2011 Felt Z5 Road Bike
Felt Bicycles introduces the Z5 Road Bike for 2011. Marketed to be a versatile performer, the Z5 features a high modulus carbon fiber frame that has a forged dropout, replaceable hanger with 3K finish. It adheres to Felt’s classic racing specific geometry.
The fork comes with the same material as the frame with aluminum dropouts and carbon blades. It also has the Felt compression drive and a 1-1/8” steerer and crown. New Shimano 105 brakes, cassette, derailleurs, chain and shifters are on the Z5 with Mavic CXP-22N aluminum rims. It also has machined UB control braking surface and wear indicator, dual pivot brakes on stainless steel parts and Teflon bushings.
Painted with DuPont, it has a gloss clear finish and weighs 18.09 pounds with frame weight lighter by 10%. The Felt 2011 Z5 road bike comes in sizes of 700c x 51, 54, 56, 58, 61cm, retail price is $1999.
I’ll be buying this bad boy as soon as my LBS receives shipment in October. The Z series upright geometry is a back saver. The stock photo shown for the 2011 Z5 is a little off. The bike comes with Mavic CXP22 rims (not sure what is pictured above, but they aren’t CXP22′s) and white bar tape. Take one on a test ride….the new, black 105 components are excellent!
I’ve been riding a hybrid for years and decided to upgrade to a more racier , road friendly bike. Much smoother ride with carbon frame,the saddle was surprisingly much more comfortable,and if not for the Ohio springtime winds[17 to 30 mph],I felt I might be able to ride her endlessly! Great responsiveness to avoid chuckholes, speed only limited by my lung disease and old legs, and I can climb hills like I was 25 again! Run, do not walk , to get to your LBS to get this one!
The Z5 is my first new bike in 35 years (76 Schwinn Le Tour II). I’ve had it on the road for almost 100 miles and I must say that I cannot find enough time to ride this amazing machine. The ride is smooth as silk, tough as nails around potholes and very responsive. It is also fast! My tired old 54 year old legs had this up to 25mph on a flat surface and its taken a good 5 minutes off the 10 mile route I ride many mornings. My only concern is that I’m not getting the workout that I was getting on my old jalopy! The Shimano 105 groupo works quietly, effortlessly and quickly up and down the gear range. I “customized” my Z5 with the black tape (white looks cool but will get too grimy, IMHO) and I had the standard tires switched out to 25mm Continental 4 Seasons because of the rough rad surfaces I encounter in my neck of the woods. Against the Z5 I considered the Specialized Robaix CF at the same price point. The Z5 seemed more nimble and perhaps even a bit smoother on pebbly pavement. Plus at this price point the Shimano 105 groupo provided some better overall value, IMHO. definitely worth considering if you are looking for a good, well rounded road bike.