Opinions on this bike please

[Fordulike]

Spotted this Felt bike, which I think might be suitable for my BBS02 build:

http://www.leisurewheels.co.uk/m1b112s2p11683/FELT-Six-95-2014/RS_GB/44054

Could I have some feedback please on whether the Felt brand is a respectable one.

Also, is the Shimano Tourney Revo shifters and Shimano Altus RD Smart cage combo any good?

 

[Wicky]

Having disk brakes or the option to fit them could be useful.

 

[Fordulike]

Having disk brakes or the option to fit them could be useful.

Happy with V-brakes. Ran my Specialized Hardrock with V's and a powerful MAC motor with no problems.

Running Kool Stop V-brake pads helps greatly though

 

[trex]

very good bike for the price but fitted with low end components.
You'd need hydraulic brakes to go with BBS02.

 

[Kinninvie]

I had mechanical discs on my BBS02 and they were not up to the job so were swapped for hydraulics.
One of the main problems with rim brakes is that they wear the rim which is a lot more expensive to replace than a brake disc(& a lot more dangerous if you dont catch it in time).
I have a http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/trail-6-29er-2014-mountain-bike-ec053947 to put mine on when the weather picks up and its currently £150 off the list price.

The problem with Revo shifters is you cannot really use a twist throttle with them(if thats your preference).

 

[Fordulike]

Thanks for the replies so far, but as I mentioned earlier, I am totally ok with rim brakes. My previous bike had a heavy rear hub motor, and had no problems whatsoever with braking or reliability. Rim was checked regularly for wear and cracks, but was still fine after 1000's of miles.
New rear wheels aren't particularly expensive anyway.
The rear brakes had to deal with the inertia of a much heavier wheel too, which a crank drive system won't have.
BBS02 has a thumb throttle, so should be ok with the Revo shifters.
I was just wondering how smooth the shift system is when used on a non electric bike?

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Get a bike that can use hydraulic disks. Why settle for less. I bet you change your mind about what's adequate after you've had hydraulic discs for a bit.

 

[Fordulike]

I do appreciate everyone's advice about going for a hydraulic braking system, but my reasons for not going this route are twofold.

1) I want to use the Bafangs original kit supplied cut-offs. Yes I know they manufacture hydraulic type cut-offs.
2) If I get myself into a situation where I need to literally lock up the wheels at speed, then I have failed to observe my surroundings properly and probably deserve some road rash. V-brakes have performed well within my riding capabilities in the past.

I don't want to sound snobby, but I would like to hear some answers reference my initial post pretty please

 

[flecc]

I don't personally know anything about the brand which is only about 25 years old and most of it's development in the last 15 years.

However it seems well founded with plenty of bicycle sport knowledge and present in a huge range of countries, better coverage than many well known brands. Their philosophy and history are explained on this webpage

Of course most e-bike production backgrounds are less than 10 years old so experience on the "e" side is always limited.
.

 

[Alan Quay]

I have used revo shifters a few times, and I like 'em. Not as slick or fast as the trigger type, but perfectly adequate, especially on an Ebike where you spend most of the time in top gear anyway.

One advantage is that you can move the rear shifter to the left. It'll be upside down, but I've never found that to be an issue. You can then have whatever throttle you like on the right.

As for V-brakes, I'm with you on that. Much less hassle than mech disk, and good enough for me.

 

[EddiePJ]

My main negative comment would be that the front forks will probably be just like a bad pogo stick. I'd rather have no suspension, than cheap and heavy coil.

 

[Fordulike]

My main negative comment would be that the front forks will probably be just like a bad pogo stick. I'd rather have no suspension, than cheap and heavy coil.

Electric pogo stick, now there's a great business idea

 

[EddiePJ]

With or without a dongle!

I have just looked at my Ebay watch list, as there was a bike shop selling new Rockshox Reba forks, complete with a spare seal kit for £170.00. Clearly they wouldn't work with your brake option, but still a bargain price. Sadly they have now all sold out.

 

[john h]

Fordulike the carrera valour is a simmler spec bike , but has lockout forks , 27.5 wheels and st-ef shifters, and its a cassette, at £ 279.99 a bit dearer i no but i think a better choice

 

[Deleted member 4366]

2) If I get myself into a situation where I need to literally lock up the wheels at speed, then I have failed to observe my surroundings properly and probably deserve some road rash. V-brakes have performed well within my riding capabilities in the past.

I don't want to sound snobby, but I would like to hear some answers reference my initial post pretty please

You asked for opinions on that bike. My opinion is that you shouldn't get that one because of the brakes.

The reason for hydraulic ones is not the need to lock the wheel, which is what happens with rim brakes. Instead, it's to be able to stop/slow down in control without locking the wheel; however, if you want to go ahead with a bike that's capable of 30 mph, but designed and specified for 12 mph, good luck to you.

 

[Fordulike]

You asked for opinions on that bike. My opinion is that you shouldn't get that one because of the brakes.

The reason for hydraulic ones is not the need to lock the wheel, which is what happens with rim brakes. Instead, it's to be able to stop/slow down in control without locking the wheel; however, if you want to go ahead with a bike that's capable of 30 mph, but designed and specified for 12 mph, good luck to you.

I should imagine manufacturers have to design their bikes to stop fairly safely from speeds greater than 12mph. Even my Halfords Trax 79 quid special, stops me quickly at speeds of 25+ going downhill.
Never needed any luck there

I will take your advice on board though d8veh and look around for a better option.

 

[awol]

Get a bike that can use hydraulic disks. Why settle for less. I bet you change your mind about what's adequate after you've had hydraulic discs for a bit.

Would you be able to recommend a make of hydraulic brakes which could beat my Avid BB7's (which I think were a really good upgrade from the originals) ?
Every time hydraulics get mentioned I am tempted to try them but don't want to end up with a set of lower quality than my current cable discs.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

I haven't found a bad set yet. I've tried Juicy, Avid, Tektro and several types of Shimano. Some were used and some new They all seemed about the same, but all are several steps up from your BB7s. The difference is in the control, reliability and consistency of braking. It's the one thing I wouldn't compromise on for any bike I ride regularly. I can't over-emphasise the difference. You can get them for £50 a pair from Ebay, so it's not a big cost.

 

[Nealh]

73mm B/B will work with BBS probably better with 68mm, the Altus/Tourney are basic Shiamno mechs to be honest pay a few quid more and get some from the slick operating XT range. I paid about £68 for XT771 front and rear mechs and they are slick and smooth which replaced Alivio's which weren't that fantastic either.
Get a bike without combined brake/gear shifters.
With brakes I also agree with discs esp on the front and use rims on the rear if need be. Good reasonable Rocks can be had on fleabay from £60 - £100.

 

[Geebee]

Spotted this Felt bike, which I think might be suitable for my BBS02 build:

http://www.leisurewheels.co.uk/m1b112s2p11683/FELT-Six-95-2014/RS_GB/44054

Could I have some feedback please on whether the Felt brand is a respectable one.

Also, is the Shimano Tourney Revo shifters and Shimano Altus RD Smart cage combo any good?

I would do a search on bike sites re the Felt, they used to have a pretty good reputation a few years back.
They make/made so slightly different bikes that appealed to my unusual tastes