www.spaso.com
Price: $1,550
Weight: 20.1 lb. (56cm)
Components: Shimano 105, FSA crank, Tektro brakes
Frame & Fork: 7005 Superlite alloy-butted/carbon frame with carbon fork
Geometry: 74°/73.5° (head/seat)
Sizes: 50 cm to 63 cm
Comments: Excellent entry-level racer.

The U.S.-based Felt bicycle company has stormed the cycling industry with numerous high-end racing machines in the road, tri, and mountain bike markets, turning heads with its innovative frame designs and esthetics. Heralded as its most affordable racing machine, which comprises some of the best of its frame technology, the F70 road bike was given a Pedal Magazine test ride. This bike sits in the mid-range of Felt’s racing fleet.


At first glance, the F70 looks fast and sleek, with a dynamite yellow paint job with a touch of red thrown in and black decals. Finished with a rear carbon stay and adorned with mostly black componentry and wheels this bike is very attractive.

Upon closer inspection, though, the frame is where the quality begins. The 7005 Superlite alloy-butted frame uses a zinc base to increase strength properties. Felt frame-builders reduced the wall thickness of the tube-set to produce a lighter frame. By adjusting the tube diameters, thicknesses, and shapes, the Felt frame is afforded a balance and stiffness that rivals more expensive rides. The F70 frame runs with an internally relieved head tube for this exact reason. As well, the forged dropouts and replaceable derailleur hanger are positive additions.

The rear carbon B-stay and front carbon fork (run with a 1-1/8″ integrated headset) put this frame into the upper echelon of frames without the hefty price tag. Equipped with a Shimano 105 gruppo, FSA Gossamer alloy triple crank (53, 42, 30), and Tektro dual-pivot alloy brakes, the components are decent and can always be upgraded as the rider wishes. Completing the ride, Felt has equipped the F70 with a Shimano WH R500 wheelset, oversized forged stem and bars, and its own seatpost and gel saddle.

I first saw the Felt rides last year under the Colavitabolla Pro cycling team out of the U.S. Marquee riders such as Nathan O’Neil and Mark McCormack were introducing them to the peleton. Turning heads with the unique frame dimensions and angles, the Felt bicycle has always been a standout in its presentation.

My F70 arrived in the dead of winter and sat in the basement for a few months before I was able to get out on it. Straight away, the ride was smooth; carbon anything has a way of creating that feel, having almost a dampening effect on the rough roads at this time of year.

Coupled with the frame properties, the angles of the frame geometry add to the relaxed and smooth feel of this ride. The bike rolled nicely with plenty of stability felt when just cruising and, more importantly, when you started to ramp up the wattage.

It was time to make the F70 perform out on the open road. Rigidity of a frame is always important when torquing up a hill, sprinting, or just hauling in an echelon, and the F70 performed admirably. The shifting wasn’t a problem as the drivetrain worked exceptionally well under load (180 pounds of it). The brakes were decent in normal conditions as were the Vittoria Pro Team tires.

I like the triple crank that enables a rider to climb any mountain pass comfortably. The wheelset is decent and would make a great pair of training wheels if another pair was purchased for racing.

What really draws me to this bike is the fact that for a great price you are able to attain a great entry-level bike that encompasses an exceptional frame. Upgrading of the componentry is the next logical step once a rider/racer begins to improve. The most important part of a bicycle is the frame, and when it’s well built and as innovative as the Felt F70, then you have the base from which to improve your ride. This bike looks and rides like a pro, giving you that spring rush you need to get out there and ride!