Felt IA: Integrated Aero for speed maximum

If time trialing is about something, then maximum speed thanks to minimum air resistance. 50% Reduction of air resistance thanks to the special rear construction with lower rear stays, this is one of the secrets of the IA models from Felt. The reservoir (Calpac/Aeropac) integrated into the frame in the front top tube area is unparalleled. The concept is called "IA", it means "Integrated Aero".

by Rolf Fleckenstein

As a layman, you would hardly guess what professional and extensive research and engineering work has gone into the development of such a powerful time trial bike as the Felt IA. With specially developed computer animations, the air resistance of the bike was simulated on the computer, determined and optimized. The whole thing is a bit reminiscent of NASA.

New frame developed
One of the secrets of the Felt IA models is the rear end design of the time trial bike. To increase comfort for the athletes, the rear triangle was made smaller, the angles were changed, the seat tube became more vertical and the rear wheel struts were set unusually low. Result: around 50% less drag! It goes without saying that the internal routing of the cables, the streamlined frame design, the harmoniously shaped to the seat tube seatpost or the "invisible" (because hidden in the frame) brakes have long been part of the good tone of a time trial bike, but also represent the important basic requirements for perfect aerodynamics. The battery of the electronic Di2 circuit is also housed in the tube.

Calpac/Aeropac - invisible storage container integrated
Anyone who sees the time trial bike for the first time may overlook it at first glance, because it is well hidden. But on second glance, everyone notices the bulge on the front top tube. Felt has used the frame to create a storage area for the athlete to stow tools and food, after all, such racers don't carry a backpack. A storage room, the Calpac, is inserted into the frame. Above the top tube, which is used as a storage room and hollowed out, is the movable Aeropac, formed from silicone, which the rider can open even while riding to supply himself with food and liquid. Really ingenious and super streamlined design! This is what Felt means by the term "Aero integrated".

Unique seat post
One might fear that the steeper seat angle could lead to back problems, but Felt has thought of this and developed a new system. A screw on the seat tube fixes the seat post. However, if seatposts are normally clamped by pressing together, Felt goes the opposite way. The screw spreads an expander that presses the post against the tube. Thus, the carbon fibers take no damage. In addition, the material used could be minimized. A single layer of carbon is stable enough and absorbs the shocks from the road in sufficient measure.

Flexible cockpit, comfortable front end
Every rider is built differently. The handlebar in particular takes this into account. The rigid fork is somewhat more vertical than you knew it from Felt earlier, thereby achieving a more comfortable seating position. Particularly welcome is the design of the handlebars, which allow the driver almost countless geometric settings of the same. The arm pads are individually adjustable in height and width up to extreme positions, which was previously unknown. This flexibility and freedom is another plus of the IA.

Impressive palette
It is certainly clear to everyone that not every interested rider can afford a road bike for CHF 16,000.00. So it's good to know that Felt offers, in addition to the top model "IA FRD", various cheaper alternative models, which of course differ in the component equipment. This means that even a rider with a smaller budget can afford an IA model and thus enjoy the benefits and technical refinements of the American speed model. But one thing is for sure: records are the order of the day.

Technical data

Model:
IA FRD
Frame:
Felt Integrated Aero Tri UHC Ultimate + TeXtreme® carbon fiber
Fork:
Felt Dagger UHC Ultimate + TeXtreme® carbon fiber monocoque construction
Circuit:
Shimano Dura Ace Di2
Brakes:
Felt Aero Brake System
Impellers:
Zipp 404 Firestrike
Tires:
Felt Aero TTR1, 700c x 23c
Weight:
8.37 kg
Sizes:
48, 51, 54, 56, 58 cm
Prices:
IA FRD: CHF 15'999.00
IA2: CHF 7'299.00
IA3: CHF 5'999.00
IA4: CHF 4'499.00

Felt IA FRD

Felt IA Daniela Ryf

Felt IA 2

Felt IA 3

Felt IA 4