Last week’s minor update included the addition of two new frames in the Drop Shop: the Felt IA TT frame and the Felt IA aero road frame.
After numerous tests we’ve determined that both frames are top performers in their categories. See the detailed test data, or read below for a summary of our findings.
Felt IA
A top performer outdoors, the Felt IA time trial frame is wicked fast on Zwift as well. In fact, it’s the best all-around TT frame as of today!
Our tests have placed it #1 on the list of fastest TT frames for flat/rolling courses, and #3 on the list of fastest TT frames for long climbs like Alpe du Zwift.
It’s not cheap (1,065,000 Drops) and level-locked at 37+, but if you can get it, it’s the one to get!
Felt AR
The AR is a super-aero frame outdoors, right up there with the very best. And the same is true on Zwift–it turns in basically the same performance as the much-loved Cervelo S5 on Zwift, placing solidly #3/4 on our list of fastest frames for flat/rolling races.
Like the other top aero bikes, the AR doesn’t shine on long climbs like the Epic KOM or Alpe du Zwift. But if you’re looking for a super-slippery frame on flat or rolling routes, the Felt AR is a fine choice.
The 639,000 Drops price tag isn’t too bad, either, although the 34+ level lock is a bit higher than other frames.
Your Thoughts?
Any Felt fans out there? Hope you enjoy the performance of these new frames!
The FELT IA may be the fastest, BUT, ….. it’s a TT bike. So therefore I’m going to guess that you can’t draft or get power ups?
If that’s the case, then it’s slightly limited
Yes, Carl. It’s the fastest TT frame. But of course, TT frames don’t work like “normal” road frames in Zwift. That’s why we rank them completely separate from standard road frames.
Sorry, do apologize. Somehow I completely missed the small part where you said fastest _TT_ frames 🙂
I worked for Felt a few years ago and saw first hand the wind tunnel tests we did on our AR road bikes – they were always the fastest or equal to any bike out there. Working in marketing department we wanted to start an ad campaign, but for some reason Felt didn’t want to get into an aerodynamic battle with the Big Three. Felt is truly an underestimated bike company.
Super cool to hear, Neil. Glad they’re getting some much-deserved exposure on Zwift!
Love my Felt V85. Wouldn’t mind getting it if they put it into the game, however, it would get it’s butt kicked by most of the bikes in there right now 🙂
I have a Felt AR but i’m too busy riding it outside to get it on Zwift, guess I’ll just have to wait til September when i’m back indoors. I’m super happy they’re in Zwift now. It’s the best thing I’ve ever bought and is definitely quick. I’m over 1mph faster when I ride it compared to my other bike. I’m glad that has been reflected in the game too, roll on September!
One advantage a TT bike has over a road bike in Zwift is that you DONT get power ups, you get XP points! which allows you to level up quicker, I think power ups are only really a benefit in races, give me XP points every time 👍🏽
Personally, I use TT for my workouts, since you can’t draft and get PUs anyways (so it will give me more Kms/miles).
Power Ups need to go away. They provide an unfair advantage in races. Nothing worse than a sprint finish when you see everyone else with those aero PUs above them when all you got was those + points or the truck draft.