Felt Bicycles IA Advanced 105

When we talk to our customers about their first triathlon bicycle, we always recommend a bike that performs well, but has some measure of "upgradeability".

The Felt IA Advanced 105 embodies that concept. The frameset of the bike is pure triathlon: Sleek, fast and aero. So aerodynamic, in fact, that the UCI (pro cycling's governing body) has actually outlawed Felt's IA series bicycles for pro time trial races due to its deep aero profile and ultra-low drag numbers. Since the IA Advanced is aimed at triathlons anyway, why not make it as aero as possible? Even the dropped seat stays do a better job of slicing through the air. The IA Advanced 105 is constructed of Felt's own UHC Advanced carbon fiber, and a material found in Formula 1 racing cars: TexTreme. TexTreme uses a ribbon-style shape of fiber rather than regular thread-like fiber. This allows much less resin to be used when constructing the frame, keeping weight very low and retaining excellent quality control across all sizes. Felt's InsideOut molding process all but eliminates the voids and imperfections in the carbon fiber structure, ensuring that every unit is as light and strong as can be made. The fork is also an all-carbon unit, produced with Felt's UHC Advanced carbon fiber. Deep aero fork blades meet the wind first, managing the air before it arrives at the rest of the frame.

Felt has been in the triathlon bike business for decades, and they know the needs of the racers that rely on them. They know the details matter. The IA Advanced 105 boasts plenty of features to make you achieve a PR bike split on race day:

• An integrated CalPac 2.0 top tube storage compartment for gels, nutrition, or even a smartwatch




• An aero-optimized storage box behind the seat tube for tools, tubes, and a patch kit




• Room for tires up to 28mm wide, ensuring rough pavement won't hamper your speed or control




• Fully adjustable aero extensions, risers, and EVA forearm pads, making pre-race adjustments much easier than fully-integrated aero bars

The drivetrain was selected with speed in mind. Shimano's 11-speed 105 derailleurs operate with precision through a set of MicroShift bar-end shifters at the end of the base bars. A Shimano 105 crankset with a 52/36T chaniring combination is matched with an 11-28T Shimano cassette, providing a wide gearing range for challenging courses. Tubeless-ready alloy Devox 30A wheels are ready for race day, but still durable enough for seasons of hard training. Continental supplies the 700x25c Grand Sport Race tires, adding confident grip in fast turns and descents. Reigning in speed is the job of TRP's HD-T910 hydraulic disc brakes. Rain or shine, disc brakes are far better performers than old style caliper brakes. The ISM PS1.0 saddle is tri-specific, allowing the rider to be more comfortable in an aggressive aero position. The seatpost/mast is a deep cross-section unit made from UHC Advanced carbon fiber. Up front, an alloy Dagger stem, Devox Bayonet 3.1 aero base bar and Ergomod aero extensions can be easily dialed in for a comfortable position against the clock.