Entries RSSWomen’s specific and all business
We were able to test several road bikes this past fall and winter for our March 08 cycling issue. The Felt FW15 test bike was the last to arrive at headquarters and has hung around the longest, so I’ve had it out on spring training rides this month. It’s an amazing bike.
The first thing you notice about the Felt FW15 is a feeling of eagerness to accelerate. Every ounce of effort you put into your pedaling translates into forward motion courtesy of the Superlite aluminum/carbon frame. It made me think of a British sports car I used to own - even a trip to the quickie mart made you want to race. The FW15 makes mincemeat of hills, too.
My first ride had me admiring all these racy qualities, but wondering how I’d feel after a longer ride. Would all this stiffness and speed mean I’d be miserable after 25 or 30 miles? No way! It’s a perfect balance of comfort and acceleration, the comfort being aided by carbon forks and seat stays, and a very plush Felt FIT Woman saddle on top of a carbon seatpost.
The components will have you drooling: Dura-Ace front and rear derailleurs, a Shimano compact crank with a fantastic range of gearing, stop-on-a-dime Shimano SLR brakes, and an Easton Vista SL wheelset. If that’s all tech-talk to you, how about a very sexy matte black paint job with fuchsia accents here and there? It was definitely turning heads the most recent club ride.
All the right notes get hit on the women’s specific sizing, from the frame geometry to the short reach brake levers and compact drop on the handlebars. The only sad note is the size range topping out at 50cm. I’m 5′8″ and 50cm was perfect - my 5′10″ colleague felt a little cramped. This model is last year’s FW2 renamed, with a few tweaks, and the FW2 name now goes to Felt’s new full-carbon women’s specific bike.
The Felt FW15 has got you covered whether you’re riding an MS150 charity ride or you just want to be at the head of the pack on your next group ride. Get out there and test ride one. You’ll be amazed, too.
Felt FW15, $2199. Sizes: 650c x 43, 700c x 45, 47, 50cm (tested) www.feltracing.com
