2011 Felt Z5?

I have the 2009 version, which was called a Z35, and absolutely love it. Very comfortable bike and IMO handles fantastic.

I'm a big fan of anything Felt.  In general I find the frame quality and component sets to be an amazing performance per dollar with very few drawbacks.

The Z series doesn't have full on road racing geometry, which could be a plus or a drawback depending what you're looking for.

I got my 2010 Felt Z5 back in May, took 4-5 weeks to get it in as it was a special order, but it's great, I love it!  I got the fitting, and probably paid about 2K as well, plus some more for the extra goodies

It's very comfortable, and rides great.  I was looking for a little more comfort, so I went with the Z5.  I also test drove a Scott, forget which model, but it didn't feel nearly as nice to me.  The Z5 seemed to ride smoother, grip the road better, and corner better.  Since getting the Z5, I've ridden a lot more, and greatly improved my speed. 

If  When you get it , get the white bottle cages, they look good on it with the white accents.  I also got 2 of the white Polar insulated bottles to match as well.

Edited by Steve59 2010-07-10 11:47 PM

Ok.. been doing a little research and been noticing Felt's F series bikes also.  Are those a little more "aggressive" riding position than the Z series?

BTW.. not 100% committed to Felt.  Looked at a Trek Madone 4.5 and will also look at equivalent Scott and Giant models

Edited by jamgam 2010-07-13 10:20 AM

Yes, the F-series position is more 'aggressive'  I was reading the description of the F-series on the Felt site, but the description for the Z-series seems to better explain the differences:

The Z is built to make every ride more enjoyable by maximizing performance and comfort over the long haul. Felt took the assured handling of the time-tested F-series and modified the positioning with a slightly longer head tube, sloping top tube and longer wheelbase for confident handling at any speed. Yet even with its distinctly different look and enhanced adjustability, the Z is a no-holds-barred performance bike. Need proof? Nearly half the Garmin-Transitions pros choose the Z for select races.

Ok, so there have been some major improvements between 2010 and 2011 models.  The new 2011 Z series is now utilizing Felt's Ultra Hybrid Carbon.  What does that mean to you...  Instead of using a single modulus or type of carbon, Felt is now using several different types of carbon in the frame in order to increase stiffness in areas of the bike while decreasing frame weight.  The 2011 model is sub 1000 grams making it about 10% lighter than the 2010 frame while increasing stiffness by 15%.  Felt is also using their nano epoxy which is simply a more efficient type of epoxy to hold the carbon together.  In doing so they can use less of the epoxy which contributes to the weight reduction.

If there was a weak link in the gruppo of the 2010 Z5 it was the brakes and the crankset.  For 2011, Felt upgraded the 'Felt' branded brakes to a true Shimano 105 product.  May not seem like a big deal but stopping performance has greatly improved.  The FSA crankset which was standard for 2010 also got upgraded to 105 crankset.  Not only is the 105 crankset significantly stiffer but the rings allow for better shifting on the front end.  

Last but not least Felt is using a lighter carbon seatpost as well as higher grade paint.  You may be saying to yourself paint isn't a big deal.  But at closer look the finish on the 2011 bikes is a bit nicer and more refined than the 2010s.  

As far as Z vs F series...  If you currently have a bike with Sora components I would assume your riding position is going to be a bit more upright.  This would be more in line with the Z series.  The F series is a more aggressive riding position.  This is not necessarily a bad thing, but you should definately rely on the fitters expertise.  If you have good to excellent flexibility and good core strength than I would say give the F series a try.  If you know that you may have tighter hamstrings, glutes, or lower back than I would encourage you to look more at the Z series which will allow you to ride within your range of motion.  Ultimately that will be more comfortable.  

Hope this helps. 

Thanks for the info.  that's great stuff

I'm down to the felt but have a knee injury right now and can't test ride.  It'll either be the F5 or Z5.  I have good flexibility and core strength but haven't ridden it yet so soon as I can heal up I'll be test riding the F5 also

What an awful bike! 

My baby, upgraded to full Ultegra and Rol wheels.




To the OP-
Felt makes some great bikes, very good bang for the buck. With the full 105, it will serve you for a long time.

Edited by tomcho 2010-07-28 8:44 PM

I test rode the 2010 Z6, and loved it, but wanted to order the Z5, so I have to wait till next month.
I'm coming off major running injuries, so the fit issue is huge for me.  Does the 2011 Z5 have the same geometry as the 2010 Z6?   thanks

Have you seen the AR series?  It looks awesome.  Just rode with a friend.  Fast, stiff and aero.

looks like the 2011 Felt AR5 is only $2500!

Just picked up the new Z5, looks way cool.   Is there any danger of just throwing this on a cheap trunk rack?  Does bouncing it around on the back of my sedan damage the carbon?  Would rather not invest in a $400 Thule system if I can avoid it.   jc

Still deciding/putting money together.  Had the money but ended up with medical bills.  Rode the F5 today.  I think I might like it a little better than the Z5.  Missed a sale on it yesterday at the bike shop though.. Major bummer

Is it worth paying the extra money for the 4 series (F or Z) versus 5 series? I think the only difference is Ultegra versus 105?? I've been looking at the Felts as well.