Originally Posted by
Lava
I'm glad to hear your thoughts on the F75. I've been lurking here for a while now, which was partially the cause and partially the result of me getting a new F75 just a month and a half ago. It is also my first new bike, and the bike that's getting me into cycling.
I've loved it so far, and appreciate your thoughts. I'm not experienced enough to know whether certain stock parts (such as the saddle) are decent or not, so it's good to hear it from someone that is. My only problem with the bike for me is that it hasn't been properly fitted yet, so my lower back sometimes hurts when I do a lot of climbing. I had to have the stem flipped up to compensate for this, and all I hope for is that some other riders don't laugh at me and call me a girly-man if they see me riding around.
Don't worry about the stem being flipped up, just ride it the way you feel comfortable. Also, incorporating stretching into my exercises has helped me a lot with back problems I had when I first started road-biking, so I would recommend this as well.
Originally Posted by rschoeck
Great looking bike! I own the same 2006 model shown here. Nice touch removing the yellow decal from the stays. That makes the bike look much cleaner. What pedals do you have on this? I am currently using some old school pd-6401 shimanos a friend gave me. Also, do you know the overall weight with cages and pedals? I am just curious because Bicycling magazine listed it around 18.5lbs without the pedals.
I agree that this stock saddle is quite uncomfortable. I suffered through 2000 miles before swapping to the Fizik Arione. I am much happier with this upgrade. I definitely recommend a saddle change for anyone on this bike. I am currently looking to upgrade to a lighter wheelset on my felt as well. The stock wheels are very solid and stay true, but I am looking for something a little lighter.
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I have the Shimano 105 SPD-SL pedals; they are easy to get in and out off, haven't come off during sprints, and are relatively cheap.
The bike as it sits probably weighs 18 lbs or so without pedals, but I have upgraded the stem and the handlebar (the stock handlebar weighed 482 grams, which is more than a pound!). As far as the wheels go, I am thinking of going custom with 30mm Niobium rims, DT Swiss or Tune hubs, and Sapim CX-ray wheels. This combo should come in under 1500 grams, and should be very durable with the appropriate amount of spokes.