Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 rather than a TT bike, I’d classify it as a pure triathlon bike that can still deliver a satisfying race against the clock.
- Price: $3549
- Frame: Carbon Fiber
- Wheels: 700×25C
- Gears: 2×11
What we like about it: Affordable price paired with a quality frame that’s perfect for triathlons
What we don’t like about it: Not suitable for traditional time trials, poor cruising ability on narrow rims
Rating (4.9/5)
Advanced rim braking provides the opportunity for outstanding IA training. This platform has been a back-to-back Ironman Kona winner for the past five years, is perfect for triathlon training, and delivers the quality performance I need on race day perfectly.
The latest version still adopts a similar geometry and road confrontation pattern as the previous version, known for its amazing control and riding stability. Especially in strong side winds, the slender rim can be overcome well, aiming to pass quickly under all conditions and pull away from competitors in challenging winds.
It will be a quality partner in your triathlon. Below we analyze the Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 regarding the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications as well as other versions.
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Riding Experience
Triathlons are often brutal. Even when it’s not hot and cold it can be sweaty, and I need to get on the bike and suffer through miles of winding, rolling, and tough roads. More than ever, I want to push the bike forward, and the Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 weighs in at 9.9kg, an outstanding figure for a triathlon bike. Comparing it to my Cannondale SuperSlice Disc TT bike the Felt is almost 3kg lighter. Before setting off, I also booked accommodation through IHG Hotels & Resorts to give myself ample space to rest and prepare.
Overall Feeling
Unlike ITT, the triathlon starts with long-distance swimming before I start my biking journey. Before this, I had already exhausted myself since I know swimming is not my strong suit. After the first leg ends, I eagerly climbed onto my bike and started the second leg. For swimming, the biking event was a time for me to rest.
When I got on the bike and put pressure on the pedals with both feet, it was able to keep up with the pace and hold the power fairly quickly, and my overall experience was centered on comfort. Once you put yourself on the time trial course, confidence follows quickly. The front end isn’t in a very extreme configuration like those of the competition, and the wide frame feels very stable to me, filtering wind resistance both forward and sideways very well.
The range is entirely dependent on user experience and comfort, and the taller and longer head tube kept things nice and compliant on long rides, with my weight being evenly distributed across the handlebars and saddle. During cruising rides, most of the time I felt as if I was lying on the handlebars rather than riding with my back arched in the saddle. This is a level of comfort that is difficult to experience on a regular bike. The roads were not always smooth, and the triathlon had its share of bumpy sections, and I was thankful that the thick seat tube profile was able to absorb most of the road bumps for me. the Shimano RS400 wheelset is the same width front and rear and wrapped in a Continental Grand Sport Race, 700x25c, which is fast and rolls with very little friction.
In Terms Of Performance
The Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 is very predictable and easy to control, with a slim wheelset that allows it to greatly reduce the impact of side winds. When the wind was blowing, I was honestly worried about whether the wide frame would hurt me. The Shimano 105 R7000 rim brakes have always been called the “king of value for money” by racers, who often feel that they can bridge the gap with other racers in corners, or even widen the gap with those behind them.
Contact Points (Saddle, Handlebars, and Pedals)
When it comes to contact points, the ISM PS1.1’s double-nose saddle does a good job of weighing support and comfort. No matter how I adjusted my seating position from front to back on long rides, it always kept me in a comfortable sitting position.
Another interesting point is that I have a 175mm crank with my M-size frame. I have to say that this did improve my cruising ability quite nicely, and I did finish one of my triathlons on it. But I seemed to have gotten used to the 172.5mm cranks for a long time, and I felt like plantar fasciitis was coming on to me after the race.
Overall, the bike felt like a great value for the money to me, with great value for money. It can even compete with the top-of-the-line, more thoroughbred time trial bikes.
Specifications
No matter which model of Felt IA Advanced Rim you choose, I can only tell you it is worth every penny. Of course, the higher the grade of components and model, the more expensive the bicycle will be, and the better the performance. The Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 tested this time is the best mid-range position in the lineup. It is beautifully decorated and does not compromise any components due to its affordability, including a full Shimano 105 R7000 drivetrain and braking system.
It is also equipped with a microSHIFT A11 triathlon-specific shifting lever, which is a very convenient and lightweight addition. The 52/36T, 11-28T chain group is not the largest, but it provides a more user-friendly gear ratio for training, which can provide a very smooth and dense shifting experience when riding.
Other Versions of the Felt IA Advanced Rim
For this review, we reviewed the 2022 Felt IA Advanced Rim, a triathlon bike that can keep you cruising at high speeds, with a slim wheelset that makes it easy to handle the bad weather that can occur during a triathlon. At the same time, the comfortable geometry allows you to stay in a comfortable position throughout the race.
As you can see, this is an excellent triathlon bike. For this reason, we also found a similar version, the 2022 Felt IA Advanced Ultegra Di2. It features wide carbon fiber rims for plenty of cruising power. However, there may be a compromise in terms of sidewind impact, while the electronic shifting system of the more comfortable and advanced Ultegra Di2 has been replaced. But the frame has the same material geometry, and you may have to pay twice the price for that. Follow us to learn more.
What do we like about it?
- Slim rims provide premium side wind attributes.
- Extremely cost-effective Shimano 105 components with microSHIFT A11 shifter setup.
- Lighter weight compared to traditional triathlon bikes.
- Very strong aerodynamics.
- Comfortable ride position.
- Abrasion-resistant and very low-drag outer tire.
- Very affordable price.
What we don’t like about it?
- Not suitable for traditional time trials, with poor cruising ability on narrow rims.
FAQs
- What kind of components does the Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 use?
The bike uses all Shimano 105 components, with microSHIFT A11 shifters for maximum value for money, and a quality integrated drivetrain for high compatibility.
- What kind of saddle does the Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 come with?
The bike is equipped with a very comfortable double-nose saddle ISM PS1.1, so it has a very comfortable ride and remains soft even when changing positions on long rides.
- What height does the Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 fit?
The sizing chart for the Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 is as follows.
(These sizes are only a general guide, the true fit may vary from person to person, the easiest way to find your size is to go for a test ride.)
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 152cm – 169cm | XS |
| 166cm – 174cm | S |
| 171cm – 182cm | M |
| 179cm – 189cm | L |
| 186cm – 196cm | XL |
Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 Specs
Build
| Frame | Felt IntegratedAero x | UHC Advanced + TeXtreme carbon fiberBB Standard: BSA, 68mm, ThreadedColor: Midnight (Geo) |
| Fork | Felt IntegratedAero x | UHC Advanced + TeXtreme carbon fiber |
| Bottom Bracket | Threaded | BSA 68mm |
| Headset | IS (IS-2) |
| Stem | Felt Dagger 31.8 | Lite aluminum |
| Handlebar | BaseBar: Devox Bayonet 3.1 | SuperLite aluminum / Extensions: Devox Ergomod | aluminum |
| Saddle | ISM PS1.1 |
| Seatpost | Felt AeroTRI IL 1.0 VM | UHC Advanced carbon fiber |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano 105 R7000, short cage |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano 105 R7000, braze-on |
| Crank | Shimano 105 R7000, 52/36T |
| Shifters | microSHIFT A11, TRI/TT |
| Cassette | Shimano 105 R7000, 11-28T |
| Chain | Shimano 105 HG601 |
| Brakes | Front: Shimano 105 R7000 dual-pivot caliper / Rear: Shimano 105 R7010-R under bottom bracket mount caliper |
| Brake Levers | Tektro TL720 |
Wheels
| Rims | Aluminum |
| Spokes | J-Bend, 2.0, stainless steel, black |
| Front Hub | Shimano RS400 | J-Bend, 28h, QR 100 |
| Rear Hub | Shimano RS400 | J-Bend, 28h, QR 130, 11-speed |
| Tires | Continental Grand Sport Race, 700x25c |
Comparison Table
| Bike | Price | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Components | Click View |
| 2023 BMC Timemachine ONE | $3299 | 2×11 | Carbon | Shimano 105, Dura-Ace | Click View |
| Canyon Speedmax CF 7 Disc | $3799 | 2×11 | Carbon | Shimano 105, Dura-Ace | Click View |
| Specialized Shiv Elite | $3000 | 2×11 | Carbon | Shimano 105, Praxis | Click View |
| Giant Trinity Advanced Pro 2 | $4000 | 2×11 | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra | Click View |
Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 VS 2023 BMC Timemachine ONE
The two bikes don’t look too different, and the price is almost the same. However, by looking at the geometry we see that the 2023 BMC Timemachine ONE has a very gentle seat tube angle, resulting in the rider’s entire ride being very far back. The benefits of this are obvious, as the rider gets a more low-slung riding position, at the expense of a more uncomfortable position. But for professional racers who are focused on good results, this is good news.
The Felt IA Advanced, on the other hand, has a comfortable geometry that puts less stress on the buttocks and allows for a comfortable position for long-distance riding. This design is better suited to the mass triathlete, allowing them to complete the entire stage in a comfortable position and still have the stamina to finish the run.
Elsewhere, the Felt IA Advanced uses the more cost-effective microSHIFT A11 shifters. This is a smart choice to keep costs down. The BMC Timemachine ONE, however, uses Shimano’s top-of-the-line Dura-Ace shifters, so there’s no doubt about the experience.
Learn More: Is BMC Timemachine ROAD 01 THREE Worth Buying? [2023 BMC Timemachine ROAD 01 THREE Review]
Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 vs 2022 Canyon Speedmax CF 7 Disc
The Canyon Speedmax CF 7 Disc features a more practical hydraulic disc brake for better braking in complex conditions. 4iiii power meter also provides more reference and analysis of the rider’s riding data, allowing the rider to effectively improve their skills. There is little difference between the frame geometry of the two, what can make the difference is the shifting system of both.
The Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 uses the more affordable microSHIFT A11 shifter, while the latter uses the more tactile and expensive Dura-Ace shifter. The brakes also use the better Sram S900 brake levers, and this test vehicle places these costs on the frame as a whole, giving the rider a better overall riding experience.
Overall, the Canyon Speedmax CF 7 Disc is the best choice for the performance-oriented rider. If you’re looking for a lightweight and very responsive bike, it’s a good choice. The Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 is great news for riders on a budget and eager to get into the triathlon scene.
Laern More: Is Canyon Speedmax CF SLX 8 WMN Disc Di2 Worth Buying? [2023 Canyon Speedmax CF SLX 8 Review]
Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 vs 2022 Specialized Shiv Elite
Both of these are very high-performance bikes, and both are built for triathlon. The aerodynamic frame and component composition make them ideal for racing.
The Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 features a full carbon fiber frame design, internal cable routing, and the 105’s rim version components. The overall lightweight and stiffness provide a comfortable and responsive ride. The Specialized Shiv Elite, on the other hand, uses shaped tubing equipped with aerodynamically designed components to give a much higher overall performance. Again, apart from the brand difference in the shifter, the difference in performance is not significant. Both bikes are equally recommended, depending on your preference.
Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 vs 2022 Giant Trinity, Advanced Pro 2
Both are the choice of serious triathletes, and both are excellent triathlon bikes.
Both the Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105 and the Giant Trinity, Advanced Pro 2 have a carbon fiber frame and aerodynamic design that greatly reduces wind-generated drag. The Giant Trinity, Advanced Pro 2’s precise electronic shifting allows for precise gear changes, and the hydraulic brakes provide excellent braking power.
In terms of features and performance, both bikes are perfect for the serious triathlete. However, neither of them may be a great choice for those looking for the most advanced technical components. You can’t ask too much of it at this price, so they may be the best choice for those on a tight budget.
Conclusion
These are our tests of the Felt IA Advanced Rim Brake 105. This is an affordable triathlon-specific bike that is perfect for the mass triathlon rider who is on a tight budget. It will be your first ticket to the triathlon circuit. If you want to try a higher-end pro triathlon bike, feel free to check out our test about it.
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