All,

I'm about to make my first foray into road cycling and am trying to decide on a bike. Right now, I'm thinking about getting the Felt AR4. Anyone have any experience with this bike? Or any suggestions on other bikes? Thx.

G

You talking about the new one or the old one? There's a whole new design for the AR series for 2014. It's MUCH better than the old one in terms of aero, weight, and stiffness.

Damn, sorry... 2013. You're suggesting getting a 2014 AR?

Regardless of whether it's the new or the old one, that's a hell of a bike for a newbie. That said, if you've got the cash and it fits, go for it.

The new AR seems to have some significant design changes

https://www.roadcycling.com/reviews-t...w#.UhV-DT-ZiSo

I have a 2011 Felt AR5 (well, it's actually for sale because I recently got a Tarmac), they are great bikes. They're very comfortable and very good for all day long rides after you change the saddle. If you plan to race, I would pick a different bike. The handling isn't that great and they aren't that stiff so the accelerations are a bit slower but they do hold speed well once you get it up there. I had some 58mm wheels on mine, after those it was a beast downhill. Like IP FREELY said, it's a hell of a bike for a newbie. The Felt brand components are top notch, the wheelset is decent, they do an excellent job at paying attention to the small details. Felt is a great company, I'll always have a soft spot for them in my heart. This was the first bike I ever really fell in love with.

That is one sexy bike, my good sir. I was looking at it when I was in the market.
As said above, it's a lot of bike for a new roadie, but that doesn't make it any less. Expect to be the target of much envy. And I imagine there will be people trying especially hard to pass you because of it, but , who cares? it's your bike!

It's hot. I'd buy it.

The Girl has the old-style AR. It's a great bike, even if the new version is better. If you want the new one, you may have to wait, since I don't even see it on their site yet.

I believe I read that their 2014 bikes go up on the website on 8/28; no idea when they'll start actual deliveries. OP - you'll need to decide if the discount on the 13 is enough to take the older technology or for immediate gratification. I've been very pleased with my Felt Z2 and am jonesing for the new AR

Yeah... the 2014s are sexy, and the technology improvements seem worth the wait and extra cost. I'm also looking at the F series... just so many damn options for bikes.

Though I'm a cycling noob, I don't think (and am hoping) it will take too long to get into the swing of things. I've been an avid rollerblader since I could walk, so I have the endurance aspects of cycling down... that's not the worry. I'll need to focus mostly on form and etiquette.

So, that said, I want a bike I can keep for awhile and only have to upgrade a little, versus a starter bike that I'll have to upgrade quite a bit.

I live in Chicago so the season is quickly coming to an end... I might just wait to see how my incentive pay plays out this year and the AR could be a nice Christmas gift to myself...

Smart man. Keep in mind all of these new awesome benefits are only on the $12,000 top of the line one. It'll be a while before you see reviews on the lower cost ones. Who knows, the 2014 might be heavier and less stiff than the 2013.

I test rode a Felt AR4, trek 3.0, fuji altamira, orbea orca, masi, revenio and all bikes din't feel right. I ended up getting a 13' Felt F5. Love the bike, smooth, comfortable, fast. For the first time i can keep up with gusy doing 28mphr.

I feel the same way about the F series. I test rode 14 bikes before I bought mine, and the F series is the only frame that felt "right." Just an unexplainable feeling of correctness when on the bike.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll take a look at the F series also. Either bike should be good enough to get me through the next few years with minimal upgrads.

I didn't see a mention of it, but as much time as you're spending researching bikes online...spend a corresponding amount of time finding someone in your area that will fit the bike properly and follow up once your body adapts to road cycling. Fitting is one thing that a lot of people tend to overlook, but you really *need* to do it to get the most out of a bike. The difference with my F5 was night and day, and it wasn't uncomfortable to start!

Thanks for the suggsetion... definitely will. I've always assumed that the local LBS where I'm purchasing could do it but I'll double check. Thx.

Here's the LBS' fit page: https://www.moxmultisport.com/pages/fit-positioning

Seems like I should be OK (assuming they give me the best deal on the bike).

Main bike is an Felt FC frameset, SRAM Force and various bits bought on the open market. As my second bike I recent bought the AR4. I like almost everything about it, except for the brakes. They flex. I had heard people talk about flex before, but I don't think I'd ever really felt that kind of flex before. The fit is definitely different so I would test ride if at all possible. That being said, I love the bike. Its nice to have a little change in the line up once in a while.

the AR series has always been a noodle compared to the F series.

Just sayin'

That used to be true. And kinda still is true relatively, but I wouldn't call the new AR's noodles.

I know my Z85 is pretty low end, but damn I do love me some Felts. It feels way better than the $700 Orbea bike I tested.

I'm now looking at the Felt 2014 F4 and F5. The F4 is $1200 more and is essentially just getting the Ultegra set vs 105. I'm not quite sure that's worth the extra $ (thought I would like the Ultegra). Thoughts?

I'd get the F5 personally with the price difference, you could get a super bling set of wheels. Yeah, 11 speed is nice, but I'd rather have aero wheels