Re: Felt 2014 AR1
Posted: Thu Aug 22, 2013 3:22 am
This is how companies should market their bikes....actually speaking with customers. Now if only my LBS had a catalog of the new Felts.....
Forum
https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/
https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=118212
pyrahna wrote:Did you just say you have seen a 200 gram drag difference make a 7mph speed difference? Or are you talking about a 200g frame difference and having the rider going from sitting straight up to down in the drops?SuperDave wrote:To circle back on your previous comment, I've seen first hand bike + rider aerodynamics take a given constant power output and give it's pilot 7mph.
-SD
wolfesquire wrote:if only my LBS had a catalog of the new Felts.....
wolfesquire wrote:Richmond/Hampton Roads, Virginia. Their is a felt dealership nearby, but I didn't see a catalog anywhere in the shop. Definitely getting a Felt AR for next year! Now where did I put that wallet........
SuperDave wrote:JN2Wheels wrote:Thanks for details, SuperD! My question may have come off a bit abrasive. I was just floored to see an Ultegra DI2 build at such a price point, and $2700 dollars more than the mechanical equivalent. I mainly wanted to clarify it wasn't a typo! I'm sure you have the numbers. And thanks for sharing the spec bump specifics.
Knowing that the layup is different for both frame and seatpost does explain a little. It's just that for most people, UDi2 is the way in to electronic at a budget-friendly price point. For me, at least, I feel you guys may have missed the point by upspeccing that model so much. Let 9070 stand as the premium shimano electric, and use Udi2 to entice new electronic customers who are price sensitive.
Anyway, the frame looks awesome and will no doubt do very well. Congrats, and I can't wait to read first rides!
Help me with your expectations please.
Start with the Felt AR1 frame (or any companies carbon aero road frame)
Add an Ultegra Di2 11 speed group
Add 3T carbon cockpit and 3T carbon wheels
Add any premium ti-rail saddle
Add any premium clincher tire
What do you expect to pay for the bike describe above? Just like grade school, show your math work.
It is also worth noting that Ultegra Di2 won't show up in any significant quantity before Jan 1st cutting potential sales volume (for us) in half.
-SD
JN2Wheels wrote:SuperDave wrote:JN2Wheels wrote:Thanks for details, SuperD! My question may have come off a bit abrasive. I was just floored to see an Ultegra DI2 build at such a price point, and $2700 dollars more than the mechanical equivalent. I mainly wanted to clarify it wasn't a typo! I'm sure you have the numbers. And thanks for sharing the spec bump specifics.
Knowing that the layup is different for both frame and seatpost does explain a little. It's just that for most people, UDi2 is the way in to electronic at a budget-friendly price point. For me, at least, I feel you guys may have missed the point by upspeccing that model so much. Let 9070 stand as the premium shimano electric, and use Udi2 to entice new electronic customers who are price sensitive.
Anyway, the frame looks awesome and will no doubt do very well. Congrats, and I can't wait to read first rides!
Help me with your expectations please.
Start with the Felt AR1 frame (or any companies carbon aero road frame)
Add an Ultegra Di2 11 speed group
Add 3T carbon cockpit and 3T carbon wheels
Add any premium ti-rail saddle
Add any premium clincher tire
What do you expect to pay for the bike describe above? Just like grade school, show your math work.
It is also worth noting that Ultegra Di2 won't show up in any significant quantity before Jan 1st cutting potential sales volume (for us) in half.
-SD
I think you are missing my point. I'm not trying to say that you have priced the Udi2 AR higher than its spec is worth. I'm sure your team can add . But rather you are specing it too high for a 2nd tier electronic build. At least for 2013, at retail prices, electronic added $1040 to the straight Ultegra mechanical group.
For example, with some quick googling...
2013 Bikes with Udi2 (aero where available, 2nd level frame where a distinction is made)
-Specialized Venge Expert $5500 msrp -
-Cannondale SuperSix EVO $5200 msrp -
-Fuji SST 1.3 $4200 msrp $3400 online -
-Cervelo S5 $5500 msrp $4500 online -
-Ridley Noah $5700 msrp $3400 online -
-Neil Prude Alize $4800 msrp $3500 online -
-Trek Madone 5.9 $5040 msrp (couldn't find 6 series) -
-Merida Scultura Comp 905 $4373 msrp -
-Etc.
So, my only point is that your build is overshooting what the market has settled into for second tier electronic. I totally get that you are positioning the AR as inherently above all others thanks to the years of research. No doubt it will be awesome. I would just love to see your Ultegra build + $1000 for electronic (surely your price differences are much less than the retail differences) + $$? for the improved layup. Not the $2700 difference it is now. Or run it on sale, I guess.
Anyway. I don't want to harp on this anymore. Its an awesome product, with substantial buzz, and an engaged marketing team. Go get 'Em!
*Edit* And after reviewing previous posts a bit more, it seems that the Athena EPS version at 5150 may be just what the doctor ordered. Especially if it comes with the new internal battery enhancements Campy has announced.
SuperDave wrote:There are two frame molds:
The AR FRD, AR2 and AR3 EPS all use electronic shifting with the cable routing entering behind the stem.
The AR1, AR3 Red, AR4 and AR5 all use cable stops which allow mechanical cable housing to run inside the downtube through the frame.
The cable routing was revised to optimize the balance of performance, user service-friendly, and upgrade-able. Behind the stem cabling remains the most aerodynamic location to route the cables but is less desirable for future 11 speed groups' function.
wolfesquire wrote:Richmond/Hampton Roads, Virginia. Their is a felt dealership nearby, but I didn't see a catalog anywhere in the shop. Definitely getting a Felt AR for next year! Now where did I put that wallet........
aerogurl wrote:SuperDave wrote:There are two frame molds:
The AR FRD, AR2 and AR3 EPS all use electronic shifting with the cable routing entering behind the stem.
The AR1, AR3 Red, AR4 and AR5 all use cable stops which allow mechanical cable housing to run inside the downtube through the frame.
The cable routing was revised to optimize the balance of performance, user service-friendly, and upgrade-able. Behind the stem cabling remains the most aerodynamic location to route the cables but is less desirable for future 11 speed groups' function.
Thanks for all the info Dave. A few questions/clarifications if you don't mind?
1) Is the AR1 frame kit "mechanical only" or just "mechanical friendly" but still able to work with electronic if one is willing to use the DT cable ports?
2) Any plans for a 0mm seatpost option? -25mm to +25mm leaves a large amount of room in between, particularly for those that like a 0mm post.
3) I didn't see the FA framekit in your big MSRP list. Is this an oversight or has the best budget race frame around been eliminated from the lineup? If it is gone, I'll start treating mine a bit more gently.
Again, thanks for the info.
SuperDave wrote:I'd would love to do a 25th anniversary custom FA with the original bead blasted black anodized Jim Felt finish with basic heat transfer white decals and perhaps hang an internally routed Ultegra Di2 group on it.
That ~1500g FA frameset is a sweet machine!
-SD
53x12 wrote:^ Go CAAD10. Best aluminum frame out there.