Felt IA Advanced Ultegra
We can tell you that the IA is the most aerodynamic bike in the world. We can also say that it’s the best-handling triathlon bike on the planet. But what we should really mention is that the IA has won the Kona World Championship a staggering six times in a row, and it’s set both new bike course and overall course records across the lava fields of Hawaii. So, really, what else do you need to know?
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Six-time consecutive World Championship winner
- The most aerodynamic bike in Felt’s history
- Endless fit adjustability
UPGRADES OVER THE IA | ADVANCED, RIM BRAKE | 105:
- Disc brakes
- Shimano Ultegra drivetrain
Triathlon is unlike any other form of racing on earth, and it presents some of the most unique equipment demands anywhere in the sporting world. The best triathlon bikes must be fast, of course. But they must also be able to elevate the biomechanical performance of their riders in between a grueling swim and a soul-shattering run effort. Our very first bike was made for one of the greatest triathletes in history, Paula Newby-Fraser, and she rode her stealth black Felt B2 to multiple world championship victories. Since then, we’ve never stopped pursuing the ideal triathlon racing machine. The IA is the culmination of 30 years of iterative design and painstaking development, and its results at the highest level of competition speak for themselves.
The bikes in the IA | Advanced line are crafted from several unique types of carbon fiber. The primary material is UHC (“Ultra Hybrid Carbon”) Advanced fiber, which is high-modulus, meaning that it’s incredibly stiff to maximize pedaling efficiency and handling feedback. But it’s not quite as stiff as its more expensive sibling, UHC Ultimate (which is found on the IA FRD Disc). However, this makes the UHC Advanced a better option for most triathletes, as it helps yield a slightly more supple chassis to mitigate road feedback and suppress rider fatigue towards the end of a long race. In fact, when asked which ride quality-yielding carbon layup they prefer, we’ve found that triathletes are split on their opinions and that it all comes down to personal preference. TeXtreme is another type of carbon that is not only found on our best-performing bikes, but is also utilized in the aerospace industry and on Formula One race cars to both add strength to a structure, as well as reduce its weight relative to alternative composite options. Now, we can talk about the materials themselves all day long. But just like how the finest food ingredients demand the skills of a chef to yield a truly exquisite meal, bicycle frame materials require engineering expertise to produce a truly great bicycle. Not all carbon bikes are created equal.
Beyond its materials and construction methods, the most important thing needed in a world-class triathlon bike is geometry. This determines how the bike handles straight-line accelerations, tackles technical turns, and adapts to the unique fit needs of each and every rider. Our engineers drew upon 30 years of research and experience working with all levels of athletes, from world champions to those experiencing the joy of triathlon for the first time, to produce a thoroughly modern geometry that provides both agile steering and stability at speed. The IA comes in five different frame sizes, with each one receiving size-specific designs and constructions so that every athlete, no matter what size frame he or she rides, experiences the same incredible handling, pedaling efficiency, and fit adjustability. Most models in the IA lineup feature disc brakes, which are the new standard of performance in all riding conditions and across all racecourses. Accompanying the disc brakes are thru-axles, which provide enhance wheel stiffness and a more secure connection to the bike. For traditionalists who prefer the feel of rim brakes, we offer them on the IA | Advanced, Rim Brake model, as well as the ever-popular B | Performance model.
Two unique storage solutions provide room for all the gear you’ll need for any training ride or race: the BTSpac sits behind the seat tube and is ideal for a flat tire repair kit or other tools, while the CALpac 2.0 storage module is integrated along the top tube for quick access to nutrition products or anything else you want at your fingertips. IA models equipped with disc brakes, like the IA | Advanced model you see here, can accommodate tires up to 28mm wide (measured at the widest point, per ISO safety standards that call for 4mm of clearance on either side of the tire and the bicycle frame).
An incredible frame demands the best componentry to truly maximize the racing experience. Yet triathletes’ opinions on what constitutes the best componentry differs. That’s why we curated a selection of three stellar component packages for the IA | Advanced line. Fans of American component maker SRAM should check out the IA | Advanced | Force eTap AXS model, while Shimano stalwarts should take a look at the IA | Advanced | Ultegra Di2 model. But if you value the classic tactile feel of mechanical shifting, look no further than this bike you see here. There’s a reason that the Ultegra level of components is Shimano’s best-selling. Each and every Ultegra piece offers rock-solid dependability, and this is particularly true of the bike’s mechanical derailleurs and crankset. The IA | Advanced line also features a BSA threaded bottom bracket standard for creak-free performance and easy maintenance. They’re mated to a set of 11-speed microSHIFT shifters. The IA | Advanced | Ultegra also includes a set of TRP hydraulic disc brakes for complete control on fast descents, as well as reliable performance in all weather conditions. The bike rolls on a set of tubeless-ready wheels from Devox, while the integrated aero seatpost is topped with a ISM saddle. Up front, the IA | Advanced | Ultegra sports our legendary Bayonet handlebar system with ergonomic extensions, all with endless adjustability for dialing in your perfect setup.
The IA is the winningest bike at triathlon’s biggest stage, with real-world, functional aerodynamic efficiency in a frame design that is easy to work on, is lightweight, and a dream to ride. With nearly endless adjustability and the highest quality materials in the world, it’s the perfect bike for every level of triathlete who demands the very best from their equipment and their performance.
