In an effort to be better to myself and to the environment I have starting cycling. I purchased a used felt f85 (entry level model) love the bike and have been riding everywhere (even in the cold windy days of wisco Spring) since purchasing it. There is so much out there when it comes to bikes and components. While I have no complaints about my ride I know the components won't last forever (especially with regular riding). What component brands do you all favor? What component brands should I avoid? What tends to be the best for the dollar? Any info is appreciated. Thank you!

These are awfully general questions, and there's really no one, good answer to them. But hang around here on Bikeforums with us, and you'll begin to pick up on a lot that will help you know what to do when you decide to spend on some new equipment.

You've got better than what I roll with and if maintained properly will last you YEARS! I mean..You've got Shimano 105 there so you are set..especially if you are new to cycling! I've got thousands of miles on my stock (minus brooks b17 saddle) Trek FX7.2 and it hasn't given me any problems whatsoever.

To answer your question specifically I will say this.. stick with these keywords - "Dripping with Campagnolo" and aim for that.

You can check out all of the iterations of the Felt85 here: .2008 Felt F85 - BikePedia It shows all of the years it was made on the right side of the page. You can often get the exact year by comparing the components and frame color. Components such as the crank arms and the hubs may have a manufacturing date stamped in them. If you are lucky you got one of the years Felt used Shimano 105. It's a great mid-level component set that with normal maintenance will last for years. Sora and Tiagara work OK but I much prefer the 105 level. Ebay is your friend when it comes to buying spare parts. I like to keep a set of brake and shift cables handy. They are easy to install and save a lot of time and money over having a bike shop do the installation.

I do have the Shimano 105 derailleur set. I"m currently waiting for a response from Felt to get the exact year. I do know that the bike is model year 2011 or newer. The bike is in great shape and was only sold because the guys son out grew it. I did a full tear down on both hubs to clean and grease. The cassette is in great shape and the chainring is good. I assume the chainrings wear quicker because they aluminum? @ Adrianfly I checked out the Campagnolo sets and they are awesome! Definitely something I will keep in mind for the future.

Chainrings last longer than cassettes because they have more teeth and spread the load more.
Cassettes last longer than chains.

Did you have to apply for a waiver to buy a Felt? I was under the impression that Wisconsin state law requires everyone to own a Trek.

If you know it is 2011 or newer, there are only two choices 2011 and 2912 since the 2013 model had Tiagra derailleurs. If it is blue, it is 2012. If it is red and has Microshift shift lever and Microshift FD, it is 2011. If it is red and has Shimano STI shifter/brake lever it is 2011.

2011
Brakeset Shimano Dual Pivot brakes, Shimano STI levers
Shift Levers Shimano STI
Front Derailleur Shimano 105, clamp on
Rear Derailleur Shimano 105
Colors Gloss race red


2012
Brakeset Dual Pivot
Shift Levers Micro.shift integrated shifter
Front Derailleur MicroShift M22
Rear Derailleur Shimano 105 10sp
Colors Race Red, Royal Blue

2013
Brakeset Dual Pivot
Shift Levers Shimano Tiagra
Front Derailleur Shimano Tiagra
Rear Derailleur Shimano Tiagra
Colors Gloss White

11

Hahaha. You wouldn't believe the waiver process!

So the material is less of a factor than load distribution?

Derailleurs can last a LOOOONG time. Brakes too. Bottom brackets too. Headsets too. Shifters too. Hubs too. Rims too. Almost indefinitely. Consumables are brake pads, chains, cassettes, chainrings and tires. Even those can last several thousand miles. I am sure I overlooked something. But the bottom line is that yo aren't likely to have to upgrade anything for quite some time unless you crank out major mileage. Welcome to the forum and the joys of life on two wheels.

Thank you. Grinning cheek to cheek every time I ride!

And the outlaws all ride Waterfords. They don't need a stinking waiver.

Steve.

I have future plans to build a classic style frame with modern components. Thank you Steve for pointing out Waterford. Really beautiful frames!

7-

I'm doing that myself now but based on a Velo Orange Polyvalent frame. If my budget would have been larger a Waterford would be right up at the top of my list. Have a great time enjoying your build when that time comes.

Steve.

Enjoy your riding touring!

Here's information on the different Shimano groupsets.

GH

"Don't upgrade your bike, ride your bike up grades."

HAHAHA

Got the bug already.

So many ways to spend your hard earned money................

Felt is Good...Put 39,000 miles on mine.

Hey I'm not selling on this site...and apparently I can't send messages unless I post 50x??? Anyway, I'm only trying to get an idea of how much my build may be worth from more knowledgable cyclists. My post was deleted and I'm clearly not listing it to sell. Any chance of undoing this uncalled for action? Thanks again. Love the site.