General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Felt F90...any opinions? Rss Feed  
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2006-08-21 3:51 PM

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Extreme Veteran
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Sturtevant, WI
Subject: Felt F90...any opinions?
Right now, I have an old 1991 Schwinn Criscross hybrid. I've modified it a bit with aerobars and smaller tires, but it's just not the bike for speed.

I'm looking into purchasing a Felt F90 road bike. The triathlon store in town has it for $689, which is a much better deal than the tri bike I was drooling over ($1400). I just can't spend $1400 on a bike. I can't afford it.

Anyway, does anyone know anything about this bike? I'm fairly tall (6'0"), and I have long legs and a long torso. I haven't tried the bike out yet, but I want to get some general opinions of others before I head into the tri store for a $100 fitting.

Opinions? Recommendations?

Would it be best to "look into buying" the bike during the winter? Do you think prices would drop a bit when it's icy and snowy outside?


2006-08-21 5:08 PM
in reply to: #517874

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Anaheim
Subject: RE: Felt F90...any opinions?

 To answer you question simply: you could get the Felt and race on it and have fun. The advnatge is a road is more versatile than a TT. Make sure the Felt handlebars will accomodate clip-ons! The older ones have a taper so you can't put a clamp on them. If you don't always need bigger and better toys than you would probably be happy with your felt.

But there are a few considerations

First your hieght shouldn't be an issue because bikes come in different sizes. AT 6'0" you probably are looking at a 56cm frame.

Felt makes decent bikes. The real difference between the F90 and the F80 are the components. I really suggest you try and get the most bike you can for your money because upgrades later always cost more. The biggest difference you will notice is how smooth the shifting is. From the Sora groupset to 105 is noticable. But it will still shift!

Is your shop trying to sell you a floor model or will they be getting it from the factory? Becuase the f90 comes with a triple crankset, which after awhile you probably won't need or like that much  unless you do lots of climbing on really steep hills. Also a triple crankset has a lot of redundant gears. If you need that low gearing see if they will put a compact crankset on instead. You'll look cooler, too!

As far as when to buy I live in southern california so I'm not even sure what "snow" means But you can get a deal if a shop is trying to get rid of last years inventory before the new season, the tricky part is timing. In my experience shops are tight lipped about when the new models are coming out so people won't wait for prices to drop.

2006-08-22 10:05 AM
in reply to: #517874

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Expert
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Medina, MN
Subject: RE: Felt F90...any opinions?
The F90 has a mix of Sora and Tiagra components. At $689, I don't think you're getting much of a deal on it. My LBS has a closeout running on Trek 1200s for $699, and that is a mix of Tiagra and 105 components. If you shop around, I'd think you could get a bike with componentry like the the 1200 for that price range, or you should be able to get a better deal on the F90 if you want. Unfortunately, Felt's next bike up in their lineup, the F80 is 105 group and is priced noticeably higher (LBS has them at $949, not on sale yet).

I own a Felt and like the bike. I bought it on clearance when it was cold out and saved some good money by doing so (10-15%?). Also, I definitely think you should expect to find a store that will do your fitting for free with purchase.
2006-08-23 2:22 PM
in reply to: #517874

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Houston, TX
Subject: RE: Felt F90...any opinions?
I think you could definitely find a better deal than that. The deal on the Trek 1200 sounds like a steal but I'm sure it is far from you. Right around the new year prices will drop with new models coming in and Christmas sales. If you can find somewhere that has your size in last years model that will always be a good deal. I tried last winter when I bought my mountain bike I just could not find my size within 100 miles of here. Good luck in your search.

And like was mentioned, you should be able to get propperly fitted for free when you purchase the bike for sure. If not, find a new shop!
2006-08-24 9:17 AM
in reply to: #517874

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Chicago, IL
Subject: RE: Felt F90...any opinions?
I'm in the same position as you. I'm considering the Felt F90, and the F80 (don't ride the F75, because that is all you will think about afterwards) and have found 2006's at 10% off MSRP at Turin in Evanston, IL. They also have 2005's at 20% off if you can find it in your size. They claim they will not be having any "deeper" sales later in the fall.

Also, have you looked at the KHS Flight series? Prices may be a little better?

http://www.khsbicycles.com/07_flite_500_06.htm

Good luck with your search, and let me know what you get.

Turin's web page link is: http://turinbicycle.com/index.cfm

I make no claim as to the store's reputation other than to say they have been around for a long time.

Matt
2006-08-24 10:10 AM
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2006-08-25 3:33 PM
in reply to: #517874

Master
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West Jordan, UT
Subject: RE: Felt F90...any opinions?

If I remember, the f90 has the extra inline brake levers across the top of the handlebars.  They are kind of nice, but they might make it impossible to put aero bars on it.     I guess you could have them removed, but that might cost some extra labor. 

 

 

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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Felt F90...any opinions? Rss Feed