Road Cycling - Felt F35: First decent Road Ride

OK, I figured nobody really posts much about these bikes so I'm going to! I recently went way over my original budget and bought a 2003 Felt F35. Today was the first chance I've had to put a ride of over 20 miles on it, even if it was raining. My last bike was a Trek 1000, so I don't have too much to compare this to and I'm not as experienced a rider as most here but anyway here goes. The bike seems "quick" to me. It's a decent weight - about 18 pounds - but accelerates far faster than anything else I've been on. The steering is responsive without scaring me or causing me to correct myself. The comfort level is fine - carbon stays and fork seem to do their job well. The seat (Selle Oktavia Genuine Gel) is ok so far but it's hard to tell with so few miles on it. The shifting was great. I initially had issues with the FSA chainrings but a new set cured that and it shifts like a dream. I deleberately tried to hammer the pedals a few times by getting up and accelerating hard and shift at the same time. Never missed a beat. The brakes worked well - even with all the water and oil scum on the road. Luckily I didn't need to use them in haste today! I have no steep hills near me so I've no idea how the bike will feel flying downhill and the double set-up with a 12-23 cassette is fine for where I am. I'm not too sure what else I can say as I'm not that well versed in other bikes. The wheelset (Mavic Elites) rides way nicer than the old set on the Trek, but then I guess they should! All in all, I was second-guessing myself after the credit card bill came through. No longer. I think I'm going to love this bike! The Felts from the F35 down to the F60 all share the same frame from what I was told - it's just the componentry that is different. If you're in the market for a new bike, I suggest checking them out. Each one is a lot of bike for the money.

Let me be the first to say congratulations on your new ride. Sounds sweek; I've seen them and they look hot. enjoy and ride the hell out of it.

Yea sweet bike. I got to look one over at a bike shop in Dublin, Ohio last week. I am still drooling! :)

Sounds like it’s an awesome ride. I’m pretty much in your boat right now, on a Trek 1000 and giving the Felt 34/45 serious consideration. I’m curious as to the cost of it though, I’ve heard people saying it ranges from $1800 to sites that list it at $2300.

From what I have seen most of the Felt line-up gives a lot of bang for your buck. They all appear to be well made bikes with above average componants. Another (similar) line to look at is Jamis.
Anyway congrats on the new ride. It's a good one.

hey MacMan,

i just got my first ride in on my brand new F45 and i have to say i'm with you. what a nice ride! alu, but smoother and comfier than the old steel fuji that i've been riding (has to do with the carbon seatstays or wheelset - velomax cicuit on mine?) and light! i increased my average speed by nearly 2 m/h on a 12 mi loop i do! i can't wait to see how it climbs and decends! and such a great value. i don't know about yours, but my LBS sells the F45 for $1500 and the F35 for around $1800 (another LBS wanted $300 more for each). what a great value.

Macman, have fun!!! i know i'm gonna!

Yeah, more Felt riders

I too was a little confused about the F35 pricing. I paid $1800 for mine and that will be consistent with the 2003.5 model. That one is full Ultegra with a Dura Ace rear derailleur. The 2004 model comes with full Dura Ace, except for the brakes which are still Ultegra I think. Other than that it's the same bike. The 2004 model retails for around $2200 I believe.

Seeing as how I'm "working from home" today, I think I'll be taking her out again!

Oh, boy! Another Felt rider. Yippee! I have a Felt 85, 2003 model. She (nicknamed "Porsche") flies fast downhill, accelerates quickly, not as light as yours (mine is 22 lbs.), but the most comfortable ride. I had to change the saddle from a man's style to woman's, but what I really like is that it is easy for me to adjust, being a mechanically-challenged female. I've heard lots of comments on how fast and cool the bike looks. I also increased my average speed by a couple of mph. Enjoy the rides. Happy trails!