I recently noticed that Felt changed their B12 from Sram Red to Dura Ace for the 2012 models, and then eliminated the B14. I am assuming because there were issues with the Sram Red FD, anyone else besides me have issues with the Sram Red FD? It wouldn’t ramp up to the big gear at all when I first got it and they had to switch to a Steel Red FD and dura ace chain. I’m still having issues, although it will at least ramp up now, but I feel like it tore my gears up in the process. This is for the 2011 B12.
I recently noticed that Felt changed their B12 from Sram Red to Dura Ace for the 2012 models, and then eliminated the B14. I am assuming because there were issues with the Sram Red FD, anyone else besides me have issues with the Sram Red FD? It wouldn’t ramp up to the big gear at all when I first got it and they had to switch to a Steel Red FD and dura ace chain. I’m still having issues, although it will at least ramp up now, but I feel like it tore my gears up in the process. This is for the 2011 B12.
YAYYY 2012 bikes are up!!!
That DA3 looks SLICK
A buddy just picked up the 2011 B14 for $2250 on sale. Seems like a really good deal…
That is a good deal considering the 2011 b14 is basically the 2012 B12 now.
That is a good deal considering the 2011 b14 is basically the 2012 B12 now.
I think the Metron shifters are the best mechanical shifting product in triathlon today. The 2011 B14 doesn’t have them.
-SD
Superdave, do you have any suggestions for my question of Sram Red FD issues, other than what I have done already (DA chain, changed FD to steel from Titanium)? Is it the chain ring? Can the frame be flexing too much? I know others have had the same issue as me on the B12 with Sram Red FD.
Superdave, do you have any suggestions for my question of Sram Red FD issues, other than what I have done already (DA chain, changed FD to steel from Titanium)? Is it the chain ring? Can the frame be flexing too much? I know others have had the same issue as me on the B12 with Sram Red FD.
It sounds like you’ve already made the changes I would suggest from what I’ve seen reported to make an improvement.
The B12 already has SRAM’s very best RED level chainrings on it, I don’t know where you’d go next? I would not argue that the front shifting from SRAM is not as rapid or crisp as what you might find on Dura Ace or Ultegra, but finding the right way to “clutch” the drivetrain while pedalling can speed and improve shifting. It has been a proven system with reliable performance in demadning conditions.
This has not been a serial problem with the B12 but I am aware of the stiffer steel cages that SRAM now offers to everyone and that using Shimano chains has been reported to improve the shift effort and function.
-SD
SuperDave,
I am not sure if you have any info on this but I saw on the DA3 model that SRAM looks to have some new R2C shifters coming out. The listing on your site says 1090 and the picture makes them look like a cross from the current razor blade thin shape and the very bulbous Zipp shape.
Are there in fact new shifters coming out?
I was thinking I’ve done everything possible, but thought I would ask and make sure I didn’t miss anything. I guess I’m too used to my S2 ultegra. I’ve been able to get it performing a little better, just have to slow my pedaling when shifting up to the big ring. Other than my FD issues the bike as been great.
As I mentioned in another thread, I’m in the market for a new tri-bike and was keen on the DA4 - until I found out that the Australian distributor is only bringing in the W version of the DA4.
Now I need whether to move up to the DA3 but as I already have race wheels the nice TTRs would be only used for training, and I’d prefer the compact crank offered in the DA4. As good as the DA4W looks, I’m not sure I could ride a W… 
Or I can move down to the B12 or even 2011 B12 / 14.
Damn distributors…!
NigelW
Looks like the reach/stack is flipped around on all the DA’s (under the geometry tab).
What exactly is going wrong? One thing you want to watch for (with any FD, but especially on some of the Felt TT frames) is that the cable can’t go slack when the shift lever is pushed all the way forward.
The other issues is make sure that the chainring bolt are all tight. Also some bikes are very sensitive to FD height and rotation.
If those don’t work you can always try a shimano FD and or chainrings.
Styrrell
What exactly is going wrong? One thing you want to watch for (with any FD, but especially on some of the Felt TT frames) is that the cable can’t go slack when the shift lever is pushed all the way forward.
The other issues is make sure that the chainring bolt are all tight. Also some bikes are very sensitive to FD height and rotation.
If those don’t work you can always try a shimano FD and or chainrings.
Styrrell
You Luddites with your outdated desire for analog sifting. Go Di2 and reeeeelax…
SuperDave,
I am not sure if you have any info on this but I saw on the DA3 model that SRAM looks to have some new R2C shifters coming out. The listing on your site says 1090 and the picture makes them look like a cross from the current razor blade thin shape and the very bulbous Zipp shape.
Are there in fact new shifters coming out?
No, that’s just poor photoshop work. I didn’t have the 1090s available when I conducted the photoshoot and just used hte Zipps off the DA1 R and chopped them down.
-SD
Haha. Sorry to make you admit that. You had me rally excited for a while. I guess I will live with my current version.
Best of luck on this years models.
felt website has the DA3 listed at 19.7 lbs
bicycling magazine has listed the DA1 at 17.1 lbs (for a 56cm).
Besides the Zipp Wheels, the only significant weight difference between the two bikes should be the Frame/Fork. Can you comment how much heavier the DA2/3/4 frame and fork are compared to the DA1? I’m not sure where I got this idea…but I was somewhat expecting the DA3 to come in around 18-18.5 lbs, so seeing it listed at close to 20 lbs was somewhat suprising to me.
felt website has the DA3 listed at 19.7 lbs
bicycling magazine has listed the DA1 at 17.1 lbs (for a 56cm).
Besides the Zipp Wheels, the only significant weight difference between the two bikes should be the Frame/Fork. Can you comment how much heavier the DA2/3/4 frame and fork are compared to the DA1? I’m not sure where I got this idea…but I was somewhat expecting the DA3 to come in around 18-18.5 lbs, so seeing it listed at close to 20 lbs was somewhat suprising to me.
The frame and fork is ~330 grams.
The rear rim alone on the DA3 is close to 700grams so it isn’t the lightest, but then again, the Zipp 808 isn’t the lightest of their rim options either, it is just the best.
Do you think the 19.7# DA3 is slower compared to the 16.8# DA from 2008?
-SD
I would venture to assume that in most cases, the 2012 DA is a faster bike than the 2008 DA. The main reason I am putting any thought into the weights like this is that I tend to ride hilly routes and courses. I know once you load up the bike with 2 full bottles + nutrition/tubes + yourself, 1-2 lbs is not going to be a very significant difference.
Are the Basebar and extensions on the DA3 Aluminum or Carbon?
I would venture to assume that in most cases, the 2012 DA is a faster bike than the 2008 DA. The main reason I am putting any thought into the weights like this is that I tend to ride hilly routes and courses. I know once you load up the bike with 2 full bottles + nutrition/tubes + yourself, 1-2 lbs is not going to be a very significant difference.
Are the Basebar and extensions on the DA3 Aluminum or Carbon?
The DA3 uses a 305 gram hydroformed , cut, and welded 3:1 aluminum base bar with carbon extensions.
You could easily take 900 grams off the bicycle with a light set of wheels like Zipp’s Firecrest.
-SD
SD- am I wrong or are the reach/stack on the website still flipped around on the DA bikes/frames?