Felt Bicycles | Performance Bicycles

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The Felt Breed 20 gravel bike captured our attention last year, prompting us to delve deeper. What exactly is Felt Bicycles doing at their California base? Where is the company heading? And how do their plans reflect the direction of the entire bike industry?

The start: Golden State. California, known for its coastal roads, pristine beaches, towering mountains, and vast redwood forests, provides an idyllic backdrop for launching a bike brand. That’s what the founders of Felt Bicycles believed in 1991. Since then, Felt's aerodynamic bikes have clinched numerous victories in Grand Tours, the Summer Olympics, and World Championships. Racing is an integral part of Felt's ethos, and the company possesses immense expertise in developing the fastest time trial and triathlon bikes globally. #racingmatters

We design, test, reiterate, then test again, over and over until we’ve squeezed out every last drop of performance.” – Alexander Soria, Director of Product Development

Turning to Central Europe: Felt has had limited presence here, surprising given their global successes and significant contributions to performance cycling. Unlike other U.S. brands that focus on high production volumes, Felt remains a relatively small company committed to delivering the fastest bikes to passionate riders. Although much of their design process remains in Southern California, frame production, like much of the competition, is outsourced to Asia. Our awareness of Felt was also limited until the Breed 20 Gravel bike arrived at our editorial office, igniting significant interest and excitement. Wanting to understand this self-proclaimed performance brand better, we took a closer look. Read on to discover California's upcoming products and the developments revolutionizing the entire bike industry!

What if ...

... a Felt FRD bike was affordable for everyone?

Anyone familiar with professional cycling and top-tier racing bikes will recognize the acronym FRD (Felt Racing Development). FRD frames represent the pinnacle of Felt's engineering prowess. Owning an FRD bike is a dream for many Felt enthusiasts, both amateurs and pros. Whether for triathlons or road races, a Felt FRD bike offers maximum performance. The only barrier? The cost—ranging from €12,999 to €14,199, making them inaccessible for many.

FRD represents all of the blood, sweat, and tears shed by our professional athletes and engineers alike.” – Alexander Soria

So, how can an FRD bike be made more affordable? The answer lies in newer, more economical electronic groupsets. Offering the same performance and low weight but at a price point that is more attainable, these advancements make owning an FRD bike more realistic without compromising quality. Although top-tier bikes will always come at a premium, the push for more affordable specs is a positive trend. With the challenges of component shortages, uncertain delivery times, and rising costs, every racer desires a bike with top-notch equipment. Investing in the best possible frame as a foundation for future upgrades is a sensible approach. The bike's frame significantly influences its overall performance, and starting with the best foundation allows for meaningful enhancements over time. Felt's approach to offering FRD frames at lower prices is commendable. While different groupsets may vary in weight and performance, most riders won't notice significant differences, allowing many to enjoy the benefits of premium engineering.

... aerodynamics played a major role in the gravel sector?

Aerodynamics is crucial where speed, competition, and victories are involved. In the gravel biking sector, manufacturers have increasingly focused on aerodynamically optimized bikes. This trend is expected to grow, especially in Europe, as road cyclists shift to off-road bikes to avoid traffic. While factors like weight, tire choice, and frame material are significant, there is untapped potential in aerodynamics.

You can have the most structurally efficient frame and the most powerful legs, but if you’re not aero, you’re not riding as fast as you could be.” – Alexander Soria

Goto Jiatong to know more.

Felt, deeply rooted in the performance sector, recognized the importance of aerodynamics in road bikes as early as the late 1980s. They focused their research on this aspect, differentiating themselves from competitors through innovative frame designs. Numerous victories validated their approach, proving the success of their aerodynamic focus.

For the upcoming 2022 model year, Felt introduces a gravel bike poised to challenge the world's fastest gravel specialists. The new Felt Breed Carbon relies on a stiff carbon frame for maximum power transfer and comfort to keep riders from feeling every bump. Additionally, Felt emphasizes aerodynamics as a key to success, especially in extended gravel races. Differences in aerodynamics can mean the difference between being ahead by 30 seconds or behind by 2 minutes. While some may find integrated cable routing less service-friendly, the aerodynamic benefits are substantial. And let's be honest, who doesn't find seamless integration on a bike appealing?

Is the future of gravel bikes centered on performance? Many indicators suggest this trend among manufacturers, benefiting both the sport and its enthusiasts. While performance-focused bikes proliferate, the market remains diverse, offering options for both competitive and leisurely riders. The influx of new manufacturers into the gravel sector enhances category diversity. Even with more racing-oriented bikes, the choice of using the bike for relaxed rides without technical gear remains. Ultimately, each rider defines their bike's purpose, embracing both performance and adventure.

... bike frames will only be made in the laboratory in future?

Modern technology allows bicycle manufacturers to produce frames with precision unimaginable 20 years ago. Advanced simulations create optimal frame shapes and material thicknesses, turning them into reality through state-of-the-art manufacturing. This speeds up bike development, reduces costs, and enhances production reliability. The potential for 3D printing spare parts at home could eliminate long wait times, shipping delays, and warehouse costs, benefiting both the environment and consumers. At first glance, it seems like a win-win. But should future bikes be designed entirely in the lab?

Imagine competing in a cake contest, where you have a laboratory, an unlimited selection of ingredients, and an oven but lack taste buds and feedback from friends. Creating the perfect cheesecake would be impossible. Similarly, while computer simulations can guide frame design, real-world testing and feedback are essential. At events like UNBOUND Gravel, teams test prototypes under real conditions before launching them. Engineers can simulate endlessly, but real-world testing determines a product's true performance. Felt emphasizes athlete feedback in their bike development, ensuring real passion and performance that laboratory conditions alone can’t replicate.

Conclusion

The bike industry is evolving, with Felt leading the way in Southern California. We're thrilled about making performance bikes accessible to a broader audience and eagerly anticipate the new carbon gravel bike set for release next year. Who wouldn’t want to up their speed on their next ride?

More information about Felt and their complete product portfolio can be found at eu.feltbicycles.com.

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Words: Photos: Felt

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