Hugh

An LBS mentioned that they'd had some bad luck with 10-speed '05 Ultegras. I think he said it was with the chain, especially as to durability with heavier riders (like me). Anyone else heard of this problem? Another LBS is offering a very good deal on a Felt F60, and until now I haven't been looking at this particular Ultegra setup, but the price is good enough that I'll probably buy the bike if I can get around this issue.

Also, if anyone's got a yea or nay on the F60, that would help.

Any input very much appreciated. Thanks!

Hugh

Sorry about the duplicate thread. Noob.

Dchiefransom

I wrecked my knee before I got many miles on my bike, but I did some hills with it and had no problems.

SDRider

I have a Felt F65 (same as F60 but with a double instead of a triple) and haven't had any issues with the drivetrain. Can you be more specific? How heavy are we talking about here? I pound pretty hard on the cranks sometimes but then I upgraded to Dura-Ace cranks and cassette after only a couple hundred miles.

A chain is pretty cheap really. Just put a Dura-Ace chain on if it worries you.

Hugh

I weigh 215 pounds.

Sorry, I don't recall the specific problem, but I think it had to do with having had to make the chain thin enough that the chain strength was compromised.

Cheers.

sydney

And just how is a DA chain better than an ultegra, other than the finish? All it is better at is making your walllet lighter.

sydney

There is alot of BS in LBS.

oldspark

My guess is that he is thinking there may be durability problems as this has been mentioned before due to the down sizing of components to make the 10 speed stuff work with the spacing that is there.

CyLowe97

The chain on the 2005 Felt F65 and F60 is not an Ultegra chain. It's a KMC DX10 chain. I have not had any issues with the chain so far this year with mine.

fmw

And what was he trying to sell you instead, by trying to scare you about the Felt bike?

rjtokyo

I also had problems with an '05 Ultegra chain. One of the links just "siezed up" and neither I nor my LBS wrench could get it loosened up. Replaced it with a Wipperman 10S chain that works just great. It runs smoother and quieter and the ConnexLink that comes with it is also a big plus.

Cheers! - RJ

Matt Gaunt

No issues with mine as yet and most of my riding is done either mashing up hills or generally giving the drivetrain hell on the flat.

Absolutely no noticeable difference in durability from Ultegra 9s as far as I can tell.

Hugh

That's why I'm looking to you, for all your sage advice...and...wisdom?

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Thanks--I didn't realize that. I wonder if they swapped out the chains thinking there might be an issue with the Ultegra one?

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He told me about the chain issue before I'd been offered the Felt. He was trying to sell me a Giant OCR1, with a 9-speed Ultegra, at the time. Hmmm.


Thanks everyone. Cheers.

Dchiefransom

That would be a "left-over" Giant OCR1**********

Hugh

I guess. It's an '05. Am I missing something? (wouldn't be the first time...)

jet sanchEz

Well, not to diss your LBS but yeah, they are a business and yeah, they are out to make a profit. I don't think you are missing anything, just take everything they say with a grain of salt. Asking here is a very good idea and tells me/us that you are pretty aware of that already.

Personally, a chain ain't a big thing to replace and if the guy thinks that this is worth mentioning it might indicate to me that he is full of bull and is trying to steer you in another direction.

bvfrompc

Tooo funny, the chain on the F60 isn't even an Ultegra chain, like the one I have on my R1000 which has taken the worst I can give it around the mountains here in Park City with 220 pounds.

If your thinking Felt, give Zach at Biker's Edge a call, they were great to work with my Felt and I'm guessing if you have a problem with the chain they would throw on a new one without blinking.

Unless your saving some dough with the U9, why not move up, the re-sell value alone is worth it. It doesn't make much sense since they are both great groups but the 10 will sell easier in the future

bvfrompc

No, Felt offers the great prices they do by #1 great negotiating #2 skimping on the components that don't make the headlines, brakes, chains, bars, etc.

They chose a cheaper chain, not a better chain.

CyLowe97

Do some homework out at feltracing.com.... This is in their print catalog for 2005, too... "Full" Ultegra it ain't...

SHIFTERS Shimano Ultegra, 30 speed
F/DERAILLEUR Shimano Ultegra
R/DERAILLEUR Shimano Ultegra
CRANKSET FSA Gossamer Triple CNC alloy chainrings 53/42/30T
BB SET PowerPro Sealed Hollow CrMo ISIS
CHAIN KMC DX-10 silver
FREEWHEEL Shimano Ultegra 10s cassette, 11-23T
BRAKE LEVERS Shimano Ultegra Dual Control
BRAKES Tektro RX20G dual pivot w/cartridge brake shoes

This is not unusual in this price range....

Hugh

Those are the folks I've been talking to. I was dealing with Zach and Micah. The only downside is the location (30 miles away), which makes it a little tough to drop the bike off for a tune up or whatever. They do seem like good people. And it turns out there wouldn't be any money savings, since their price on the Felt is, how you say, quite attractive.

bvfrompc

I drove down from PC, and its your bike, its worth the trip!

For little things like a derailler adjustment I would just go to a local shop, I've never had to pay for one up here, any thing wrong with the bike is the only time I would make the drive which is unlikely, but if it does have something wrong, thats when you will really need a good shop or more importantly, good people to work with. Someone who tells you to go with U9 instead of U10 because of the chain isn't someone I would want to have to work through a problem with.

Love those year end closeouts on Felts, they must have a great margin for the retailers, I got mine for a steal last Fall as well.

alraicercsu

I broke my ultegra 10 chain in the first 1 week I had it went to the LBS they replaced it for free and have had 0 problems since then I have been nothing but happy with my 05 ultegra set up.

FunkyTang

If your afraid of the 10 speed chain you better stay 'old school' and stick with the 10 speed bike, 5 speed cassette and 2 chain rings.

Hugh

Hey, you don't know the half of it, junior. I'm making great progress just acknowledging the existence of triples. Small steps.

helmets save

I havnt found anything wrong wiht my chain on my new F65. I just have 100 miles on it, i have had the bike for little less than a week.

I kind of expected some downgraded components on the bike esp for its price range, which is pretty much everybody else is saying. But i have no problems with the crank.

Brakes work just as well as any other, probably get better brake pads and that would fix any problems if you feel like they dont grab as fast or cleanly. Wheels, i say just use them till they brake, as in spokes. If you are concerned that they are too heavy, it will only make you stronger.

Thats how i see it, so once you feel like you earn a 15lbs bike. It would be like a feather up those hills. A good craftsman never blames his tools.