Bike radar synopsis with max tire size:
\nNew for 2015 from Felt is the V collection of adventure road bikes, all of which will come with butted and hydroformed aluminum frames, stable handling characteristics and very upright rider positions, clearance for 38mm-wide tires, generously wide gear ranges, front and rear rack mounts, and "approachable" price points.
I've already had it on 2 gravel rides; 1:30 yesterday, and 3 hours today.
I have to say I'm pretty happy with it. It hasn't been adjusted by the bike shop yet as the "fit guy" is out for a week. I need the handlebars lowered and out a little bit. Other than that, I have everything else pretty much dialed in. It took me about 12 seconds to decide I hate the stock saddle. I swapped it out as well as put some 35c Continental Cyclocross Speed tires on it.
I found this bike to be really stable on loose gravel, which may have just as much to do with the tires as the bike. I also found it surprisingly plush on washboard gravel. I'm coming from a Salsa Vaya (with 26" tires) and noticed I wasn't blown around quite as much with the V85. It must have something to do with the larger wheels being more stable, but I have been nearly blown into the ditches quite a few times riding the Vaya.
My only issues with the bike, other than the fit not being dialed in, is that the brakes seem a little weak, but they may just need to be adjusted. The other is issue is the top tube is a little shorter than all my other bikes. Which isn't really an issue, but I use a Revelate Designs Gas Tank on my bike and when I straddle the bike, I'm...um...crammed into it a little. Other than that, I think it will be a great gravel steed.
Oh, and the 105 stuff shifts so much smoother than the SRAM Apex on the Vaya.
Brady, any additional thoughts? How would it do on group rides, could it keep up? I saw one this morning in Florida, real nice looking bike. What didn't you like about the seat? How are the brakes now?
The bike's brakes are fine now. Maybe they just needed a breaking in period. No pun intended...
One thing that has grown on me is the secondary brake levers. I initially asked to have them not even installed. When I picked up the bike, they were already on there so I decided to give them a try. I was surprised to see how often I thought they came in pretty handy.
As far as group rides, I think it would keep up just fine. It has standard compact gearing on it, not cyclocross gearing, so it should keep up just fine. The rest is up to your legs and lungs. I'm not sure if you meant pavement or gravel group rides, but either way it should do fine. I've found that I'm about 1.5 to 2 mph faster on the Felt that I was on my Vaya on most of my usual gravel routes.
As far as the seat, it just didn't feel right for me. It's a pretty large cushy saddle, almost like you would find on a department store bike. It just didn't fit me the way I'm used to.
Brady,
\nThanks for the update. This and the GT Grade are the only $1400 bikes with the 105 Groupset. The Grade has nicer brakes but the Felt frame looks so much nicer. I keep wondering why everyone else is a few hundred more (Raleigh, Trek, Specialized). I'm kicking myself for not riding it but we were on vacation and cutting out a chunk of time for joy riding would have been to much. I'm glad I saw it though. I wasn't a fan of the extra brakes either but I've read a lot of gravel riders like them. I'm glad to hear it's a fairly quick bike. Geo wise it looks to be the most relaxed from what I've been looking at. I was concerned it was to close to my hybrid.
I'm waiting on one of these bikes. Another week or so to go. I agree Walt. I looked at a bunch of bikes and most everything comparably equipped is at least 300 more if not like 500.
Or the bikes the same price like the Diverge but comes with Tiagra. Let us know when you get the Felt and please provide the obligatory first impressions report.
Yeah the price and components on this bike are fantastic. Other than geometry quibbles, I'd guess that tire clearance is probably the biggest hit on the Felt and the Grade compared to some other options. If you ride in an area where the surface is often soft, or you're a clydesdale like me, the more rubber the better.
Alan, I think it can fit 34s, but I have to double check, it should be enough for me in the Northeast. What geo quibbles do you have? I'm no Geo expert so I'm curious regarding your thoughts.
I don't have any geometry concerns as I didn't get past the tire size limits on the Grade, and the Felt wasn't on my radar. I meant that geometry comment as a general "why someone might pass on this bike for another more expensive one". I'll also throw in "can't find that bike for a test ride" as to why some of these bikes are ignored. Trek and Spec and Giant are much easier to get your butt on seat.
Gotcha, makes sense. I have 2 Felt shops in the area, looks like one of them has a Tiagra version coming in. That'll work for me for a frame feel since I've tried a lot of bikes with the new 105 and have at least seen the black frame. Grade's tougher, GT dealers around here sell BMX or mountain bikes. The Cannondale shop in Natickbis closest I'm aware that sells Grades.
I don't think the V85 can fit a 40mm tire. I think a 38mm is the biggest you can put on there.
That is the only concession I made getting this bike. I originally wanted a bike to fit a 40 or 42mm However, I have been on several rides with 35mm tires on it and it feels great. I've even been through some fresh, loose gravel and haven't had any issues. Different types of gravel too; fine, really washy stuff and chunks that were practically mini-boulders.
No real issues to report. I'm really settling into this bike. I like it a lot. I'm still discovering what it can do. I think it handles great; it's much more stable and quick than my Vaya, with 26" wheels.
The one thing that I thought might be an issue is the gearing. I wasn't sure if the gearing would be low enough on some climbs, especially once fatigue really set in several hours into a ride. But so far, there hasn't been any issues.
brady,\n\nWanted to ask a couple of questions if you don't mind.\n\nHow is the v85 on the road? I have a route that's about 60/40 gravel/road.\n\nIs the steerer tube cut already? I was hoping it would not be, as I need a higher tube, until my back recovers from an injury.\n\nI too am coming from a Vaya, but wanted something lighter this time around.\n\nChoosing between the v85 and the new Warbird.\n\nThanks!\n\n
