Some bikes are good, and some bikes are great. Today, we are looking at 7 of the best road bikes on the market. All the bikes featured on this list are manufactured and sold by Felt, an American bike company that holds a reputation for quality products. Despite a narrow focus on high performance, Felt offers an array of bicycles that appeal to the majority of cyclists’ needs without losing their identity as one of the fastest brands on the market.
They have comfortable endurance bikes, fun commute and fitness bikes, and top-of-the-line road race bikes. We have evaluated every aspect of these machines to bring you insight into the hype behind Felt’s brand and detailed analysis to help you differentiate between the finer points of each product. If you get lost in the jargon at any point, jump down to our buyer’s guide for a quick lesson. Now let’s find out if any of these products are right for you!
Related articles …
6 Best Genesis Road Bikes | 2023 Reviews
BEST FELT ROAD BIKES OVERVIEW
Image | Model | Features | Price |
 | VERZA SPEED | 20 - SUPERNOVA BLACK (REFLECTIVE) |
| |
 | VR | 40 - AQUAFRESH |
| |
 | FR | 30 - EDEN GREEN |
| |
 | FR | ADVANCED | 105 - JUNE GREY |
| |
 | FR | ADVANCED | ULTEGRA - GLOW GREEN |
| |
 | AR | ADVANCED | 105 - STARRY NIGHT |
| |
 | AR | ADVANCED | ULTEGRA - AQUAFRESH |
|
VERZA SPEED | 20 – SUPERNOVA BLACK (REFLECTIVE)
Starting with the most affordable bike on this list, the Verza Speed | 20 is an excellent choice for cyclists looking for a comfortable ride at a reasonable cost.
Felt designed the Verza Speed 20 to target recreation and fitness cyclists, and the plenty of added features set it apart from other bikes in the field. With a frame touted as being inspired by their award-winning endurance bikes, the geometry encourages an upright position and is complemented by flat handlebars.
The frame is crafted from an aluminum alloy for a lightweight feel and strong durability. A key feature of aluminum is its stiffness, which helps the rider transfer energy more efficiently to the wheels and thereby travel faster – staying in line with the overall brand message: Felt Is Fast. The Verza Speed 20 also sports a gel saddle, tubeless-ready tires, 2×10 Shimano Tiagra groupset, hydraulic disk brakes, and a carbon fiber fork.
All of this comes at a price of $1,299.00, which we think is a great deal for the quality you get with this product.
Key Features
- Aluminum frame with carbon fiber forks
- Tubeless-ready tires
- Flat handlebars
- Wheels 700c Aluminum
- Selle Royal Essenza Gel Saddle
- Hydraulic disk brakes
- Aesthetically-integrated high visibility reflectors
- Shimano Tiagra 2×10 groupset
Why We Like It
- Between the tubeless tires, gel saddle, and flat handlebars; Felt positions the Verza Speed 20 exactly where it needs to be – as a smooth ride at a reasonable cost that will outrun all other commuting and fitness bikes.
- The carbon fiber forks on a bike in this price range is a great deal.
- This bike is perfect for mixing a road race attitude into your daily life
Pros
Cons
VR | 40 – AQUAFRESH
Felt envisioned a bike made for cyclists who push their limits, and so they built the VR 40. In Felt’s own words, the VR 40 is “the best aluminum endurance bike we’ve ever created.” A claim that bold needs to be backed up by some serious hardware, and that’s exactly what Felt does.
The VR 40 features a 2×10 Shimano Tiagra groupset, a relaxed geometry, an advanced aluminum alloy frame, tubeless-compatible wheels, disc brakes, and a plethora of hidden rack mounts for your kit.
An endurance bike of this quality will find a good home with cyclists who are serious about spending time in the saddle. This bike performs at its best on those long adventures. If this sounds like your riding style, then consider spending the $1,899.00 to step up your game.
Key Features
- High-quality Aluminum alloy frame
- Tubeless-compatible aluminum wheels
- Drop handlebars
- Wheels 700c Aluminum
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 2×10 Shimano Tiagra
Related articles …
The 10 Best Road Bikes Under $2000 – 2023
Why We Like It
- We love the relaxed geometry of an endurance bike. If you are going to be in the saddle all day, you’ll want a frame that doesn’t force you to take an aero position.
- Just because you can ride upright doesn’t mean it is required. The drop bars give you the option to sprint.
Pros
Cons
FR | 30 – EDEN GREEN
The FR product line is Felt’s flagship bikes. The FR 30, while the lower end of the product scale, is a wonderfully performing bicycle that signifies a major step forward in performance when compared to the VR 40 and Verza Speed 20.
This bike pairs an aluminum frame with a carbon fiber fork, much like the Verza Speed 20, to achieve lateral stiffness, vertical compliance, and improved aerodynamics. Note, not all carbon fiber is of the same quality. The direction of the fibers, the quality of the weave, and the type of resin all play a part in the performance of the material.
Fortunately, Felt’s proprietary UHC carbon fiber earns top marks across the board. The frame geometry opts for more aggressive angles than the VR 40, further cementing this line of products as road-race worthy.
This bike also comes with an upgraded Shimano 105 mechanical groupset, hydraulic disc brakes, and internal cabling. All this will set you back about $2,249.00.
Key Features
- Aluminum frame with carbon fiber forks
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Internal cable routing
- 2×11 Shimano 105 mechanical disc brakes
Why We Like It
- The Shimano 105 groupset is on the upper end of Shimano products
- This is a good starter bike for cyclists who want to step into the competitive road race scene
Pros
Cons
FR | ADVANCED | 105 – JUNE GREY
The FR Advanced 105 represents a significant deviation into pure road racing bikes on this list. Felt designed this bike with an all-carbon fiber frame that reduces weight, increases compliance, and performs at the highest levels. Staying in line with their other products.
FR Advanced 105 has hydraulic disc brakes, a Shimano 105 mechanical groupset, and an aggressive frame geometry. It also boasts a Devox finishing kit.
Cyclists who take racing seriously will love this bike. It comes with all the features needed to edge out the competition. The price comes in at $3,549.00, which is a fair deal for a carbon fiber road bike. Of course, you can find cheaper carbon fiber bikes on the market, but there is a chance that you will be sacrificing the quality of the carbon fiber for those prices.
Key Features
- UHC carbon fiber frame
- Devox finishing kit
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 2×11 Shimano 105 mechanical groupset
Related articles …
The 7 Best Road Bikes Under $3000 – 2023
Why We Like It
- The carbon fiber frame takes the performance of this bike to the next level
- The Shimano 105 mechanical groupset marks a step beyond the midpoint in Shimano’s product line. With the 105, you are getting an excellent, lightweight drive train and hydraulic
Pros
Cons
FR | ADVANCED | ULTEGRA – GLOW GREEN
If the FR Advanced 105 was a major step in the road racing direction, then the FR Advanced Ultegra represents a leap into the top-tier echelons of road racing bikes.
This bike features a complete carbon fiber frame like the FR Advanced 105, and perhaps the most impressive upgrade that the FR Advanced Ultegra brings to the table is the Shimano Ultegra groupset.
The Ultegra is the second-best groupset that Shimano offers, and it is certainly an improvement upon the 105 groupset. The other feature that the FR Advanced Ultegra boasts is Reynolds AR41 Carbon wheels. Expect a smooth and speedy ride with this bike.
All those upgrades come at a cost. The price tag on the FR Advance Ultegra weighs in at $4,549.00.
Key Features
- UHC carbon fiber frame
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 2×11 Shimano Ultegra mechanical groupset
- Reynolds AR41 Carbon wheels
Why We Like It
- The 2×11 Shimano Ultegra is no joke. With this groupset, you are dabbling in the highest quality gear
- The carbon fiber wheels help bring the overall weight of the bike down to a measly 7.73kg or 17.01lbs, allowing you to shave precious seconds off your PR.
Pros
Cons
AR | ADVANCED | 105 – STARRY NIGHT
Felt’s AR line of bikes is in a whole different level. These machines are pro-racing quality bikes, and you will notice some significant changes compared to the FR models.
First, the frame has a different shape – it has been engineered for the best aerodynamics possible. The geometry, too, is much more aggressive.
Second, the shape of the tubes is a new, truncated design known as Kammtail, which also improves aerodynamics.
This particular AR, the AR Advanced 105, includes a carbon fiber frame with a Shimano 105 mechanical groupset. It has the option of a fully integrated stem or a semi-integrated stem, making internal cable maintenance a breeze.
Despite the emphasis on speed, you will find that the ride quality is pleasantly comfortable.
The price of the AR Advanced 105 is $4,199.00, cheaper than the FR Advanced Ultegra.
Key Features
- New, truncated AR design
- UHC carbon fiber frame
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 2×11 Shimano 105 groupset
Why We Like It
- The new AR frame design looks cool and rides fast
- Aerodynamics play a large role in the speed of a bike, so you will notice that you are significantly faster if switching over from an FR or VR
Pros
Cons
AR | ADVANCED | ULTEGRA – AQUAFRESH
If you like the AR Advanced 105, you will love the AR Advanced Ultegra. It can do everything that the former does, but better. With this bike, you are all guaranteed to hit a new PR. It shares the same Kammtail truncated tubing as the other ARs in the line, and its aerodynamic properties push the limits of what a bike design can achieve. It has a UHC carbon fiber frame, a fantastic Shimano Ultegra groupset, and the Reynolds AR41 Carbon wheels that we wanted to see on the AR Advanced 105.
Overall, this bike does everything well. The only downside is that it is pricey, costing $5,549.00.
Key Features
- New, truncated AR design
- UHC carbon fiber frame
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 2×11 Shimano Ultegra groupset
- Reynolds AR41 Carbon wheels
Why We Like It
- How could you not like a top-of-the-line bike like this?
- Everything on this bike is tailored to increase your speed.
- The gear that complements it is some of the best that money can buy
Pros
Cons
GUIDE TO BUYING A FELT ROAD BIKE
Deciding on which bike to buy is no easy task – especially when high-quality brands like Felt demand that you make a sizable financial commitment even on their lowest price tags.
To be sure that you walk away satisfied and without buyer’s regret, you will want to know every aspect that goes into building a quality bike. We’ll give you a light guide to steer you in the right direction.
For the scope of this article, there are three broad classifications of bikes that we will dive into: Aero road bikes, Endurance road bikes, and Recreational road bikes.
Types of Bikes:
There are many more types of bikes in the world, but we only need to learn about the relevant ones. All of these types of bikes are covered in the list above, so feel free to scroll up for reference.
Don’t worry if you have trouble understanding the vocabulary. We’ll cover more cycling terms as we get deeper into the buyer’s guide.
1- Aero Road Bikes
Aero bikes are made to go fast. Every part of the bike, from the drop bars down to the smallest jockey wheel, is designed with aerodynamics in mind.
You will see the best aero bike manufacturers use carbon fiber frames, most often in a Kammtail design, to get the most power and least drag possible. The groupset will use top-of-the-line products like the Shimano Ultegra or Dura-Ace.
2- Endurance Road Bikes
These bikes are made for long-distance rides. If you aren’t racing, riding around mountains, traveling cross-country, or commuting to work; then this bike is for you.
In fact, most riders will find themselves on an endurance bike. The comfortable, upright riding position finds a wider audience than the aero bikes, and most importantly is that endurance bikes are just good fun for any level cyclist.
3- Recreational Road Bikes
In this category, you will find what Felt calls “commuting and fitness” bikes. These are bikes designed to be enjoyed around town rather than outrunning the com
Related articles …
Flat Handlebars vs Drop handlebars:
There are two kinds of handlebars that you can fit on your bike. Drop handlebars, or drop bars, and flat handlebars, or flatbars. Dropbars are the ones that curl under, and these handlebars are often seen on performance bikes.
This is because they allow the cyclist to take an “aero” position that reduces drag and increases power. Flat bars give the option for an upright riding position, which many cyclists find to be more comfortable for recreation and distance riding.
Frame Materials:
The frame is perhaps the most important part of the bike. You could say that it gives the bike a certain kind of character, which in turn is defined by the materials used to craft the frame.
Bike manufacturers commonly use four types of materials for frames, and each has a unique personality that some cyclists prefer over others: steel, aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber.
Steel has been a tried-and-true frame material for decades. Many cyclists prefer steel to the other materials for a few reasons: it is cheaper; it is very durable; it is easy to repair; and maybe the most important reason of all – “steel is real.” If you have never heard that before, it means that steel gives a good feel for the road.
Aluminum, steel’s lighter and less durable cousin, is popular for its lightweight and rigid qualities. You will find aluminum commonly used for building performance bikes, although high-grade aluminum alloys offer a good deal of vertical compliance for a comfortable endurance bike as well.
Titanium combines the strength of steel with the weight of aluminum and the cost of both. Because it is pretty rare to find a titanium bike that isn’t custom-made, we won’t spend a lot of time here.
Carbon fiber is why titanium does not dominate the scene for competitive racing bike frames. This material is incredibly lightweight and can be unidirectional, meaning that it is crafted to be vertically compliant and laterally stiff for maximum power output and comfort. The major downsides are that carbon fiber is very expensive and harder to repair if it is cracked.
Stiff vs Compliant:
What does it mean when a frame is stiff versus compliant? One way to think of this concept is as a measurement of flexibility in the frame. A stiff frame is made of materials that have little bend when force is applied. This allows for more efficient acceleration, cornering, and sprinting as less energy is lost to the frame.
You will find that bikes made for performance tend to have a higher degree of stiffness, like aeros and high-end road bikes.
A compliant frame flexes when you apply force, which is less efficient for energy transfer. However, flexible frames provide a more comfortable ride.
Tires:
Road bikes can come equipped with tube tires or tubeless tires. Tube tires have been around for decades and are what you will find on the majority of bikes. They work by inserting an inflatable tube inside the tire, hence the term tube tire.
They come in sizes like 700c x 28mm, which means the tire has a 700mm diameter and 28mm width.
Tubeless tires, on the other hand, work similarly to the tires on a car or motorcycle. The tubeless tire itself creates an airtight seal with the rim and can be directly inflated, so there is no need for an inner tube. While tube tires are cheap and common, tubeless tires are growing in popularity due to their shock-absorbing and self-repairing properties.
We recommend you investigate thoroughly which type of tire you prefer before making a purchase.
Geometry:
The geometry of your frame will mostly affect the riding style, comfort, and performance of your bike.
There are a few important variables to consider when evaluating which geometry is right for you: the stack & reach, the head angle, the seat tube angle, the bottom bracket drop (BBD), and the wheelbase.
First, you will need to decide if you want to build your bike for racing and sprinting, or a more casual endurance set-up.
Bikes built for racing like the Aeros will have a long reach and a short stack with a higher seat tube angle that pushes riders over the bottom bracket and allows them to assume an aerodynamic position to sprint while out of the saddle.
Endurance bikes will have a short reach and long stack that allows the rider to take a more comfortable upright position at the expense of aerodynamics and power.
Regardless of the geometry you choose, make sure your bike is comfortable, safe, and enjoyable to ride.
Groupsets:
A cycling groupset consists of brakes, shifters, cranks, chainset, derailleurs, and cassette. It’s basically everything that makes your bike move and stop besides the wheels.
The brakes can come in the form of rim caliper brakes or hydraulic disc brakes. Rim brakes have been popular for years, and you are likely to come across them in your search for a new bike; however, top-tier bikes have moved on to disc brakes because of their increased stopping power in all conditions.
The cranks are what attach to the pedals. The shifters, chainset, derailleurs, and cassette work together to make your bike move, and they are sometimes referred to as the drivetrain.
Essentially, the drivetrain works like this: a cyclist pushes the shifter to activate the derailleur, which moves the chain across cogs in the cassette and the chainset. In a 2×10 groupset, the rear derailleur will move the chain across 10 cogs, also known as gears. The front derailleur moves the chain between the 2 cogs in the chainset, for a total of 20 potential combinations.
Some combinations are better for speed, while others are better for climbing and descending, and still others are best for a casual ride.
Three groupset manufacturers dominate the market: SRAM, Campagnolo, and Shimano, which is the brand that Felt uses on its bikes.
FAQS ABOUT FELT ROAD BIKES
Are Felt bikes high-quality?
Yes, Felt has an international reputation for being high-quality, reliable, and great all-around bikes. You are unlikely to find many poor reviews on a Felt product, the rare ones that do appear are soundly drowned out in praise.
Felt uses a combination of frameset materials, unique frame designs, and the best groupsets to create truly high-quality bicycles.
Where are Felt bikes made?
This is a two-part question: Felt bikes are designed in the United States, which checks out since Felt is an American company. However, the bikes are manufactured in Asia. This helps keep costs down, and those savings are passed onto the buyer.
Will Felt have bikes in my size?
More than likely. All Felt bikes can be ordered in sizes that fit 5’0” individuals to 6’5” individuals. You won’t find more range than that without ordering a custom bike. Of course, these sizes are for adults; children may have to look elsewhere for a bike of this quality in their size.
It is recommended that you have your bike professionally fitted to your stature to ensure maximum comfort and performance when riding.
Explore the best-reviewed bikes for every price point from $200 to $20,000 … Best Road Bikes In 2023
In Conclusion: That’s It For Our Felt Road Bike Review
When shopping for a performance bike, Felt should be on your radar as a top-quality brand. They have been delivering great bikes for decades, and you will be hard-pressed to find negative reviews, and trust us, we tried to all the defects that we could. Whether it is the recreational Verza Speed 20, which is still blistering fast, or the AR Advanced Ultegra, you cannot go wrong.
Remember that their new tagline is “Felt is Fast,” so that is what you will be getting. However, Felt is not cheap. Plan on shelling out the cash for any of their bikes.
Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back often!
Nice answer back in return of this query with genuine
arguments and explaining all on the topic of
that.👌