Felt IA vs. The Rest

Triathlon Forum
1

Currently on a 2016 Felt IA 1 and considering a new bike, but in a bit of a conundrum if it is actually worth it. I also know that there has been talk about “Aero Shootout 2.0” but that has seemed to have lost steam and the IA doesn’t look like it would be tested if the shootout did happen.

I am a consistent sub 2:15 70.3 split and sub 4:30 split on flatter courses, so towards the pointer end.

That being said, am I missing a lot riding the IA? Considering the Specialized Shiv and maybe even the Giant Trinity, both of which have integrated hydration which is nice add on, but are we talking seconds or 5min+… I really do not care about the looks of bikes, however i am somewhat wary staying with rim brakes as it appears that development funds of wheel manufacturers are being directed towards rim brake hoop designs.

A google search is pretty much worthless when it comes to this question, so any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

2

Currently on a 2016 Felt IA 1 and considering a new bike, but in a bit of a conundrum if it is actually worth it. I also know that there has been talk about “Aero Shootout 2.0” but that has seemed to have lost steam and the IA doesn’t look like it would be tested if the shootout did happen.

I am a consistent sub 2:15 70.3 split and sub 4:30 split on flatter courses, so towards the pointer end.

That being said, am I missing a lot riding the IA? Considering the Specialized Shiv and maybe even the Giant Trinity, both of which have integrated hydration which is nice add on, but are we talking seconds or 5min+… I really do not care about the looks of bikes, however i am somewhat wary staying with rim brakes as it appears that development funds of wheel manufacturers are being directed towards rim brake hoop designs.

A google search is pretty much worthless when it comes to this question, so any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

what particular model of shiv are you considering? and which giant trinity?

3

Currently on a 2016 Felt IA 1 and considering a new bike, but in a bit of a conundrum if it is actually worth it. I also know that there has been talk about “Aero Shootout 2.0” but that has seemed to have lost steam and the IA doesn’t look like it would be tested if the shootout did happen.

I am a consistent sub 2:15 70.3 split and sub 4:30 split on flatter courses, so towards the pointer end.

That being said, am I missing a lot riding the IA? Considering the Specialized Shiv and maybe even the Giant Trinity, both of which have integrated hydration which is nice add on, but are we talking seconds or 5min+… I really do not care about the looks of bikes, however i am somewhat wary staying with rim brakes as it appears that development funds of wheel manufacturers are being directed towards rim brake hoop designs.

A google search is pretty much worthless when it comes to this question, so any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

what particular model of shiv are you considering? and which giant trinity?

Hey Dan! The Shiv expert Tri model (shark fin) with disc brakes or the Giant Trinity pro.

I know the Trinity has a longer reach than my current Felt. Honestly though I feel a touch squashed on the the bike. Current arm pad stack is 673mm and pad reach is 417mm.

4

Currently on a 2016 Felt IA 1 and considering a new bike, but in a bit of a conundrum if it is actually worth it. I also know that there has been talk about “Aero Shootout 2.0” but that has seemed to have lost steam and the IA doesn’t look like it would be tested if the shootout did happen.

I am a consistent sub 2:15 70.3 split and sub 4:30 split on flatter courses, so towards the pointer end.

That being said, am I missing a lot riding the IA? Considering the Specialized Shiv and maybe even the Giant Trinity, both of which have integrated hydration which is nice add on, but are we talking seconds or 5min+… I really do not care about the looks of bikes, however i am somewhat wary staying with rim brakes as it appears that development funds of wheel manufacturers are being directed towards rim brake hoop designs.

A google search is pretty much worthless when it comes to this question, so any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

what particular model of shiv are you considering? and which giant trinity?

Hey Dan! The Shiv expert Tri model (shark fin) with disc brakes or the Giant Trinity pro.

I know the Trinity has a longer reach than my current Felt. Honestly though I feel a touch squashed on the the bike. Current arm pad stack is 673mm and pad reach is 417mm.

Is that a typo? Seems -very- high stack for a very short reach…

5

Currently on a 2016 Felt IA 1 and considering a new bike, but in a bit of a conundrum if it is actually worth it. I also know that there has been talk about “Aero Shootout 2.0” but that has seemed to have lost steam and the IA doesn’t look like it would be tested if the shootout did happen.

I am a consistent sub 2:15 70.3 split and sub 4:30 split on flatter courses, so towards the pointer end.

That being said, am I missing a lot riding the IA? Considering the Specialized Shiv and maybe even the Giant Trinity, both of which have integrated hydration which is nice add on, but are we talking seconds or 5min+… I really do not care about the looks of bikes, however i am somewhat wary staying with rim brakes as it appears that development funds of wheel manufacturers are being directed towards rim brake hoop designs.

A google search is pretty much worthless when it comes to this question, so any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

what particular model of shiv are you considering? and which giant trinity?

Hey Dan! The Shiv expert Tri model (shark fin) with disc brakes or the Giant Trinity pro.

I know the Trinity has a longer reach than my current Felt. Honestly though I feel a touch squashed on the the bike. Current arm pad stack is 673mm and pad reach is 417mm.

i’m just making sure you’re ready to spend some money. because, the shiv is a dog at the lower price level, and the newer disc brake models start at $8,000 or so, and go up to $13,000. the giant, my concern there is that it must be near the end of the current model cycle. i can only assume there’s a disc brake bike coming out.

6

I have a massively upgraded Felt IA 16. I am on the faster end of bike splits for an old guy. The only thing I would consider over my IA is a Cervelo P5 or PX Series.

7

Currently on a 2016 Felt IA 1 and considering a new bike, but in a bit of a conundrum if it is actually worth it. I also know that there has been talk about “Aero Shootout 2.0” but that has seemed to have lost steam and the IA doesn’t look like it would be tested if the shootout did happen.

I am a consistent sub 2:15 70.3 split and sub 4:30 split on flatter courses, so towards the pointer end.

That being said, am I missing a lot riding the IA? Considering the Specialized Shiv and maybe even the Giant Trinity, both of which have integrated hydration which is nice add on, but are we talking seconds or 5min+… I really do not care about the looks of bikes, however i am somewhat wary staying with rim brakes as it appears that development funds of wheel manufacturers are being directed towards rim brake hoop designs.

A google search is pretty much worthless when it comes to this question, so any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

what particular model of shiv are you considering? and which giant trinity?

Hey Dan! The Shiv expert Tri model (shark fin) with disc brakes or the Giant Trinity pro.

I know the Trinity has a longer reach than my current Felt. Honestly though I feel a touch squashed on the the bike. Current arm pad stack is 673mm and pad reach is 417mm.

i’m just making sure you’re ready to spend some money. because, the shiv is a dog at the lower price level, and the newer disc brake models start at $8,000 or so, and go up to $13,000. the giant, my concern there is that it must be near the end of the current model cycle. i can only assume there’s a disc brake bike coming out.

Most definitely understand the cost of the new Shiv and the gap between it and Trinity. Also open to other options if it makes sense. I’m not sold on either, just looking to see if I’m missing on any “free” speed with my IA. From what I have read and found, the IA says is great at high yaw but from 0-10 degrees it’s kind of a dog? I’ve just never seen any data.

8

Currently on a 2016 Felt IA 1 and considering a new bike, but in a bit of a conundrum if it is actually worth it. I also know that there has been talk about “Aero Shootout 2.0” but that has seemed to have lost steam and the IA doesn’t look like it would be tested if the shootout did happen.

I am a consistent sub 2:15 70.3 split and sub 4:30 split on flatter courses, so towards the pointer end.

That being said, am I missing a lot riding the IA? Considering the Specialized Shiv and maybe even the Giant Trinity, both of which have integrated hydration which is nice add on, but are we talking seconds or 5min+… I really do not care about the looks of bikes, however i am somewhat wary staying with rim brakes as it appears that development funds of wheel manufacturers are being directed towards rim brake hoop designs.

A google search is pretty much worthless when it comes to this question, so any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

what particular model of shiv are you considering? and which giant trinity?

Hey Dan! The Shiv expert Tri model (shark fin) with disc brakes or the Giant Trinity pro.

I know the Trinity has a longer reach than my current Felt. Honestly though I feel a touch squashed on the the bike. Current arm pad stack is 673mm and pad reach is 417mm.

Is that a typo? Seems -very- high stack for a very short reach…

Does the following seem right?

Frame stack is 551mm
Frame reach is 528mm

Trying to disseminate through the Retul data.

9

I know the Trinity has a longer reach than my current Felt. Honestly though I feel a touch squashed on the the bike. Current arm pad stack is 673mm and pad reach is 417mm.
…
Does the following seem right?

Frame stack is 551mm
Frame reach is 528mm

.
My guess is:
Frame: 551 / 417
Pad: 673 / 528

10

i’m also on an upgraded Felt IA16 on rim brakes…perfected my fit over the years and can’t see myself switching to any new bike unless I had to. aesthetically nothing does it for me and i already have a superbike for half the cost of all these new bikes. makes no sense.

11

Missing a lot?

Absolutely not.

If you are feeling a bit squashed, then I’d PERHAPS consider getting a proper fit and being told which bikes would accomodate the best fit for you, as that would do far more than just slightly different tube shaping etc.

That said, if you are feeling squashed, by how much?

Have you considered going with a different front end? I got the dagger stem that has 2 cm more reach, and accomodates any typical aftermarket aerobar setup, which could open up that front end for you.

12

Missing a lot?

Absolutely not.

If you are feeling a bit squashed, then I’d PERHAPS consider getting a proper fit and being told which bikes would accomodate the best fit for you, as that would do far more than just slightly different tube shaping etc.

That said, if you are feeling squashed, by how much?

Have you considered going with a different front end? I got the dagger stem that has 2 cm more reach, and accomodates any typical aftermarket aerobar setup, which could open up that front end for you.

That is a good point running the dagger stem.

Just slightly squashed, not to the point where I am so uncomfortable that I have to get up and stretch every 15min. I can obviously generate power from the position and I don’t think there is any TT bike position that is like a Lazy Boy chair. Below are my fit numbers from a Retul about a year ago.

Screenshot (4).png

13

I’m certainly not the fit expert here, but that BB to back of pad reach number on your report seems really low given the rest of the numbers (and for someone as fast as you). Would be interesting to see a pic of you on the bike with those numbers.

14

To be completely honest, I would describe my tri bike fit as being like a Lazy Boy Chair.

I get on the bike, relax and pedal.

15

I’m certainly not the fit expert here, but that BB to back of pad reach number on your report seems really low given the rest of the numbers (and for someone as fast as you). Would be interesting to see a pic of you on the bike with those numbers.

Screen Shot 2020-12-14 at 11.39.37 AM.png
Screen Shot 2020-12-07 at 5.49.11 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-12-14 at 11.51.10 AM.png

16

To be completely honest, I would describe my tri bike fit as being like a Lazy Boy Chair.

I get on the bike, relax and pedal.

Same, relaxed, but not taking a nap comfortable…

17

To my eyes I would have thought your reach in those pics is longer than the number on the retul report, but who knows.
Wait for the experts to chime in.

18

I know the Trinity has a longer reach than my current Felt. Honestly though I feel a touch squashed on the the bike. Current arm pad stack is 673mm and pad reach is 417mm.
…
Does the following seem right?

Frame stack is 551mm
Frame reach is 528mm

.
My guess is:
Frame: 551 / 417
Pad: 673 / 528

in point of fact, frame geometry in triathlon has converged. there is scant difference between the frames now in their stack/reach numbers, however, there is not conformity on what those frames are called. if you look at your 551mm/417mm, there’s a pretty typical geometry now that is about 540mm/425mm, and that’s the Felt IA in 56cm, the QR PR series in 54cm, the Dimond in size M, the Speed Concept in L, so, you just have to look at stack and reach. however…

that’s not the most important part of this. what is really divergent is in the range of available positions these bikes give you, by virtue of their integrated front ends.

me? i would not buy a felt today. why? the frame is great, the geometry is great, but the aerobars are felt-designed and they’re at least 8 years out of date and probably more. unless i’m mistaken, they use that old profile J2 bracket motif of armrests bolted to extensions which are bolted to armrest clamps. that’s a bad design in my opinion.

cervelo, QR, canyon, even orbea, and others, have kept up. trek, specialized, felt, in my opinion, haven’t.

19

I know the Trinity has a longer reach than my current Felt. Honestly though I feel a touch squashed on the the bike. Current arm pad stack is 673mm and pad reach is 417mm.
…
Does the following seem right?

Frame stack is 551mm
Frame reach is 528mm

.
My guess is:
Frame: 551 / 417
Pad: 673 / 528

in point of fact, frame geometry in triathlon has converged. there is scant difference between the frames now in their stack/reach numbers, however, there is not conformity on what those frames are called. if you look at your 551mm/417mm, there’s a pretty typical geometry now that is about 540mm/425mm, and that’s the Felt IA in 56cm, the QR PR series in 54cm, the Dimond in size M, the Speed Concept in L, so, you just have to look at stack and reach. however…

that’s not the most important part of this. what is really divergent is in the range of available positions these bikes give you, by virtue of their integrated front ends.

me? i would not buy a felt today. why? the frame is great, the geometry is great, but the aerobars are felt-designed and they’re at least 8 years out of date and probably more. unless i’m mistaken, they use that old profile J2 bracket motif of armrests bolted to extensions which are bolted to armrest clamps. that’s a bad design in my opinion.

cervelo, QR, canyon, even orbea, and others, have kept up. trek, specialized, felt, in my opinion, haven’t.

That said, I believe on all the felts, including the upper end frd etc. you can throw a tririg alpha one on there, or a felt dagger stem and any base/aero bar you want onto that (like Josh A. does). At least one of your example mentioned above, the QR, the frameset itself doesn’t include a specific bar, so you are left buying aftermarket anyway.

20

I know the Trinity has a longer reach than my current Felt. Honestly though I feel a touch squashed on the the bike. Current arm pad stack is 673mm and pad reach is 417mm.
…
Does the following seem right?

Frame stack is 551mm
Frame reach is 528mm

.
My guess is:
Frame: 551 / 417
Pad: 673 / 528

in point of fact, frame geometry in triathlon has converged. there is scant difference between the frames now in their stack/reach numbers, however, there is not conformity on what those frames are called. if you look at your 551mm/417mm, there’s a pretty typical geometry now that is about 540mm/425mm, and that’s the Felt IA in 56cm, the QR PR series in 54cm, the Dimond in size M, the Speed Concept in L, so, you just have to look at stack and reach. however…

that’s not the most important part of this. what is really divergent is in the range of available positions these bikes give you, by virtue of their integrated front ends.

me? i would not buy a felt today. why? the frame is great, the geometry is great, but the aerobars are felt-designed and they’re at least 8 years out of date and probably more. unless i’m mistaken, they use that old profile J2 bracket motif of armrests bolted to extensions which are bolted to armrest clamps. that’s a bad design in my opinion.

cervelo, QR, canyon, even orbea, and others, have kept up. trek, specialized, felt, in my opinion, haven’t.

That said, I believe on all the felts, including the upper end frd etc. you can throw a tririg alpha one on there, or a felt dagger stem and any base/aero bar you want onto that (like Josh A. does). At least one of your example mentioned above, the QR, the frameset itself doesn’t include a specific bar, so you are left buying aftermarket anyway.

i don’t agree what what you wrote here. yes, you can aftermarket-configure a Felt, but that doesn’t make the Felt and the QR equal. QR chooses to let someone else make its aerobar, and the aerobars that are on those bikes are quite fine. they don’t need to be changed. in my opinion, there are some bike makers who are spec’ing bikes in ways that pretty much require that you make 2 spends: 1 for the bike, and 1 for the retrofit. i think the cervelo P Series is a great, great bike, but i think you almost have to immediately sub out the Vision hydration system for the profile. Felt, you have to get a whole new front end. so, you take the price of the Felt, add $1000, and that’s your bike. before the hydration. that’s another spend.