Hi All, I would be grateful for your input, as I am TORN between a Cervelo S2 and a Felt AR 2 (or 1). I realize this a cervelo forum, however I was hoping you guys could steer me in the right direction. Being that I am 6'5" it has been difficult to find 61cm size frames, without having to order one. I have been riding my fathers 5.2 madone (he wants it back!), but now it's time to pony up for my own. I would appreciate any information on either bike (felt or cervelo) or your current experience with your S2/S3. I know that fit should be the deciding factor, but assuming the geometry is similar why choose one over the other?? I will be using this bike for the occasional sprint tri as well.

Here's a link to the Felt frame: AR 2 http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2010-Product-Catalog/Road/AR-Series/AR2.aspx

 Cervelo S2 http://www.cervelo.com/bikes.aspx?bike=S22010

P.S. I went to the local tri-store here in Minneapolis and they kept PUSHING the felt. (They carry both cervelo and felt, but of course nothing in a 61)

Big Z:

Hi All, I would be grateful for your input, as I am TORN between a Cervelo S2 and a Felt AR 2 (or 1). I realize this a cervelo forum, however I was hoping you guys could steer me in the right direction. Being that I am 6'5" it has been difficult to find 61cm size frames, without having to order one. I have been riding my fathers 5.2 madone (he wants it back!), but now it's time to pony up for my own. I would appreciate any information on either bike (felt or cervelo) or your current experience with your S2/S3. I know that fit should be the deciding factor, but assuming the geometry is similar why choose one over the other?? I will be using this bike for the occasional sprint tri as well. Here's a link to the Felt frame: AR 2 http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2010-Product-Catalog/Road/AR-Series/AR2.aspx S2 http://www.cervelo.com/bikes.aspx?bike=S22010 P.S. I went to the local tri-store here in Minneapolis and they kept PUSHING the felt. (They carry both cervelo and felt, but of course nothing in a 61)

I've had the 2009 Felt AR2 for half a year and have been well pleased with it. Really smooth riding, stiff and in terms of geometry, it is exactly the same as the Cervelo S-series (at least for size 54) so I had no problems switching over. I still have the SLC-SL but the AR2 is noticeable less harsh to ride, but none the less stiffer, at least for my (measly) power output anyway. Maybe it's just me but I dig the 2009 AR2 graphics, and also the 2010 AR1. Don't really like the 2010 AR2 though, too little red.

In terms of warranty, I believe for USA Felt customers they would have absolutely no problems, however for the rest of the world, it would take longer as Felt Germany handles all other international distributorship and warranty cases, so comms and coordination will be slower.

I don't think you'll go wrong with either the S2 or AR2, but if you want something relatively uncommon go for the Felt AR2.

p.s. Unfortunately the AR series use a very similar seatpost as the S series, so you're going to have the same fun adjusting saddle angles with that annoying knob located under the saddle.

I can actually speak from experience on both bikes.  I actually got my hands on a 2009 Felt AR 1 frameset late this summer and had a custom build.  I had some issues with my LBS handling a warranty issue with the frame after about two weeks and I got my money back and went to a different bike shop and scored an S3-TDF. 

I was in the same situation, torn between the S series Cervelo and the AR Felt.  My local shop was pushing the Felt pretty hard and I decided to give it a try.  After I returned the Felt, I went to the Cervelo dealer and went with the S3.  In comparison, the Felt was a lot harsher of a ride.  It did feel fast, but I felt every little crack in the road.  In my opinion, the S3 was just as stiff, but much more compliant.  On the same rides, I feel much more comfortable on the Cervelo and my average speeds are a bit faster (probably due to the comfort).  When sprinting, they both are very responsive, but the Cervelo just feels more solid and a little faster.  I had the same wheels on both bikes, so the comparison is somewhat 'apples to apples'. 

I would say that both bikes are excellent, but for me, the Cervelo is superior to the Felt in stiffness, comfort and build quality.  Also, the S3 is a little lighter, but the 2010 AR 1 is lighter than the 2009 AR 1.  Dave K. at Felt also said the 2010 AR 1 is more compliant than the 2009, so my comparison might be inaccurate if you're looking at the 2010 Felt.

Good luck and if you had other questions, let me know.

I convinced a coworker to buy his first bike this year.  He tested an AR4 and a Specialized.  So its not really anything like what you are comparing....That said, he thought the felt was too harsh and went with the specialized.  He and I both agreed the Felt is a sexy bike.

 Hi Big Z,

 I am also 6'5" and have been riding the S3 for the past season and hands down it is one of the best bikes I have ridden.  Very responsive without being twitchy, very stiff laterally but still comfortable over longer rides.  One of the few bikes that a bigger rider can do a full "chin on the front wheel-style" tuck on the descents and not have the bike get out of control.

That being said, if you are having a hard time finding a 61cm let me know.  Being a slave to fashion I am selling my 2009 S3 either as the frame or complete with 7900 Dura Ace to get the 2010 S3.  Let me know if you would like more details or how the bike rides; andrew@velocitybicycle.com

Cheers

Hey Guys,

Thanks again for your insight regarding the AR & S2 cycles...it appears the S2 maybe a more "proven" bike?  However, I'm still unsure on which one will be a better fit, as there are no 61cm bikes to demo/ride.  It's quite a bit of money to drop, without being able to ride it first!