Felt IA 2.0 Superbike Review: Speed and Aerodynamics at a Steep Price

Unlocking the Secrets of the Felt IA 2.0 Superbike

Defining A Superbike

In cycling, a superbike is a top-end racing bicycle that has been engineered and designed to provide the best possible performance in speed, acceleration, handling, and stability while minimizing resistance from air drag. The materials used to build these bikes are lightweight and sturdy carbon fiber. Superbikes are the ultimate racing machines that have been developed to give professional cyclists an edge over their competitors.

A Brief History of Felt IA 2.0 Superbike

Felt Bicycles was founded in Southern California in 1994 by Jim Felt, who began designing mountain bikes for motocross racers. Today, Felt has established itself as one of the most respected manufacturers of performance-driven bicycles on the market. In 2015, Felt launched its highly-anticipated IA (Integrated Aero) series which included the flagship model – Felt IA 2.0 Superbike.

The first version of this bike was designed with feedback from triathletes such as Mirinda Carfrae and Daniela Ryf, who both went on to win major events riding a bike prototype before it was even launched! The second iteration – IA 2.0 – was developed with help from Team Wiggins under Bradley Wiggins’s guidance.

The Importance of Felt IA 2.0 Superbike in Cycling World

The launch of the Felt IA series marked a watershed moment for cycling technology; it represented an entirely new way of thinking about aerodynamics and frame design that allowed cyclists to go faster than ever before with lower levels of fatigue than traditional frames allow. With its unique design features and superior technology components, including Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting with integrated power metering system and TRP Aero TTV brakes, the Felt IA 2.0 Superbike is a game-changer that has become an essential tool in the arsenal of any serious cyclist.

The bike’s customizable fit and integrated brakes and cables make it one of the most aerodynamic machines on the market today. It’s no wonder that this bike has won numerous awards and accolades from cycling enthusiasts worldwide.

Design and Features

The Felt IA 2.0 Superbike is a sleek and powerful machine designed for maximum speed and efficiency. The bike’s design is based on years of research and development, with a focus on improving aerodynamics and reducing drag. The result is a bike that is not only visually stunning but also incredibly fast.

Aerodynamic features

One of the key features of the Felt IA 2.0 Superbike is its advanced aerodynamics. The frame design has been optimized to reduce wind resistance, while integrated brakes and cables help to minimize drag even further. To ensure maximum airflow around the bike, the fork blades are tapered, the seat stays are flat, and the bottom bracket area is incredibly compact.

Frame design

The Felt IA 2.0 Superbike frame is made from UHC Advanced + TeXtreme carbon fiber, which provides exceptional stiffness and strength while keeping weight to a minimum. The tubing has been shaped using Felt’s InsideOut technology, which allows for precise control over wall thicknesses and shapes while maintaining structural integrity.

Integrated brakes and cables

The Felt IA 2.0 Superbike features TRP Aero TTV brakes with integrated center-pull cable routing. This system not only reduces drag but also improves braking performance by minimizing flex in the brake arms during hard stops.

Wheelset and tires

The Devox 6FIVE carbon clincher wheels on this bike have been specifically designed to work with its aerodynamic frame shape for optimal performance at high speeds. The tires are Continental Grand Prix TT models with minimal rolling resistance that provide excellent grip in all conditions.

Customization options

Felt offers a range of customization options for the IA 2.0 Superbike, including different handlebars and stem lengths to ensure the perfect fit. The seat post angle can also be adjusted to suit individual riders’ preferences. This level of customization allows riders to optimize their position on the bike for maximum power output and comfort.

Performance

Speed and Efficiency

The Felt IA 2.0 Superbike was designed to be one of the fastest bikes available on the market. Its aerodynamic features, such as the frame design and integrated brakes and cables, reduce drag and improve speed by allowing air to flow smoothly over the bike.

The bike’s wheelset and tires were also carefully selected for their low rolling resistance and excellent grip on the road. In wind tunnel testing, the Felt IA 2.0 Superbike proved to be incredibly efficient.

With its streamlined design, it was able to reduce drag by up to 20% compared to other top-performing bikes in the market. This translates into faster speeds with less effort from the rider.

Comparison to Other Top-Performing Bikes in the Market

The Felt IA 2.0 Superbike is often compared with other high-end bikes in terms of speed, efficiency, and overall performance. When placed head-to-head with some of its closest competitors, like Cervélo P5X or Trek Speed Concept, it often comes out on top due to its sleek design and cutting-edge technology. However, while it may seem like a clear winner when compared with other superbikes from a performance standpoint, there are other factors that cyclists should consider when selecting a bike for their needs.

Acceleration, Handling, and Stability

While speed is critical when it comes to superbikes like Felt IA 2.0 Superbike , so are acceleration, handling, and stability – especially during uphill climbs or technical descents. One of Felt IA 2.0’s strengths is its responsiveness; riders can accelerate quickly thanks largely because of lightweight materials used in construction such as UHC Advanced + TeXtreme carbon fiber used in frame building . Additionally, its TRP Aero TTV brakes with integrated center-pull cable routing provide excellent stopping power, ensuring riders can control their speed precisely when necessary.

When it comes to handling and stability, the Felt IA 2.0 Superbike also performs well. Its Devox 6FIVE carbon clincher wheels provide a smooth ride, while its frame’s geometry and structural integrity ensure that the bike remains stable during high-speed descents.

Components

Frame material: UHC Advanced + TeXtreme carbon fiber

The Felt IA 2.0 Superbike’s frame is made of UHC Advanced + TeXtreme carbon fiber, making it extremely lightweight and strong. The UHC (Ultra Hybrid Carbon) technology uses a blend of high-modulus carbon fibers and high-strength carbon fibers to provide exceptional rigidity and strength while keeping the weight down. The TeXtreme carbon fiber is a unique material that is used to improve the stiffness-to-weight ratio of the frame.

It is woven in a specific pattern that provides strength in all directions, making it perfect for creating lightweight bike frames. The result of using such advanced materials is a frame that offers an unparalleled combination of stiffness, aerodynamics, and vibration dampening.

Every tube on the bike has been designed to provide maximum rigidity, while also minimizing drag through wind tunnel testing. This means that riders can achieve insane speeds without sacrificing control or comfort.

Drivetrain: Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting with integrated power meter

The Felt IA 2.0 Superbike comes equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, which allows for smooth and precise gear changes every time. This system uses electronic signals to move the chain between gears with incredible speed and accuracy, providing instant feedback to the rider’s fingertips. The integrated power meter built into the crankset measures how much power you are putting out while riding so you can track your progress accurately.

The drivetrain on this bike is designed for efficiency and speed. With an 11-speed cassette at the rear wheel combined with a compact crankset up front, riders have access to a wide range of gears that are optimized for aerodynamic performance at any speed they wish to ride at.

Brakes: TRP Aero TTV brakes with integrated center-pull cable routing

The Felt IA 2.0 Superbike’s TRP Aero TTV brakes are specifically designed to provide consistent and powerful stopping power while keeping the bike as aerodynamic as possible. These brakes use an integrated center-pull cable routing system that ensures smooth and responsive braking performance, enhancing the bike’s overall safety.

The brake callipers are positioned under the bottom bracket, which helps reduce drag by minimizing interference with the wind passing over the bike. The brake levers are ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in a rider’s hand, allowing for easy access and control of the braking system.

Wheels: Devox 6FIVE carbon clincher wheels

The Felt IA 2.0 Superbike is equipped with Devox 6FIVE carbon clincher wheels that offer a perfect blend of strength, stiffness, and aerodynamics. The deep section rims help cut through the air more efficiently while also providing a stable platform for faster cornering.

The wheels also feature ceramic bearings that reduce friction and help maximize efficiency. The Devox 6FIVE wheels are built for speed but retain impressive durability even on rough roads or long-distance rides.

They come equipped with Continental Grand Prix SL tires that offer excellent grip in all conditions while still maintaining low rolling resistance for maximum speed transfer from rider to road. Each component of the Felt IA 2.0 Superbike has been carefully selected to provide riders with an unparalleled experience in terms of performance, comfort, control, and safety.

The combination of high-performance materials and advanced technology results in a bike that is both lightweight and strong whilst offering maximum stiffness where needed most during racing or training sessions alike. Perfectly suited for those who demand nothing but excellence when it comes to cycling gear!

Accessories

Saddle: ISM PS1

The Felt IA 2.0 Superbike comes equipped with a high-performance saddle, the ISM PS1. This saddle is specifically designed for time trial and triathlon events, providing maximum comfort and support for the rider in an aerodynamic position.

The ISM PS1 features a split nose design that reduces pressure on soft tissue and promotes better blood flow for enhanced endurance. The saddle also has a narrow profile that allows the rider to easily shift their weight forward during high-speed descents or while sprinting.

Handlebars: Devox Bayonet 4 base bar

The handlebars on the Felt IA 2.0 Superbike are just as impressive as the rest of its components. The Devox Bayonet 4 base bar is a full carbon fiber design that reduces weight while increasing stiffness and responsiveness.

The handlebar features an integrated stem and allows for easy adjustment of stack height and aerobar length without compromising stability or performance. The unique shape of the handlebar also improves aerodynamics, reducing drag and wind resistance.

Conclusion

The Felt IA 2.0 Superbike is truly one of the most advanced bicycles available on the market today. Its cutting-edge design, top-of-the-line components, and unparalleled performance make it an excellent choice for serious athletes who demand nothing but the best from their equipment.

While it may come at a premium price point, riders who invest in this bike can expect to see significant improvements in their speed, endurance, and overall race results. Whether you’re competing in time trial events or long-distance triathlons, the Felt IA 2.0 Superbike is sure to help you achieve your goals faster than ever before.

Overall, this bike represents a major step forward in the world of cycling technology and innovation. As more and more athletes begin to embrace the advantages of advanced carbon fiber materials, aerodynamic design, and electronic shifting technology, we can only expect to see even greater strides in performance and efficiency in the years to come.


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For a detailed review see:

https://www.triathlete.com/gear/bike/what-do-you-get-for-17000-our-hands-on-review-of-the-new-felt-ia-2-0/

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