Felt AR3 Quick & Dirty Review (Is it a time trial bike!?)
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- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
- In this video a provide a high-level overview of the Fet AR3 road machine. I discuss the frame, which is "UHC Performance carbon fibre, MMC with InsideOut construction" and also the geometry, notably focusing on the head tube (making comparisons to the all-new Specialized Venge) and the aerodynamic construction. I then discuss the riding experience, the way it cuts through the air and also the impact this has on comfort. Lastly, I discuss the components, which include Shimano Ultegra R8000 11-speed, and an Easton cockpit area.
The claimed weight of this bike is: 16.9 lb, 7.7 kg. That is with the stock wheels that go with this Felt AR3: Devox 50 carbon, 17.6mm inner width, 50mm depth
I rode an AR for years, loved it. And if you look at Cannondale's or Specialized's numbers this bike is as aero as those new super machines. I agree on the lack of stiffness in the BB, and headtube, but this bike is an aero dream. And the next one may be on another level still if they make it stiffer
Interesting to hear your experiences, Edwin, thanks for sharing. Cam
Late to the party here, but an AR owner and lover. BB issues. #1 its a BB30, and typically ships stock with a 24mm reducer to fit the crankset it comes with. The best change I made was putting in a 24mm/BSA threaded adapter to fit the FSA 386 Evo Outboard Bottom Bracket, and a FSA SLK Light 386 EVo crank set. 30mm spindle makes ALL the difference. I tip in at a light 88kg (Alright, 90ish kg ;) and when I put down the watts in sprint (upwards of 1400w), she responds beautifully. JM2C
I've being riding the AR5 for 5 years. When I bought it swapped the group set out for Ultegra di2 and have changed over the wheelset. It is a great bike. In comparison to some other aero bikes that I test rode at the time of purchasing, the Felt was more comfortable than most. It is definitely not a lightweight bike but rolls along nicely. I like the reversible seat post which allows the rider to position their saddle further forward. However, my main gripe with the bike relates to the seat post and the saddle clamping system (by 3T). I cracked a seat post in a crash. It was an expensive replacement. The saddle clamp, while easy to adjust can be prone to damaging the threads on the screw or the screw themselves rounded out. For future bikes, I would go for a round 31.8mm or 27.2mm seat post. Sure it may not be as aero, but it is much easier and cheaper to source a replacement if one is needed. The aero gains from the Felt designed seat post would be next to nothing for the average cyclist.
Thanks for sharing on this thread Paul. Cam
Thank you for your honesty. You just gained a new sub here. I ride here in N.Italy up and down the Alps. Relatively smooth roads and I’m looking for a well rounded Aero frame...which led me here. I’ll be searching for one of these on ebay now;-) But the older one you pictured 😛🤨🤩 Love the look
I wish that FELT gets back to the world tour
Nice sweat marks on the headtube Cam. Working hard I see. Im always put off with the rear brake position under the chainstay. Wet rides would probably gunk it up quicker than the normal position. Nice video mate. 👍🏻
Richy Coles thanks Richy, and appreciate you raising that point. Something unique I noticed on the Felt that I should have mentioned. It’s on the thread now, which is 👍👏 Cam
definitely a pioneer of road aero bikes
Hey Cam, how the hell are ya? I’ve actually just started working for Apollo Bikes and we are the Australian distributors of Felt. It so happens I’m about to put myself on an AR3 for a while so looking forward to it. I’m use to riding a stiff aero bike (Cervelo S5) but the bottom bracket is very stiff and responsive so I’m curious to compare. Might buy the new top of the line AR FRD Disc when it comes out. This thing (and the 2019) is supposed to be insanely fast and responsive. Thanks for the review mate👍🏾
Hey Ronn, very well thanks mate. Enjoying the Noosa winter! Interesting to hear where you've landed. I am sure a fun place to work with some great bike riding perks. Let me know what you think of these bikes you test. You should stick them on your CZcams. Cam
Nice review
I like the higher head tube.
Question for you.
Have you had a chance to review the Bianchi Infinito with the new CV technology frame?
Thank you
Thabjs you Alan, no I haven't but I'll look into it. The most challenging part is getting access to the bike, but I know the Aussie distributor! Cam
Cam Nicholls Cam, I am
Looking forward to it.
I just sold my Pinarello FP2 in hopes of getting something a little more upright and more comfortable to ride.
What happens to all these bikes after you review them?
How do you get the opportunity to be a part of these reviews.
Thank you for the response.
Stay cool. I have a friend in WA and she recently told me it was 104 there.
Looks like it has a BSA bb? Nice!
Yep, Shimano Hollowtech BSA threaded to be exact. Cam
Not much clearance on that rear wheel. What does it fit? Wouldn't want to pick up many stones etc
Jarrah FitzGerald good pick up, I actually meant to talk to that but my one take missed it. I reckon by the look of it you wouldn’t get 28s in there. 25s yes...with thick girthy tyres on 25s, question mark!?
@@CamNicholls I have a AR4 same frame I believe, and a 28mm tyre is a no go, 25mm is the biggest youll get in there.
26mm Specialized Turbo tyres will *just* fit, thats the absolute max on the AR3/4
I have an AR4 2018 and absolutely love it, very stiff and fast bike. shame 25mm is the biggest tyre possible though, but that's not the end of the world. Good vid.
Thanks Edward. Agreed. On that bike the most you'd want is 28's, but 25s will do. Cam
@@CamNicholls Update Specialized Turbo 26mm tyres actually fit on the AR3/4. They are the largest that will fit.
I'm a road biking newbie, so please excuse the novice question, but did you mean about a lack of responsiveness in the BB? I don't understand how such a simple, and linear component can be (or not be) responsive.
Hi Anthony, the bottom bracket is the first place to receive the vast majority of the transfer of power between the rider/pedal stroke and the rest of the bike. Often when you're out of the saddle sprinting, either on the flats on going up a climb, the bike will respond in a snappy/responsive way when accelerating quickly, or it might be a little dull, taking more time to get up to a projected speed. From a riding experience, that responsiveness feeling is typically most profound in the BB in comparison to other areas. Having said that, you might get a bike that is super responsive from the BB, but isn't overall very responsive as you're wheels are letting you down. Heavy wheels, with big tyres. Or, the amount of flex you get up the down tube etc. I/m rambling now, but hope it's making sense! Cam
@@CamNicholls thanks for the explanation! And I think I get the point. How would you fix this issue? Or is it a fundamental flaw in the overall design of the bike, that's simply manifesting itself at the BB? I understand you could obviously change out things like wheels and tyres, but flexing of the down tube sounds like a "write off"......
@@anthonyshillingford848 It's really about the shape of the tubes. Aero bikes have traditionally been 'airfoil' which is this shape on the Felt. It's the way time trial bikes have been shaped for years and the argument is that the airfoil is the fastest shape in a straight line, however, it has weaknesses when it comes to stiffness. For time trial bikes that doesn't matter so much, but for climbing and racing bikes it does. That is why Trek, Scott and a whole bunch of other brands use "Kammtail" tubing on their aero bikes. They say you get just as much aero, but a more compliant and stiffer ride. But I doubt they are "as aero" as airfoil designs because why are their time trial bikes still airfoil design? Because it's better in a straight line. The question you really need to ask yourself though is what type of riding you're doing and then you will have your answer. Cam
are the 50 mm wheels any good
Alex Amparo can’t say unfortunately Alex, I’ve never ridden them and they were obviously removed from the hire bike.
Cam Nicholls oh ok thanks
I'm thinking about buying a 2015 AR3, I ride mainly road, which can be bumpy at times. I don't compete, my rides typically are an hour, just trying to stay fit. Will this bike be a good choice for me?
I’d go something that has comfort in mind. You don’t need a stiff aero bike by the sounds of it
Were you at Bike Works? Great shop...
Yes I was Don. They were great. Very nice and helpful people. Cam
I use them when I travel to the Big Island. Always as you describe-true aloha spirit.
How did fit the rear wheel in. I tired to fit my dt Swiss alloy r460 and I couldn't. It kept rubbing on the seat stay.
It was a hire bike Charlie.
@@CamNicholls thank you I only asked because I have the same bike in a 56cm
Charlie Packwood all good, just don’t know myself.
Wtf another bike?
I'll take as many as I can get. But this one was just a hire bike for one long ride. Cam