Bicycles

On test: Felt AR3 2011

Details

Parent Category: Bicycles

Category: Felt

Published on Monday, 18 April 2011 07:17

Written by Luca Salvatelli

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Editor's note: since this test the lack of pedals, bottle cage and the not complete adoption of the group-set are included in the list of defects. Readers, for a correct reading, including those of previous tests, taking into account this aspect.

The Felt AR range typical of all Aero bike, halfway between a normal road bike and a time trial one, ideal for Triathlon, but also for all those who cycle in streets without gig hill. The model AR3 is positioned after the two top range AR0 and AR1. The frame retains the same design, but changes, obviously, the assembly and the type of carbon fiber used for a slightly heavier bike, but equally rigid and far more economical to purchase, although it is always a high-end model. The frame is a monocoque high modulus carbon fiber, with a surface finish 3K carbon. The frame design has won the “Red Dot Design Award” and "Deutschland Designpreis Nominee". The frame has a steering area very wide, bearing 1 inch and 1/8. The tube has a section on aerodynamics and is large. Over-size the bottom bracket area with classic standards. The top tube is flat and wide, while the seat tube has an aero profile markedly. The oblique tube follows the contour of the front wheel, while the seat tube follows the contour of the rear wheel. The rear triangle is very compact and with a good section of chain stays pipe, the seat stays tubes join the front triangle with a very broad and aerodynamics area. The dropouts are carbon fiber. The carbon fiber forks is aerodynamic and is made with the same carbon fiber frame. The seatpost is always in carbon fiber. Stems and handlebar are made of aluminum, signed Felt, as the saddle. The cables run inside and meticulous. The bike is then assembled with the SRAM Red group adopted for controls, 53/39 crank, front and rear derailleur. The brakes are always SRAM, but does not belong to the Red Group, as well as the 11/26 sprocket and chain. The wheels are Sram S30, complete with Vittoria Rubino Pro Slick tires 150Tpi. The only colour available, while the measures available are five. The basic components such as crank length, stem and handlebar width, depend on the size of the bike. Size 54 has a weight of 7.4 kg without pedals, as observed with our instrumentation.