Best Performance Bikes For Your Buck 2018
If you’re looking for a bike to go for longer distances and some entrance level racing, our mechanics have selected three bikes that could be the right fit for you.These are all Felt bikes, a brand that will get you out on the road riding smoothly and quickly, whether it’s with the VR 40, FR 40, or the VR 30 model. They’re all equipped with slim, lightly treaded tires, aluminum frames and Shimano drivetrains. There are men’s and women’s frames of each model that are almost identical, but built with slightly differing frames and parts to suit each rider.We’ve also interviewed a couple of folks, Emily and Colin, that own the FR 40 and VR 30 models, so you can get a look at the day in the life quality road bike owner.
Recommendation #1
Felt FR 40, MSRP: $1,299.00“When performance is paramount and confidence is key, the FR40 is the ideal tool for tackling any race, any climb or any descent you seek out. With race optimized geometry for precision handling, a Shimano Tiagra drivetrain for reliable shifting performance and a ride quality unlike any you’ve experienced before from an aluminum road bike, the FR40 is the ideal choice for long weekend rides, short criteriums and challenging routes the world over.” - Felt, 2018
Introducing an FR40 rider - Emily…
As some will say, getting aerobic exercise in is important, but maybe not important enough to put yourself through the torture of long distance running. On the contrary, Emily enjoyed running in her high school sports, but after coming to college she was missing the adrenaline rush she had gotten from running track in high school. Emily is a graphic design student who not only spends long days creating in the studio, but also does design work for Neutral Design Studio and still manages to go to the gym six days a week. Emily wasn’t all so serious when she started biking three years ago, but in the past year or so she aims to ride three times a week for 20-60 miles. After any particularly long set of hours in the studio, it ends up being her go-to break to let stress melt away and get in a good headspace. She said riding it’s ended up a being a good way to encourage the maintenance of discipline in her life.She says the fact that it’s so aerodynamic and light to carry around makes it even easier to go the distance of 20 - 60 miles just out of campus. Emily tends to get lost in the ride, and just Google Maps her way back home to her studio apartment. It’s slightly cramped, but she fits her road bike next to her commuter bike that she’s more at peace with leaving out in the rain every day during classes. Despite her home being a little compact, Emily’s cat doesn’t seem to mind it as she enjoys taunting her and making her nervous by climbing up and down the bikes. If it weren’t for the super welcoming bike community on campus and at Neutral, Emily says she wouldn’t know basically anything that she does now about taking care of her ride. Whether it’s a matter changing the tires or parts, she can handle it now and is super grateful for that connection and resource.Felt FR 40W, MSRP: $1,299.00“When performance is paramount and confidence is key, the FR40W is the ideal tool for tackling any race, any climb or any descent you seek out. With race optimized geometry for precision handling, a Shimano Tiagra drivetrain for reliable shifting performance and a ride quality unlike any you’ve experienced before from an aluminum road bike, the FR40W is the ideal choice for long weekend rides, short criteriums and challenging routes the world over.” - Felt, 2018
Recommendation #2
Felt VR 30, MSRP: $1,799.00“Versatility and performance are the hallmarks of the VR30. With an 6061 aluminum frame featuring TIG-welded Hydroform construction and a fork crafted from UHC Advanced carbon fiber, the VR30 comes complete with a Shimano 105 derailleurs, an FSA crankset with super-compact gearing and hydraulic disc brakes. All of that combines to create an impeccable ride quality on whatever roads you discover.” - Felt, 2018
Introducing a VR30 rider - Colin...
This kind of bike is the one that you can trust to take you across the country, for a trip that could last even something like 76 whole days. Or at least that’s what Colin can tell you.Colin is a sophomore studying economics who has participated in the Illini 4000, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to documenting the American cancer experience through The Portraits Project, raising funds for cancer research and patient support services, as well as spreading awareness for the fight against cancer through annual cross-country bike rides. After riding in high school and saving up money from working at a movie theater, Colin decided it was worth investing in the real deal and bought his VR 30. He spent those couple of months with the I4K team, all equipped with VRs and FRs by Neutral Cycle, experiencing highs like seeing the Great Tetons, but also the lows of biking days in the rain on their way to New York.When he’s not traveling across the country, Colin enjoys rides out in the cornfields that range from 30 up to 70 miles. Besides simply storing it out of the rain, Colin mentioned that the VR 30 requires minimal maintenance like cleaning and lubing the chain once a week. With disc breaks and quality parts, his bike breaks down much less than say the basic Vilano Shadow his dad bought him for his birthday back in the day.While many would consider Colin a pretty serious cyclist, he has no shame in admitting the food that amps him up for his rides isn’t a special energy bar or a protein shake, but rather the classic mint chocolate chip ice cream he can pick up from Jarling’s on his way home.
Recommendation #3
“Utilizing the same compliance-oriented and performance-minded frame technology features found throughout the entire VR line, the VR40 frame is built from TIG-welded Hydroform 6061 aluminum and is paired with a UHC Advanced carbon fiber fork. Its component selection was handpicked for maximum utility to deliver the rider a versatile experience for every adventure down the road.” - Felt, 2018Felt VR 40W, MSRP: $1,299.00“Utilizing the same compliance-oriented and performance-minded frame technology features found throughout the entire VR line, the VR40W frame is built from TIG-welded Hydroform 6061 aluminum and is paired with a UHC Advanced carbon fiber fork. Its component selection was handpicked for maximum utility to deliver the rider a versatile experience for every adventure down the road.” - Felt, 2018
Come on by
If you want to check out these bikes or have any questions about these models - stop by our shop at 624 S 5th St, Champaign, IL 61820. We’ll be happy to help you get fitted, comfortable, and well on your way to getting the best performance bike for you.