Felt Pyre?

[Jaybies_Can_Crash]

Hey all, yet another thread on "is this bike any good?"
For that I apologise.

I've been checking out second hand BMX's, but I don't really know what I'm looking at once I get away from MTB. I'm simply trying to replace my recently stolen P1 and am thinking about BMX as an option, though I may not buy until I'm overseas next year, as I want a bike over there (I'm doing my honours in Switzerland) and don't really want to have to freight it over.

This is the top of the line felt jump bike, but it's got heaps of felt components on it and I don't know whether they are any good. It's only $700 new, from what I can see. Though last year's model had a 21" TT, which I think I would prefer.

Also, is TT mainly about personal preferance? I'm only 172cm/5'8", but feel really cramped on the BMX I have (which when I measured the TT had 19.6" from the end of each weld).

Finally, I was thinking that some of those in the know might be able to start a thread listing the pros and cons of a few different brand's middle level bikes and the reasons for going with a particular geometry/dropout size etc. That way, more threads like this one could be avoided and the forum cleared up a little.

Specs follow.

Frame: Felt “Sheriff” Design, 100% CrMo, 20.5''TT, 5mm Dropouts, Gyro tabs

• Fork: 100% CrMo, 1 1/8'' , 6mm Dropouts

• Handlebar: 100% CrMo, Felt “WheelieBar” with Felt Handycaps endplugs

• Stem: Felt Ahead Aluminium

• Headset: Impact Integrated and Odyssey GTX-R Gyro

• Crankset: Felt Pro, 3-piece, CrMo, 175mm

• Pedals: Felt BackPedal

• Chainring: Felt “Spacely” 33T, 1/8'' Teeth

• Sprocket: 12T Cassette cog

• Chain: KMC Kool-Chain Lite

• Rims: Alex Supra ß doublewall, chrome, 36H

• Hubs: Cassette rear hub, Aluminium, 14mm front and rear, driver compatible

• Tires: Felt “SlipNot”

• Saddle: Felt Jump

• Seatpost: Felt “AL-Post” Aluminium

• Brakes: Odyssey Evolver rear and Caliper front

• Brake Levers: Odissey Monolever M2

• Extras: 2 Pegs, Chain Tensioners and LondonMod

[shmeado]

Hey,

I haven't heard alot about these but i dont think that they are that bad. Im not sure on the quality of felt stuff but i havent heard anyone say andything bad about them. The felt componentry isn't going to be of the same standards as high end bmx brand but it would probably resemble that of snafu or similar. One thing i do know is that the pair of felt backpedal pedals that i had were terrible. they didnt offer and grip, so u may think about changing them in the future. The oddyssey brake setup is sick, all high end stuff their. The wheelset looks alright, not sure thou about the hubs. Even though it is a cassette rear some cheaper ones do need to be serviced more, the rims are good, nice and light. Other than that u might wanna look at the weight of the bike. being that it has lesser parts on it (not that it is crap or anything) you may want to look at the weight of the bike.

As for TT length i guess it goes down to personal preference. Short TT's mean that tricks become easier as it is more agile, long TT's are often better for some tricks like barspins or x-up's and are alot easier on the back. I must add thou, if you get a shorter TT u could get higher rise bars to make it less cramped.

I hope this has helped. i probably should stop procrastinating from physics study, but i hate the HSC :rolleyes:

Matt.

[roasted]

hey jason, sorry I didnt get back to you sooner,

I don't mind the felts, but a WTP or cheaper fit are far more current and a bit better interms of geometry, weight, looks really. for around 600-700ish you can get a wtp addict (http://wethepeople.de/V3/product/19) which are a damn nice little bike.

[floody]

Only thing I have to add is get rid of the felt 3 piece crankset asap if you buy it - in some ways they are good, stiff and quite strong, but in other ways they are rubbish. The stock bearings are crap, mine took 2 weeks to crap out, and the sprocket boss isn't lined up with the centreline of the BB, tends to make the sprocket wobble. With aftermarket rubber sealed bearings and some work on the boss with a file they were acceptable, but IMHO they're best avoided.

Rest of Felt's stuff seems functional.

[Jaybies_Can_Crash]

Thanks Matts and Floody,

The WTP addict would be a nice choice I think, I've found a mail order place over in Switzerland that I might be able to source one from. It'll cost me about $800, but I think that there's not much else I can do when I don't speak the language ;)

Thanks again.

-Jason

[roasted]

Theyll cost aout that much in oz, try backbone bmx in fisher (ACT)

Not really worth mailordering.