At the 2015 Sea Otter Classic, we got a first look at the brand-new 2016 cyclocross bikes unveiled by Felt Bicycles. Each change may seem subtle, but as an entire package, the new carbon cyclocross bikes (F1x, F3x, F4x) have hopped the barrier to become completely modern machines. The aluminum models keep the same frames, but adopt the latest components.
Felt Bicycles already had an Editors' Award-winning carbon platform for its cyclocross bikes, but it wasn't perfect. Tire clearance was limited, and the Alex Road Tubeless wheels and Vittoria TNT XL tire pairing wasn't reliable at low pressure. Technology has also changed since the carbon platform was introduced, with single chainrings and thru axles being all the rage nowadays.
The company went back to the drawing board and has added a number of subtle changes that add up to a pretty impressive bike line from what we saw at the 2015 Sea Otter Classic.
See all the changes to the Felt Bicycles line in the slideshow below:
Felt has fully embraced single chainrings, and three of the four carbon bikes (F1x Di2, F1x CX1, F4x) and one aluminum model (F55x) will come with 1X drivetrains. The F1x Di2 is a unique build, with Dura-Ace 9070 Di2 and a Rotor QCX1 crankset and ovalized single ring.
The Di2 model of the F1x features Rotor’s QCX1 crankset and chainring. 2016 Felt Bicycles cyclocross bikes. © Cyclocross Magazine
