I’ll be very interested to see the responses to Felt’s 2020 Tri lineup both in regards to graphics and specs at certain price points. From what I can tell, the IA10 is gone, replaced at that price point by a mechanical Ultegra with the integrated bayonet and disc brakes. In other words a mechanical Ultegra IA3 at $5K. Last year, this gets you a Di2 equipped, more adjustable, IA10 for essentially the same price.
I won’t post anything that hasn’t been announced, but I think you could surmise that what was the Ultegra Di2 IA3 last year will not likely be priced at $5800. I’ve found most manufacturers who’ve gone above the $6k price point for Ultegra Di2 find that sales drop dramatically. Two manufacturers tried it briefly last year, realized the mistake, and quickly adjusted pricing. The IA3 was a tremendous success for them last year, and I think that may have led them to believe they could raise that price for 2020. Maybe they can, maybe it’s a mistake…we’ll see. Every manufacturer needs to realize they’re competing with Canyon (and Premier) at the $5K+ price point. Would you rather have a Di2 equipped bike (that’s more adjustable) with a decent set of race wheels, or mechanical Ultegra with the integrated front end? The clients who come in for Pre-Purchase Fits at ERO come in at 4 very distinct price points: entry-level at $3K, mid-level at $5k expecting Di2, mid-high at $8K wanting better spec and wheels than the lower level, and the price is no object folks who want the best of everything. You can push those prices a bit, but there’s a breaking point the consumer won’t pass. Every client who comes in inquires about Canyon. Every one. What is your sales pitch to choose your brand over theirs? What do you offer that they don’t? That’s a question every manufacturer better be prepared to answer, and it needs to be compelling.
I’m not saying Felt is making a mistake. For all I know, they’ll crush it in 2020 because they make kick-ass tri bikes. I just worry the consumer will balk at the price vs spec. Oh, and I’ll be really interested in what people think about the graphics on these bikes.
For graphics, the splatter does nothing for me. The White Geo has really grown on me, and I currently think it looks ace. The rim brake blue color is meh… but my giro shoes would match…
I am guessing pricing reflects demand from last year, and maybe another Kona win.
What is compelling to me is the force etap bike… except for those Sram S-900 aero hydraulic hoods!!! The "aero’ label must be a joke, especially with those upturned bars. What I don’t understand it that they are listed as Bayonet 3.1 bars, and the force/etap/rim brake builds all list them… but they are upturned in the disc brake bikes only (no upturn in the ultegra mechanical with TRP brakes). IS it the same bar? Kind of a downer on the force build, as why would I buy an aero bike with the least aerodynamic pursuit bars possible? Would love to know what is up there… as I would not want to buy a 8K bike to immediately have to swap pursuit bars and or hydraulic brakes!!! And I am a serious potential buyer.
The site also refers to the Advanced Di2 model, but it is not yet up. I wonder what the delay is. I also wonder if it follows the ultegra mechanical bike and shuns the upturned pursuit bars. That alone would be reason to get it over the force etap bike.
Back to the bars topic, i think for 2020 felt has upgraded fit with the bayonet 3.1 bars, but downgraded the carbon dagger bars in the process. So good for bike fitters, bad for carbon whores like myself. Too bad the dagger bar/stem could not be updated to provide upward tilt of pursuit bars. Maybe the frd or higher spec frames will get an upgrade. It will be interesting to see what felt does.
Regarding high ultegra di2 pricing… i wonder how much of that is due to usa/china tariffs.
