cmawhinney

Felt's 2009 F60X vs 2010 F95X

Hi! I'm a noob to cross and could use all the advice I can get! (Also Hello from Boston cause I'm new to the forum too!)

've been searching the internet for days now and can't seem to dig up any info on these bikes (reviews). Anyone have experience riding these guys? I'm just getting into cross with not a TON of money to drop. I'm thinking of getting a cross bike and selling my commuter. That being said, the ability to put fenders and a rack on it key for me.

I went to my local shop to take a look at the new CX bikes Felt is putting out, particularly the F95X (it'll be easy to set up fenders/rack on these guy).

The duder at the shop was trying to sell me on last years model, the F60X, for the same price as the F95X. There have been some changes made, particularly the F60X is a higher geared bike. Since I'm new to cross I don't know what to make of these changes. The F95X is about 3 pounds lighter.

F95X: https://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2010...LO-X/F95X.aspx

F60X: https://2009.feltracing.com/09-catalo...s/09-f60x.aspx

I was also looking at the breed but then wondering how nuts I'd have to be to race a SS cx bike.

Breed: https://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2010...O-X/BREED.aspx

Any advice you guys could give would be really helpful. I don't have much of a cross community here yet but am looking to make new friends soon!

Thanks so much!

Chris.

mclarenf196

I got the 2008 F1X in August of this year, mostly for commuting and the ability to hop onto a few muddy trails. With that said, I put planet bike hardcore ATB fenders on with mostly zip ties and hesitated on getting a rack since I would have to use a clamp on setup with no eyelets on my seat stay. The F95X looks like it has these eyelets while the F60X does not which may factor into your decision. Also, the 46/36 gearing on my F1X has been more than suitable for me. I'm not sure if you would need that triple on the F60X and would explain some of that weight difference.

All in all, I would have to suggest the F95X.

cmawhinney

I guess my major concern is this.

On the 09 we have these components:
CRANKSET: Shimano FC-R453 Triple, 3 piece, Forged Aluminum, 50/39/30T
SHIFTERS:Shimano Tiagra STI, 27 Speed
FRONT DERAILLEUR:Shimano Sora 31.8mm clamp-on, triple, 9 Speed
REAR DERAILLEUR:Shimano 105 GS Long Cage
RIMS:MAVIC CXP-22N Aluminum Rim with Machined UB Control Braking Surface and Wear Indicator laced 3-Cross Rear, Radial 0-Cross Front

And on the 2010 we have these:
Crankset: FSA VERO Double, 3-PC, Forged Aluminum, 48T/34T
Shifters: Shimano Sora STI, 18 Speed
Front Derailleur: Shimano Sora 31.8mm clamp-on, double, 9 Speed
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra SS Short Cage
Rims: Alex R500 Aluminum Rim, Machined CSW Braking Surface & Wear Indicator laced 3-Cross Rear, Radial 0-Cross Front

I know those 2010 components are pretty crappy. I also know it's not necessary to run a triple crankset like they have the 2009 set up.

Is running a triple going to hinder me in any way? I'm pretty much thinking my components are going to be pretty mediocre on a 1000 to 1200 dollar bike until I can upgrade anyway so for now do I go with the double for now?

Thanks! Any advice is REALLY helpful.

ch1llg

I havent seen any reviews on the F95x yet either. I dont think this bike has been released yet. I orderd one a month ago hoping to have it before a local race. I haven't seen it yet. The bike shop I work for did put a big order in and is probably waiting for other 2010 peices to come in. As soon as I get it I will put it to the test and write a review.

WhyFi

Any further info on the F95X? I'm buying soon, it's on my short list, and I'd love to hear some impressions.

ch1llg

Just got it in a couple of days ago. I've rode it on the trainer and around the neighberhood. I will be hitting the trails this weekend with it. So far the frame and color schemes are awesome. The componets are descent. It shifts good so far. I will be putting the hammer down on it on Sunday. I'll let you know.

WhyFi

^^^ Excellent - I look forward to hearing more!

ccv

I know plenty of people who have raced multiple seasons on tiagra with no problems. I have worn out sora shifters pretty quickly. I would go for the f60x

ch1llg

I took the F95x out this morning. It was a cold wet ride. The bike road well. I was really impresed by the way it handled bumbs and roots. The tires are awesome. I had no traction problems what so ever. The trail was very muddy and wet.

I was a skeptic of the Alex wheels set, but they stayed true. The brakes worked well. The Sora shifters feel funny down shifting. There's no click so I find myself searching for the gear. The chain jumped on me a couple times. Nothing major though. For a entry level cross bike it does the job.

I will be riding this bike alot. Serving as my commuter and local trail bike, so well see what breaks first.

WhyFi

Excellent! None of the dreaded fork/brake shudder? It seems to be mentioned so often that I wonder if it's one of those over-exaggerated, over-reported issues...

Barrettscv 

I used a Felt as a doner bike for my Soma. Felt makes great bikes.

If you intend to use the bike for commuting, fun rides, off-pavement travel and the occasional CX race, buy the 2009. Triples are underrated IMO and the drivetrain will work great for what-ever job you ask the bike to perform. There is no downside to a triple on a CX bike, unless you want a race oriented set-up.

Even as a race bike, the '09 is better than the 2010. A racer would want the 3x9 converted to a 1x9. The '09 could be converted more easily to a typical race set-up than the 2010.

Michael

ch1llg

I took it out again today. No fork/brake shudder at all. Brakes are crisp. I did notice the wheels were creaking today. I was worried I had a loose or broken spoke. I inspected them when I washing it and nothing.
As far as 2009 versus the 2010 that's preference. Me personally I like the 2x10 setup. I cant see wanting a rig that's three pounds heavier either. Honestly I cant wait to ditch the 3x9 on my mountain bike. Just my opinion*

cmawhinney

Ch1llg, thanks so much for your review, it's super helpful. I'm still waiting for the bike shops in my area to get the F95x in... I might just have to get them to special order it for me.

I almost bought the F60X but I want to hold off until I can test ride the F95X. I'm trying to figure out where that extra 3 pounds is coming from between the two models.

I'm also going to test ride a 2008 Bianchi Axis (https://www.bikepedia.com/Quickbike/B...Axis&Type=bike) so we'll see!