SaiKaiTai

OK, after a month (and about 200 miles) I can say that I love my new Felt.

Still coming to terms with its obviously much quicker response than my Giant or my Jamis (or anything I've ridden to date)
I still haven't ridden a zillion different bikes so I have so little to compare it to but the ride is stiff but forgiving.
Any push on the pedals results in an instant forward surge... there seems to be little wasted motion lost to flex.

It will solidly hold whatever line you put it on and stay there until you change it.
Turns are now 3-5mph faster and I am about 3mph faster on average. I'm even faster going uphill for cryin' out loud!

I climbs easily or at least as easily as my 200lbs worth of mass will allow. It makes me look for roads that point up.
I am proving daily Lemond's Theorem.

I'm still finding where all the gears are with this new-fangled 50/34 X 12-30 compact set up but every one of them is easier to push. I find that I downshift far, far less preferring, instead, to just push a little harder. The bike will quickly come up to speed.

It has unquestionably made me a better rider. Certainly a more confident rider.
And, though many makers are now hiding their carbon under paint, I love how the ENTIRE frame of the Z-3 is unashamedly carbon with exposed weave everywhere.

Here are some notable design elements (click for more detail):

Now, THAT's a bottom bracket. I believe they call it "massive". The down tube is pretty impressive, too!


I like how the chainstays have that little "kick up" in the back. This -and the longer wheelbase- lend to a comfortable ride


Nice taper. This is partly where the inspiring, solid front end handling comes from.


I love how the squarish top tube -wide in front, narrow in back- flows into the seat stays.
You can't see it here but there's a nice, wide mono stay behind the seat tube leading into the stays, proper.


Yeah, it's a winner. Can't wait to get it out for a nice 30-40 miler soon.

Biker395 

Nice!

What does that sticker on the chainstay say? Don't ride with the quick release open?

RonH

I know exactly what you're talking about. I have a 2011 Felt Z4 and love it.

SaiKaiTai

Close, actually... Do not remove this wheel until you know how to operate a quick release skewer. Gee... thanks
One think I will say, while Felt might show restraint in plastering their name over every available surface, they've more than made of for it in warning stickers. They're EVERY where.

Yeah, I was pretty amazed by the difference between the Z3 and the OCR C2 immediately. So much so, that my 20 min test ride turned into 40. I did NOT want to get off the bike. This is still the most comfortable fit and feel I've ever had on a bike. Nice!

NOS88

Kudos. You sound like a man in love.

TiHabanero

I was looking at the Z3 yesterday morning in a local shop. Felt has come a long way from just a few years ago. I, too, appreciate the carbon weave look instead of paint. I do prefer a natural carbon look over anything else in carbon.
The OCR frames are an old design dating back about 15 years and in no way can compare to a modern carbon bike.
Glad you like it and may the wind remain at your back!

Daspydyr 

YEAH< YEAH< YEAH-its all hugs and kisses until your first flat!

My son in law has that frame and is kicking butt riding it.

BluesDawg

I hear you, brother. I hear you!

qcpmsame 

Excellent post SKT, the Z-3 is beautiful, it sounds like quite a nice long day ride bike with the geometry and the stay construction. it is greatto have youo back here posting and that you are riding again.

Bill