Felt B12

Reviewed by Coach Matt Russ

Fully faired B12 compared to Cervelo P2 and Scott Plasma (below)

About six months ago I discovered what Felt had on tap for the coming season. The B12 was one of the most promising tri bikes for 08, but I doubted it would list under the $3,000 price range they projected. With a price tag of $2699 it is a pretty amazing value worthy of comparison to any bike under 3k.

The real value of the Felt B12 is in its frame set. I would expect this frame set alone to retail for over $2k. Borrowing from the Felt DA, it is

essentially the same frame design minus the bayonet front end, and produced with a different "modulus" or grade of carbon fiber. It has been interesting to observe the evolution of tri frames. I remember looking at the “Superbike” designed for the USA Olympic team and wondering how long it would take for all that technology to trickle down to mass production. The B12 frame has the look of a limited production prototype.

From the front and rear view you can see how little width the frame has. It has a stealth fighter appearance to it with very crisp and clean lines. The top tube narrows as it approaches the seat tube which is a plus for narrow hipped riders that like keep their knees close to the top tube. The front wheel and fork is faired into the frame with very little clearance between the components. This moves the front wheel and fork even closer to the shaped down tube and decreases turbulent wake behind the front wheel. The rear wheel is fully faired behind the seat tube with a minimal amount of clearance between the frame and rear wheel. The rear brake is tucked behind the seat tube / drive train and out of the slip stream further reducing drag; a design element rarely seen in a mass production bike, especially in this price range. When comparing frames to major competitors such as the Cervelo P2c, it makes them look somewhat antiquated. The frame is not the lightest on the market but it is very stiff. The finish is beautiful with all decals clear-coated creating a perfectly smooth surface. It is, in fact, one of the best finishes I have seen on a frame in a long time.

Cables internally routed through top tube

The B12 uses an aero seat post versus a seat mast (ex. Scott Plasma). Although this design may be a bit heavier, it makes shipping your bike a reality. You will have no problem getting this bike into your carrier box. The clamping mechanism is solid and there should not be any issue with the seat tube sliding downwards. The head tube is almost flush with the top tube, and the seat post has two positions making a wide range of positions possible from beginner to aggressive. The cables are all internally routed through the top tube keeping as much of the cabling out of the slip stream as possible. The fork uses a full carbon steerer versus the carbon aluminum mix normally found on most bikes in this price range.

Rear brake

Surprisingly, Felt offers a full range of 7 different sizes from 48-60cm. This is a true rarity with a full carbon monocoque frame as the production costs go up with each added size. Manufacturers will sometimes attempt to produce a limited number of frame sizes leaving some gaps in their fit range. Even more surprising is that the two smallest sizes come in a 650. For smaller riders who can actually capitalize on a 650 wheel, this fills a niche in a market that most manufacturers are shying away from.

With a frame this good, I would expect a 105 drive train, but the B12 comes with a mix of Dura-ace / Ultegra SL. The FSA Gossomer crank / BB is tested and dependable. The wheels are 40mm deep aluminum rims with bladed spokes. This is a good all-around wheel set for training and racing. The Profile Design T2 aerobar is very adjustable and comfortable.

Front wheel faired into frame and fork

Felt spent the money in all the right places on the B12. For $2700 you have a great platform that can be easily upgraded over time. There is no need to make expensive changes to the drive train, and, if you already own a set of carbon race wheels, this bike is going to be an excellent choice for you. Upgrade the crank set and aerobars and you now have a top-shelf bike without a top-shelf price, making it one of the best values on the market.

More information...