1 - Felt DA Seat Post
This seems to be one of the most common problems with the Felt DA if you have your bike delivered as separate parts. Quite simply the seat post will not fit into the frame. This must be because the tolerances in the manufacture of the parts are too great allowing some seat posts to be too large for the frame it fits into. Also seems to be a problem with other Felts; we've had reports of the same problem on a Felt B2.
2 - Felt DA Seat and Seat Bracket (pictures)
The most common problem we've seen on the Felt DA. The seat is quite simply not straight. if you look from behind the seat in a straight line it points very slightly to the left. Although it is slight, it is also very noticeable. The problem is caused by the bracket not being aligned properly. Ride a bike with a seat that isn't straight for prolonged periods and you could experience repetitive strain injuries.
On most bikes you could simply rotate the seat post, but being aerodynamic you can not do this on the Felt DA. Click here for pictures of the 'wonky' seats.
3 - Felt DA Seat Clamp
Not so common variation on a theme. This bike owned by a Triathlete on Isle of Man had the seat clamp fail.
Not the best way to lose height when out for a ride.
4 - Felt DA Handlebars (pictures)
Same problem as exists with the seat. The handlebars point to the left. An even smaller error than on the seat, but still noticeable when riding. the headset can be adjusted but not enough to take care of the problem, again because of the aerodynamic design. When ridden, I felt as if i was constantly steering to the left to keep the bike straight. Click here for pictures of the 'wonky' handlebars.
5 - Felt DA Gearhanger Fracture (pictures)
This problem is extremely serious and one that Felt deny, but it exists and has already caused injury. The gear hanger is made from carbon, unlike on other carbon bikes where manufacturers have opted for a metal, presumably in and effort to save a few more grammes. Unfortunately this thin expanse of carbon fractured catastrophically allowing the derailleur to fall into the wheels and send the rider sprawling across the tarmac - luckily not in front of a car and not on a high-speed decent.
Click here for pictures of the fractured gearhanger.
6 - Felt DA Handlebar Tape (pictures)
After just three rides, the handlebar tape has started to come of this Felt DA. not fatal, but not something that you want on a bike that has just cost you £4,500 in the UK or $7,249 in the US (UK buyers, note the disparity in prices)
Click here for pictures of the loose handlebar tape.
Conclusion
if you are thinking of buying a Felt DA, check it out very carefully before parting with your cash.
|
