I have been looking at getting a new tri frame and have looked at several different models and looking at all there measurements. I have narrowed it down to looking at the new 2004 felt models specifically the DA or the B2 frame. The only differences I can see is that the B2 top c-c length is 560mm and the DA is 554.8. Is this a real big difference? Will it cause any real issues? The other question is that there is about a $700 difference between framesets. Is the DA worth the difference in price. I saw a post by Tom D. in the GURU post calling the B2 a decent tawainese frame with great components hung on it. I am willing to shell out the cash I just want to make sure that it is worth the extra cash for the frame. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks…
The differences in these bikes are substantial. They are made in different facilities using different materials (I think?) and different designs.
The tubing decal on the 2003 DA reads: “Custom Double Butted Tubing exclusively for Felt.”
On the 2004 B2 it reads “Custom Double Butted Tubing exclusively for Felt, 7005/Superlite.” I don’t know the differences between the two in terms of tubing.
I appreciate the feedback but I guess what I want to understand are the differences. Is it just in the frame materials or is it other differences? Is it in the seatstay mfg. or BB stiffness etc…? Like I said I do not mind paying the extra $$$ I just want to make sure I am getting the best for my money and to make sure that it is worth the extra dollars. I really like the looks of Felt and all the work Jim Felt has done in the industry and I want to support my lbs but like I said I want to get what is best for me. Also, i want to put a set of one piece aerobars on. What would be a good recommendation?
I think what craig is asking is whether the differences in the frame materials, design and construction translate into any real-world performance effect? Is one frame stiffer, more compliant, more stable, etc. than the other?
I realize that but what I want to understand is what does the differences mean. There is a .2lb difference between the frames but what does that exactly mean. I want to be concentrating primarilly on Olympic and Half-ironman events and I want to pick the best frame for those distances. Because of the frame material differences does the ride quality change that much? Is one more harsh than the other. I am not anywhere near an expert in equipment but I want to train hard and go fast. I just want to understand the differences. thanks.
Just to throw something else out there to think about…B2 frameset = S22 frameset. Tom D, in another thread, says…
“The frame itself is the exact same frame as the Felt S22, in other words, The S22 and B2 have the same frame, fork, headset, stem, handlebar and clip-on, tires, front derailleur, rear derailleur, and brakes. The primary difference is cranks, shifters, cassette and wheels.”
just wanted to bump this back up to the top to see if someone would be able to tell me the differences between these two and if it is worth the $$$ difference. Thanks.
I own a DA. The differences b/n the B2 and the DA (that I can see):
DA has Reynolds aero fork
DA has aero seatpost and seat tube
DA rear triangle is a bit tighter than the B2 making the rear wheel closer to seat tube
DA handles like a dreamy roadbike
DA has all Easton Tubing
Hey Thanks Tripoet for the information. Do you have the 2004 DA? Were there any changes from 2003 to 2004 that you know of? I believe the B2 has all Easton tubing also. Since you love yours do you believe that it is worth the extra $$$ for the DA as opposed to the 2004 B2? Also, what kind of handlebars are you running. I am wanting to put a one piece aerobar on it and am looking for suggestions. Thanks for your help…
