At the 2015 Sea Otter Classic, we got a first look at the brand-new 2016 cyclocross bikes unveiled by Felt Bicycles. Each change may seem subtle, but as an entire package, the new carbon cyclocross bikes (F1x, F3x, F4x) have hopped the barrier to become completely modern machines. The aluminum models keep the same frames, but adopt the latest components.
Felt Bicycles already had an Editors' Award-winning carbon platform for its cyclocross bikes, but it wasn't perfect. Tire clearance was limited, and the Alex Road Tubeless wheels and Vittoria TNT XL tire pairing wasn't reliable at low pressure. Technology has also changed since the carbon platform was introduced, with single chainrings and thru axles being all the rage nowadays.
The company went back to the drawing board and has added a number of subtle changes that add up to a pretty impressive bike line from what we saw at the 2015 Sea Otter Classic.
See all the changes to the Felt Bicycles line in the slideshow below:
All carbon models have also moved from PF30 to a BB386 EVO bottom bracket shell. The 86mm shell is wider but will still accept 30mm crankset axles. More importantly, the extra width allowed Felt to increase tire clearance due to the wider chainstay stance. Tire clearance was a bit limited on the previous carbon models, and the newer models should accept a 40c tire.
Felt moved to the BB386 EVO bottom bracket standard, which offers a wider shell for more tire clearance (our biggest complaint about the previous model). 2016 Felt Bicycles cyclocross bikes. © Cyclocross Magazine
