grnrcr

Visited a local LBS and they happened to have a 09 Z45 left over in my size. I can get it for just about $100 more than a 2011 Z85. $100 more for a carbon frame? Sounds like a no brainer, but the components on the Z85 are nicer. Here are the specs. What would you guys pick?

P.S. first bike

2009 Z45
https://2009.feltracing.com/09-catalo...es/09-z45.aspx
SHIFTERS: Shimano Tiagra STI, 18 Speed
FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano Sora braze-on, double
REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano 105 SS Short Cage
CRANKSET: Shimano FC-4550-S Compact, 2 piece Forged Aluminum 50/34T
BB SET: Shimano Hollowtech-II
CHAIN: KMC X9 9-Speed
FREEWHEEL: Shimano 9-Speed Cassette, 11-25T
BRAKE LEVERS: Shimano Tiagra STI
BRAKES: Dual Pivot with Cartridge Brake Shoes, Stainless Hardware and Teflon Bushings

2011 Z85
https://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2011...eries/Z85.aspx
Shifters: Shimano 105 STI, 20-Speed
Front Derailleur: Shimano 105 31.8mm clamp-on, double
Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 SS Short Cage
Crankset: FSA Vero Compact, A6061-T6 cold Forged solid Crank Arms
Bottom Bracket: FSA 68mm w/ Forged Chromoly Square Taper 103mm Spindle
Chain: Shimano 105 10-Speed
Freewheel: Shimano 105 Cassette, 11-28T
Brake Levers: Shimano 105 STI
Brakes: Dual Pivot w/ Cartridge Brake Shoes, Stainless Hardware & Teflon Bushings

Z45


Z85

awesomejack

I recently rode the Z85 and it is indeed a good bike, twitchy and feels fast. Just go back to the store and ride both of them again, pick whichever one felt better to you

ls0725

2011 z85

SBRDude

Get the faster one.

BigSean

I would normally say go carbon. However in this case the build kit on the Z85 is far superior. That being said I also have to believe that the carbon bike is not a great quality of carbon, but thats just an assumption based on the components. Not to mention Id rather have 10speed.

GeorgePaul

I'd go for the Z45.

DScott

Yeah, me too.

I'm of the opinion that in terms of overall quality of the ride, better components makes a bigger difference in the experience than frame material. Especially in the lower end of the spectrum.

Cachequatch

I'd go with the Z85. I have the 2010 z85 and am very happy with my purchase! Plus the new 105 is pretty sweet!

sojourn

NEWER is always better....usually.......well, when it comes to bikes the technology certainly has improved. The Z85 looks better too!
That being said, which one do you like? Which one feels right to you as far as the ride goes? You have ridden both yes?
Cycling is such a personal thing IMO and the choice, bottom line, is yours.
Good luck and ride safe!

Mark290

For what its worth I got the 2011 Z85 and love it. It is also my first bike and nothing really to compare
it to. One thing I noticed about price. The Felt site says msrp is $1149. The tag at my lbs said $1099. I paid
$1000. Got the usual 15% off other crap I bought at the same time. I didn't like the white seat or tires but they
had another model Felt with the same seat and tires but in black. They changed them out for me. Good luck.

save10

I'm diggin the FA frame as a potential for my new racing bike for next year...

https://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2011.../FA-Frame.aspx

sojourn

NICE choice and the price seems reasonable!

EKCooper

Unless you feel the carbon rides better, I would go with the Z85. Good luck!

grnrcr

Rode them both. The geometry was very similar. Both fit me well. The carbon felt quite a bit smoother, but the 105 shifters felt more responsive (duh!)

The bike will be used for short daily commutes and weekend rides.

sojourn

So there you go! I suspect those daily commutes might turn into something a little longer over time. I think your choice is sound based on the homework you've done.
Now go get your bike and give me TWENTY!

Ride safe!!

yokotas13

cable routing alone would make me with the '11
09 is ugly as sin

derek.fulmer

I almost got the 2011 z85, myself. I'd pick it over the 09 any day. The new 105 is great. Plus, I think it looks a lot better.

EKCooper

Well, if looks count, then certainly go with the Z85 unless you're a Steelers fan.

GeorgePaul

You now know why carbon bikes are so popular.