A co-worker is looking at buying their first serious road bike, a Felt z7.

Any thoughts?

While working in a shop a few years ago, these things sold great. Good entry level bike

Thoughts? I think he should get it. There's little real difference between brands at the same price point. If he likes the bike and the shop, tell him he has a go from me!

My thoughts is it's very dependent on price. $1600 msrp for a bike with previous generation Sora seems high. I assume the coworker is getting it used or at a deep discount?

Looks pretty cool. But $1600?

I paid $1500 for an AR 5 with 105. $1600 for sora would be a no-go.

With that said, my friend had the Ultegra version of that bike and it was pretty nice. From my brief research I think this is the same frame as the higher level builds. If frame is the same level and price is much less then msrp it may be a decent deal. But It would be better if it was current Sora which is a step up from the previous generation

I think the price will be discounted. It is new, and the shop will fit him to the bike, which is important. Maybe $1,000-$1,100...

And thank you for the comnents. I know steel bikes, not CF. The comments will be much appreciated. Thank you!

Where did the $1600.00 price tag come from? Didn't see the OP post it. What year is this Felt? Bike shops should be reducing the price on bikes right about now anyway to move them. Maybe a little more info would help. I just know we sold a lot of the Z7 to new road riders.

$1600 is MSRP. But doesn't look like bike has been since 2016 in which case I'd want at least 50% off for nearly 3 year old model even if it's new old stock.

50% is $800. I think he will be in it for around $1000 - $1,100.

I told him I have a complete, perfect, 9 speed DA Group with Mavic Kyrillium wheels I have $500 in, if he ever wants to upgrade. Unless an All City Mr. Pink frame with a Whisky Carbon fork falls in my lap, I have no immediate plans for those parts. So he could upgrade at the end of the fall season easily, and economically.

Decent deal???

I want to be as fair and honest to my co-worker as possible so he enjoys the heck out of it!!

$1100 for SORA is way to much, I think if he looks around he can find 105 for the same price, especially a 2016 model.

Sora r3000 is way better than that one.




Getting a bike that looks 10 years old for that price is not a good start point.

Deals are relative. I got at 1 model year old Giant TCR Advanced SL for 50% from LBS a few years ago. It was a $4000 msrp bike so maybe more room to discount and had 10 speed Ultregra when 11 speed had just come out (like this bike has old Sora when new Sora has now come out). If you have Performance Bike near by he could easily get a bike with 11 speed 105 in the $1100 range. If LBS options are limited then he's got to go with options available. I'm comfortable buying online or used but I understand a new rider being willing to overspend for LBS support and fitting on a first bike.

Market value wise the 7700 DA and wheels for $500 seems like a fair deal. Personally I'd rather have newer tech. I think current level Sora 3000 with all the trickle down would be a better riding experience then 7700 with hollowtech bb and cranks, better brakes, cable routing under bar, better front derailleur shifting etc despite weight penalty but that's me.

Never heard of them but checked out eBay . Looks like a great deal for the money. A no brainier for $600. For $1200 you can also get a Fuji full carbon with Ultegra and warranty.

​https://bikeshopwarehouse.com/cgi-bin/BSW_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=1088

OP probably not interested in buying online though