Felt returns with an all-new aero bike: Good on paper, but a let-down in the real world

Felt Bicycles has unveiled its latest offering, the Nexar aero bike, aiming to re-establish its presence in the high-performance road sector. Initial reports indicate the Nexar boasts impressive specifications on paper: it’s described as "reasonably aero" and "extremely light." However, early feedback from CyclingNews suggests a significant real-world drawback, branding the bike "an absolute handful to ride," implying a compromise in handling or stability that undermines its technical merits.

This launch marks Felt's attempt to reclaim ground in a fiercely competitive aero bike market, where brands like Specialized, Cervélo, and Scott continually push the boundaries of speed and integration. Felt, once a dominant force, has seen its profile diminish somewhat in recent years. A bike that is technically proficient but challenging to control could severely hamper its uptake, especially among amateur riders, and potentially damage the brand's reputation for practical performance, despite the impressive weight savings.

Ultimately, Felt's Nexar appears to be a triumph of engineering metrics over rider experience. One might say they built a rocket, but forgot to make it steer.