General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014 Rss Feed  
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2013-08-19 10:52 AM


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Subject: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014
I recently purchased a 2013 Felt B16 that has the Shimano Ultegra derailleurs and while in the shop to pick up my bike saw a 2014 B16 they just received. The frame looks really good (fewer graphics and looks better than 2013, IMO) but I noticed that they are using Shimano 105 instead now. There isn't much, if any, info available on the bike so what would be the reasoning for the drop? Did they take that money and put it into the frame or wheels and dropped down to the 105 to keep it at a certain price point?

Just curious.


2013-08-19 11:49 AM
in reply to: tb1000

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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014
You saw a new 2014 Felt TT bike!?! Should have asked if the shop had a 2014 catalog because there's nothing out there for TT except a rogue DA spy shot that I could find. 
With the annual price increases that happen, likely a move to keep the price point.
2013-08-19 11:58 AM
in reply to: tb1000

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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014
I believe the Ultegra line is new this year, so they probably rebadged the Ultegra stuff to 105(trickle down). So the components on the bike are probably just as good as they have been, just does not look as good with 105 on it instead of Ultegra. Just guessing here.
2013-08-19 12:05 PM
in reply to: mike761


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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014
Here is a pic:





(IMG-20130816-00900.JPG)



Attachments
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IMG-20130816-00900.JPG (683KB - 8 downloads)
2013-08-19 2:43 PM
in reply to: tb1000

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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014
Originally posted by tb1000

I recently purchased a 2013 Felt B16 that has the Shimano Ultegra derailleurs and while in the shop to pick up my bike saw a 2014 B16 they just received. The frame looks really good (fewer graphics and looks better than 2013, IMO) but I noticed that they are using Shimano 105 instead now. There isn't much, if any, info available on the bike so what would be the reasoning for the drop? Did they take that money and put it into the frame or wheels and dropped down to the 105 to keep it at a certain price point?

Just curious.


Sidebar questions. I also have the 2013 B16, what do you think of the gel pads on the aero bars? When my arms get sweaty I find that my arms slip a bit on there.. I know I just need to get new pads but just haven't made it priority..
2013-08-19 2:57 PM
in reply to: tb1000

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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014
My guess (and that is all that it is) would be cost.  Ultegra is now 11 speed and very few people are making 11 speed shifters as of right now and those who are are $$$.  My other guess would be that they got rid of the S series and the B16 is now their entry level tri bike. If you have more specific questions SuperDave on slowtwich is Felt's marketing guy you could shoot him a PM.


2013-08-19 2:57 PM
in reply to: The Dude14

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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014
Originally posted by The Dude14

Sidebar questions. I also have the 2013 B16, what do you think of the gel pads on the aero bars? When my arms get sweaty I find that my arms slip a bit on there.. I know I just need to get new pads but just haven't made it priority..


I replaced mine with a pair of Cee Gees pads. They have a fabric surface that reduces the slipping.
2013-08-19 3:22 PM
in reply to: cdkayak

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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014

Originally posted by cdkayak
Originally posted by The Dude14 Sidebar questions. I also have the 2013 B16, what do you think of the gel pads on the aero bars? When my arms get sweaty I find that my arms slip a bit on there.. I know I just need to get new pads but just haven't made it priority..
I replaced mine with a pair of Cee Gees pads. They have a fabric surface that reduces the slipping.

I've been looking at those too. Don't care for the gel pads.

2013-08-19 3:28 PM
in reply to: The Dude14


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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014
Originally posted by The Dude14

Originally posted by tb1000

I recently purchased a 2013 Felt B16 that has the Shimano Ultegra derailleurs and while in the shop to pick up my bike saw a 2014 B16 they just received. The frame looks really good (fewer graphics and looks better than 2013, IMO) but I noticed that they are using Shimano 105 instead now. There isn't much, if any, info available on the bike so what would be the reasoning for the drop? Did they take that money and put it into the frame or wheels and dropped down to the 105 to keep it at a certain price point?

Just curious.


Sidebar questions. I also have the 2013 B16, what do you think of the gel pads on the aero bars? When my arms get sweaty I find that my arms slip a bit on there.. I know I just need to get new pads but just haven't made it priority..


Mine got pretty slippery on my maiden voyage this past weekend which would cause my arms to slide forward and put too much pressure on my wrists causing some discomfort. I do like the comfort/padding of the gel pad so I am going to look into making a wrap to cover the pads. I've looked at the Cee Gee pads but they are pretty bulky and I am worried about having to get fit adjustments made.
2013-08-19 3:41 PM
in reply to: cdkayak

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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014
Originally posted by cdkayak

Originally posted by The Dude14

Sidebar questions. I also have the 2013 B16, what do you think of the gel pads on the aero bars? When my arms get sweaty I find that my arms slip a bit on there.. I know I just need to get new pads but just haven't made it priority..


I replaced mine with a pair of Cee Gees pads. They have a fabric surface that reduces the slipping.


x2 on the Cee Gees pads. They are great! I can't believe they still make it with those silicone pads.

Keba
2013-08-19 9:47 PM
in reply to: The Dude14

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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014

Sidebar questions. I also have the 2013 B16, what do you think of the gel pads on the aero bars? When my arms get sweaty I find that my arms slip a bit on there.. I know I just need to get new pads but just haven't made it priority..

I picked up these from Felt.

http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2013/Shop/Parts/TT-Tri/Dimpled-Gel-AeroBar-Replacement-Pads.aspx

 

They make a dimpled pair that aren't as slippery and aren't as 'cushy' as the CeeGees.  A nice balance between comfort and control.  my only complaint is that they're heavy.  same weight as the originals tho.





(910230-DIMPLEDPADS-LRG.png)



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910230-DIMPLEDPADS-LRG.png (334KB - 6 downloads)


2013-08-20 6:09 AM
in reply to: morey000

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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014
I have a 2012 B16, was not real fond of the pads at first , but I actually really like now that I gave them a chance. Yes I have used other aerobars with different pads.
2013-08-20 8:39 AM
in reply to: morey000

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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014
Originally posted by morey000

Sidebar questions. I also have the 2013 B16, what do you think of the gel pads on the aero bars? When my arms get sweaty I find that my arms slip a bit on there.. I know I just need to get new pads but just haven't made it priority..

I picked up these from Felt.

http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2013/Shop/Parts/TT-Tri/Dimpled-Gel-AeroBar-Replacement-Pads.aspx

 

They make a dimpled pair that aren't as slippery and aren't as 'cushy' as the CeeGees.  A nice balance between comfort and control.  my only complaint is that they're heavy.  same weight as the originals tho.



Is the thickness of these pads around the same as the gel? I finally have my fit dialed in, which has been my hesitation on getting new pads.. Also, do these have fabric on them? Are they good at reducing the slipping?
2013-08-20 10:14 AM
in reply to: morey000

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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014
Originally posted by morey000

Sidebar questions. I also have the 2013 B16, what do you think of the gel pads on the aero bars? When my arms get sweaty I find that my arms slip a bit on there.. I know I just need to get new pads but just haven't made it priority..

I picked up these from Felt.

http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2013/Shop/Parts/TT-Tri/Dimpled-Gel-AeroBar-Replacement-Pads.aspx

 

They make a dimpled pair that aren't as slippery and aren't as 'cushy' as the CeeGees.  A nice balance between comfort and control.  my only complaint is that they're heavy.  same weight as the originals tho.

Funny, I looked on the Felt site for an alternative but didn't see one. I'll check these out, Thanks!

2013-08-20 11:53 AM
in reply to: The Dude14

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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014

Originally posted by The Dude14
Is the thickness of these pads around the same as the gel? I finally have my fit dialed in, which has been my hesitation on getting new pads.. Also, do these have fabric on them? Are they good at reducing the slipping?

yeah- same thickness. (or seemingly so- I haven't measured them)  the surface isn't really 'fabric', more of a simulated leatherette or something.

but- it isn't that slick plastic feel of the stock pads, so a good improvement.  Oh- they're only $15.

they're half the cost of the cee gees, and probably half the thickness as well.  So- gives you a different, less cushy feel.  Guess it depends on how rough the roads are.  Perhaps i'd do better with a cushier pad?  they have that same dense gel feeling that the stock pads have, just with a different surface texture.

the plus side to the stock pads is that they're easier to clean.

2013-08-20 11:58 AM
in reply to: rrrunner

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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014
Originally posted by rrrunner

Originally posted by morey000

Sidebar questions. I also have the 2013 B16, what do you think of the gel pads on the aero bars? When my arms get sweaty I find that my arms slip a bit on there.. I know I just need to get new pads but just haven't made it priority..

I picked up these from Felt.

http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2013/Shop/Parts/TT-Tri/Dimpled-Gel-AeroBar-Replacement-Pads.aspx

 

They make a dimpled pair that aren't as slippery and aren't as 'cushy' as the CeeGees.  A nice balance between comfort and control.  my only complaint is that they're heavy.  same weight as the originals tho.

Funny, I looked on the Felt site for an alternative but didn't see one. I'll check these out, Thanks!



Doesn't look like those fit on the B16. The pads for the B16 are more rectangular. I have been searching high and low for new pads.. I just talked to my LBS, they are going to call Felt and see if they have the dimpled pads for the B16. The LBS also made the suggestion with wrapping the pad with grip tape.


2013-08-20 2:38 PM
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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014
All these posts following the only pic of a 2014 B16 in existance, and they are about the pads, com'on guys we can do better than that!!!
2013-08-21 8:09 AM
in reply to: Sous

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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014
Originally posted by Sous

All these posts following the only pic of a 2014 B16 in existance, and they are about the pads, com'on guys we can do better than that!!!

Well of course I am going to say the 2013 B16 is better looking, she is still brand new to me... But what better place to ask other B16 riders about the B16 than a thread about the B16.
2013-08-21 12:15 PM
in reply to: The Dude14


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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014
I ordered the new pads from Felt. Will report back on how well they work after I can get a ride in.
2014-10-30 6:23 PM
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Subject: RE: Drivetrain on Felt 2013 model vs 2014
slight threadjack but have we figured out if those Felt replacement pads work on the B16?

Also, my LBS has a 2014 B16 on sale for $1500, but I'm considering waiting for the 2015 B14, MSRP $2000 (looks like they're phasing out B16 for the USA) which has full Ultegra, now has 11-speed kit (seems to me will make a more upgradeable drivetrain platform in the future), has changed the front gearing from 52/36 to 50/34 (more well suited to the hilly terrain I ride, and a 52 always seemed a bit much for my ability), the new Bayonet handlebar...

Edited by sonoffunk 2014-10-30 6:36 PM
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