thousand. Rub.Ladies model with similar characteristics, bright pink and tender called Luv costs 14 thousand. Rub.Professional Mountain bike Felt Six of 60 with an aluminum frame and hydraulic brakes will cost 21 ths. Rubles.Although you can find the model a little cheaper or more expensive - up to 70-80 thousand. Rub.depending on the brand of metal.But carbon bikes cost from 50 to 150-200 thousand. Rub.For the best and latest models of the development of limited editions will have to pay up to 13 thousand. Dollars.
