I'm in the negotiation part of buying a Felt AR. I'm looking at two strategies at this time.
The AR2, If I can get him to come down a bit or the AR4 and some better wheels
( Mavic SL, Zipp 404's ect). The details are, AR2 is Dura-ace , higher quality carbon ( than the AR4)
carbon bars and stem, Felts own wheels 28 mm deep,about 1 lb ( 15.98 ) lighter than the Ar4 , $6200.00
and get upgraded wheels next year or,
The AR4 is Ultegra SL with a lower quality Felt wheel, $3700.00.
What would you do ??

I don't personally see $2500 worth of difference between the two. I'd get the AR4 and a set of Zipps and pocket the change.

Go with the AR2 frame and equip with Red (cost less than Dura Ace) and American Classic 420s (Good aero wheelset that can also take some serious training miles). That is how my bro plans to build his Felt F1SL this winter.

I didn't know how much I could save buying the frame and Individual Components ? By riding buddy
has Red and loves it.

Purchase in parts and you spend about the same, but you get exactly what you want, and you save the extra money you would spend in 2 months changing out components.

I'm in the same process. i'm getting an AR as soon as they are available- but the 2 or the 4?

personally- i'm aiming at the 4. the frames are the same- same aero shape, same dimensions, cast from the same mold etc etc etc

they charge you more for the 2 by including some sort of unmeasurable detail- nano tubes/higher modulus fibers/ Papal blessing... whatever


think about it- aside from paint scheme, will you ever be able to tell a single difference between the two frames?

save your money, go with the 4 and get a better set of wheels.


that's what i'm doing.

I can bolt the components on but the shop will still have to do the finishing touches. I would rather
have the shop install the BB , for warranty issues and If I make a mistake that lunches the frame.
I did my Kestrel except the BB and head tube.