New bike - Rose v Felt v AN other

Gallant_JJ

Folks I have about €1800 to spend on a bike. I would really appreciate some advice from anyone who has anyone who has one of these bikes or anyone who can advise me on some of the finer details, finishing kits etc. The bike is mainly for sportifs in the short term, 100 - 160km, with a view to possibly racing in the future, possibly next year. 

I have narrowed it down to a couple of bikes that I am keen on.

First is a 2012 Felt f4 as per this spec. Fairly substantial discount from its original price. 

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/felt/f4-2012-road-bike-ec032698#features

Second is a Rose Carbon Pro Rs

http://www.rosebikes.com/article/rose-carbon-pro-rs-3000/aid:605505

Third is a Rose Xeon RS, aluminium frame, but with 2014 Ultegra 6800

http://www.rosebikes.com/article/rose-xeon-rs-3000-663369/aid:663445

From what I gather the Xeon has the best specced wheels, with the Felt possibly being the worst. I have read the numerous threads and positive reviews on the Rose bikes, and I quite like their aesthetic, particularly the Xeon range. Would really appreciate any of your feedback or advice.

slap/dash

I have the Xeon a couple of months, and like it. Not sure about the pro rs carbon, but I had the Xeon carbon shipped, and it ran large, whilst the Xeon rs seems slightly smaller. I got them to build me a set of wheels, but the krysiums that are standard looked real nice. The 3t finishing kit is nice, but I would exercise caution since the ergo nova bars are c 2cm narrower on the hoods than the drops, so a 44 becomes a 42.

The people at rose are solid and very easy to ðeal with.

Gallant_JJ

Did you get the Xeon CRS? It seems like serious value for money, but probably out of budget. If I had that much it would also bring the Cervelo R3 that was posted here last week into the frame, albeit with 105.

What was the delivery time like from Rose? One thing I have to consider is that I can get the felt almost immediately but I don't really want that to sway my opinion.

pot p

I like the felt, I've never been on the f series, mine is an ar. First thing you wud have to do is change the stock saddle on it, not very comfy in my opinion. Both are nice which ever you choose

kuro_man

Folks I have about €1800 to spend on a bike...

do you really have €2000 but you're allowing for the inevitable "..if you up your budget slightly..."?

maloner

I got the F4 and loved it. I crashed it though and cracked the frame, but Felt replaced it as a manufacturing defect even though it was outside warranty. Look on that as you will, but they stepped up to the mark when needed. Also the replacement frame I got was the model up (FC) as they didn't have my size F4 in stock.

I paid a lot more than 1800 for it and would buy it again.

slap/dash

Gallant_JJ wrote: »

Did you get the Xeon CRS? It seems like serious value for money, but probably out of budget. If I had that much it would also bring the Cervelo R3 that was posted here last week into the frame, albeit with 105.

What was the delivery time like from Rose? One thing I have to consider is that I can get the felt almost immediately but I don't really want that to sway my opinion.

I did order the crs back in feb, but it was massive, despite my having ridden the same size 61cm in my allez. Quite horizontal tt. It looked a serious bike. I'm kinda glad that when I went to return it, the next size down was gone, it being the 2012 model. I would have been too careful with the carbon, and the rs is a great bike. It runs slightly smaller, perhaps. I'm 6'3" and could have gone with the 59 or 57.

The first time, it was all stock, so I just got it in around 2 weeks at most. The second time, took longer, prob because I got a bit nerdy and requested particular components and got them to build me a bombproof wheelset...they could prob tell you on the phone how long to expect. Very very good attitude from them.....only downside, it is a bit stressful online worrying about fit etc

slap/dash

Oh, and yeah. Make sure you don't get the pro logo saddle....that thing looked painful. Selle all the way