Bike Check – Felt AR FRD

DSC_0346

Andy built up this killer Felt AR FRD for a customer. And it is quietly stunning. Well, as quiet as a top of the line, no holds barred frame gets. But with all that’s gone into the AR’s frame, we’re glad Felt resisted the urge to dip the frame in floro paint as seems to be the trend this year. The FRD edition of the AR frame gets Felt’s new UHC Ultimate + TeXtreme Carbon. That would be the crazy weave checkerboard pattern on the frame. Combined with the minimal branding from Felt and Zipp, we think the raw carbon finish on this bike looks incredible. Internal routing for Di2 wires and cables gives the bike a tidy look, and keeps the focus on the frame.

Cinelli Red Hook bar tape adds a little colour to the black on black on black look, and matches the few red highlights from Felt and Zipp

DSC_0379

Dura-Ace Di2 throughout, with added secondary sprint shifter.

DSC_0416

Felt’s new UHC Ultimate + TeXtreme Carbon makes for wicked weave look. Felt’s done a great job of making the potentially awkward angular pattern of the TeXtreme carbon look smooth at all of the frame’s joints. Like the head tube here.

DSC_0393

And matching the seat post with the seat tube, with minimal clutter around the tricky chainstay area

DSC_0479

We really like Felt’s understated branding on the AR FRD, especially matched with the small red accents throughout the bike

DSC_0395

Zipp 404 Firecrest wheels paired to Vittoria Open Corsa CX rubber.

DSC_0397

Again, those Zipp 404’s. Hiding the Dura-Ace direct mount brakes under the chainstay’s gives the bikes back end a clean look.

DSC_0386

Felt’s aero shaping of the head tube is helped out by clean routing made possible by the Di shifting. All hiding underneath a 3T integrated aero cockpit with built in Garmin mount.

DSC_0492

A full Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain always looks sharp, especially next to Zipp 404’s

DSC_0400

Tidy cable routing for the Di2 derailleur

DSC_0351

Black on black on black on black. Like the Zipp lettering, Felt’s TeXtreme weave either hides or pops depending on the light.