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2012-12-10 4:28 PM


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Subject: New Bike

I got fitted on last friday and it comes down to 3 bikes that fit me best. 2013 QR Seduza, 2013 Felt B12, or 2012 Kestrel 4000 ultegra. I have tried to find reviews and info on all the bikes but it is very limited for the 2013 models. anyone have and pro's or con's to any of the brands or model or more info to offer esp on the 2013 models to help me make my decision? the QR is about 500 cheaper than the other 2 but price is not the biggest driver as i would rather stretch a little more to get a better bike long term. i am looking for the best frame and value as i plan to keep the bike for years to come. Also i figure i will eventually upgrade some (if not all) of the components, so that is not the priority for unless i missing something thinking the best frame should be the priority.

please let me know.



2012-12-10 5:17 PM
in reply to: #4529818

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Regular
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Falls Church, VA
Subject: RE: New Bike

I'd say it comes down to personal preference more than anything. My vote is for the Kestrel. You don't see too many of them. Plus Ultegra components are pretty awesome.

You'll see almost as many Felts as Cervelo's. Not a fan of QR.. but that's just me

What components are on the Felt and QR?

2012-12-10 5:24 PM
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Subject: RE: New Bike
I bought my new bike about a year ago and obsessed a bit with reviews, etc.  All those you mentioned are good bikes, so go with your gut, i.e. which one are you "feelin". 
2012-12-10 5:34 PM
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Subject: RE: New Bike

trying to go with my gut and it changes every 5 mins i think! haha

all them have ultegra components on them but they all seem to be a majority ultegra with a few other brands here and there. i was leaning QR until the model i was eying didn't 'fit' me. so i have mostly been between the Felt and the Kestrel but i have not found much out the new Felt B12 other that its suppose to be pretty sweet. I know the Kestrel is really nice being a close out from last year, it a more expensive bike (with carbon everything) but like i said before, frame is my big objective.

2012-12-10 5:35 PM
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Elite
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Laguna Beach
Subject: RE: New Bike

Some of what you are seeing in price difference is the cost to lay-up the frames; materials in the lay-up, the level of precision in the lay-up, which is a hand-done process in the mold and the engineering that goes into the lay-up itself.

As I type this there are three men from one of our (Felt) factories and one of our managers reviewing lay-ups in another room. I'm writing a technical article about new proprietary lay-up additives we're using on one bike now and several more soon.

There are no "bad" lay-ups, but some are much more elegant than others. They are lighter weight, stiffer and more compliant vertically. Simply greater attention to detail as the carbon fiber is placed by hand into the molds and better quality materials. You get what you pay for.

I work for Felt, so obviously I'm not objective. I can tell you our lay-ups are done by hand by skilled craftspeople, some of them third generation, who are meticulous and exacting at placing the carbon into the molds. Our materials engineers look for materials that bring high-end ride to value priced bikes, and out lay-ups are designed by them with that agenda.

One advantage we have over the two brands you mention is the technology that presses carbon composite lay-ups to the outside of the mold during the molding process. Several brands use this process, so it isn't unique to use, but it is generally only used at the $5K+ price point. We use this manufacturing and molding technique well below that price point.

Ultimately, each of the three brands you mention have "earned their stripes". Quintana Roo invented the triathlon bicycle. Kestrel invented the aerodynamic carbon fiber molded bicycle at the manufacturer/retail level.

Consider your ownership experience, level of dealer support (a key concern) and the other factors that will influence your ownership experience. That may help you make a decision. FWIW, to toot our own horn (what I'm paid to do), we have a much larger dealer network ready to provide support than either of the other brands you mentioned, if that is a factor to you.

2012-12-10 5:41 PM
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Subject: RE: New Bike
Well, I'm *NOT* working for Felt, but I would pick the B12. My wife just got a Felt DA4W and I can honestly say that it's one of the best designed bikes we have ever had (and we have a few bikes.... about a dozen between the two of us...).

The engineering that went into the Felt is obvious from first glance. I used to race a QR Lucero and while it's a nice bike, it's not as nice as the Felt. The Kestrel 4000... I don't know... never really liked it... didn't like the feel of it on the road, nor do I like the look of it (what ever that is worth...)


2012-12-10 6:01 PM
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Subject: RE: New Bike

If you were looking at a QR- then I'd go with the CD0.1.  that's a cool bike.

I'm a member of the felt mafia, and while I've never actually ridden the new Bxx frame design, I'd sure love to- I'll bet it's sweet.  I've also heard terrific things about the Kestrel 4000.  People love the frame.

but yeah- get the Felt.

2012-12-10 7:14 PM
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Subject: RE: New Bike

The frames themselves likely have very little difference.  Assuming the drivetrain components are the same, then there are a few "minor" things to consider that might be the tie breaker (other than price of course).

1.  Aerobar extensions (ski bend or s bend...whichever you prefer)
2.  Basebar width
3.  Saddle type
4.  Wheels (I would prefer my bike come with high spoked and strong training wheels as I already own race wheels).
5.  Bottle cage placement (seat tube, down tube, or both).
6.  Paint scheme
7.  Rear brake maintenance.  The Felts have hidden brakes that may be a little more fussy to work with if you use wheels of different width like a 19mm training wheel and a 23mm race wheel.  The clearance isn't as wide so you may have to shave your brake pads to make wider wheels work.  Shouldn't be a problem for most people, but borderline tricky for people not comfortable working on their bikes.

2012-12-10 8:24 PM
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Subject: RE: New Bike
Felt b12 is an awesome bike, got one of those for myself after test driving several other models a couple years back!
2012-12-11 12:21 AM
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Veteran
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Somewhere training in Rocklin, CA
Subject: RE: New Bike
I ride a Felt DA4 and having been fitted to several other major brands I would recommend riding each consecutively (same day, one right after the other) and then going with the one that fits best. This is how I made my selection and haven't looked back.
2012-12-11 7:23 AM
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Pro
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Gold member
Subject: RE: New Bike
Decisions, decisions! I just read Dan Empfield's review of the 2013 B12 on ST.  I really like the idea of the Vision crank being 110 bcd for chainring options.


2012-12-11 12:16 PM
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Subject: RE: New Bike

Thanks all for the info!

hey Tom, I sent you a PM too.

2012-12-11 2:34 PM
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Subject: RE: New Bike

Just for curiousity did you look at Cervelo?

 

Guy

2012-12-11 2:41 PM
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Subject: RE: New Bike
No cervelo, LBS does not carry them and they have a professional fitting with all bike bought from them. I did the fitting to see what would work for me and they gave the the best three (listed) above and then about 6 others that we could 'make' work but i am most interested in what i have listed.
2012-12-11 7:58 PM
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Expert
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Marin County, California
Subject: RE: New Bike
X whatever on the Felt. I picked out a Felt DA4 for myself for Christmas this year. One word...dreamy.
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