Felt Bicycles (United States) - Press Release: Introducing the IA disc.

The IA - the benchmark by which all triathlon bikes are measured has evolved. Our IA platform has been the world's fastest bike in real race conditions since its inception. Undefeated at the past 6 Kona World Championships. Multiple 70.3 World Championships. Numerous course records. And rocket ship to the world's fastest age-group athletes. So, how to improve? Completely redesigned for disc brakes, the world's best bike just got better.

The IA Disc was introduced at Kona 2019, setting a new bike course and overall course record under Daniela Ryf. Since the IA series debut, it has never lost a Kona Ironman Championship; its form and function remain at the top of the sport. . For Model Year 2019 and 2020, the IA evolved with the addition of discs. This is a true performance advantage and not just a trendy move. With better, more dependable stopping power, thru-axles for increased stiffness and improved tracking, and a re-worked frame to accommodate and enhance the disc brakes, the IA Disc platform is a true step forward. The major advantages of disc brakes are indicated below. For more details on the IA development and technology, take a look at the bottom of the page.

Best Performance In All Riding Conditions
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Disc brakes are the best means of controlling a bicycle. Period. They provide more stopping power, greater modulation and more consistent performance than rim brakes. Plus, they perform better in adverse weather conditions. Wherever the road takes you, and in whatever conditions you find yourself, the disc brake-equipped IA gives you the confidence to tackle any descent. For racers looking to maximize their bike split by saving every spare second possible, disc brakes provide improved control that allows you to carry speed through turns for a more fluid riding experience.

Thru-Axles Enhance Stiffness & Stability
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To accommodate the added stopping forces provided by disc brakes, the IA Disc features thru-axles on both the front (12mm x 100mm) and rear (12mm x 142mm) dropouts, rather than traditional quick-release skewers. The thru-axle is a proven design that provides a more secure interface between the bicycle frame and the wheel, which also enhances the stiffness of the frame-and-wheel connection. A stiffer interface at the rear of the bike provides noticeably crisper and quicker shifting, while the front-end of the bike will sport increased handling prowess and a more predictable yet livelier steering feel.


Added Convenience & Usability
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• Increased Wheel Options: Many triathletes possess several different wheelsets, which can be easily swapped on the IA Disc without changing brake pads or adjusting cables. Also, with an eye toward the future, disc brakes continue to become the de facto choice when it comes to bike componentry, and wheel makers are no longer hindered by the need to include a braking track on their rims. They are experimenting with radical new profiles, shapes, and materials. We’re at the dawn of a new era in bicycle aerodynamics, and the IA Disc will be capable of fully taking advantage of these future designs.

• Travel: For triathletes who travel to races and bring their bike with them in some form of luggage, disc brakes provide quicker bike setup times and minimal overall adjustment. This is because with disc brakes, wheels can be installed without having to adjust the brake calipers, and there is no need to disconnect and reconnect brake cables.

• Maintenance: In addition to enhanced wheel compatibility and more convenient travel capabilities, disc brakes offer several other advantages over rim caliper brakes. The IA Disc models with hydraulic brakes are equipped with self-adjusting brake pads, meaning that riders no longer have to adjust their rim calipers due to sustained wear of rim-based brake pads. The mechanical disc versions have a barrel adjustment capabilities and caliper pad adjustments to help with fine-tuning. Likewise, all things being equal in terms of cumulative riding time and environment, disc brake pads last longer than rim brake pads, reducing the frequency of which brake pads will need to be replaced.

Component Integration:

Storage Solutions:

The IA Disc comes equipped with Felt’s latest top tube storage solution, the integrated CALpac 2.0. This storage unit features ample space for all of the riding essentials to which a rider needs quick and easy access. Likewise, the IA Disc includes the BTSpac storage device, located behind the seat tube. This unit is ideal for a flat tire repair kit and/or on-the-go tool kit, or any other items that a rider doesn’t require while pedaling on the bike. It’s shape has been aerodynamically optimized for the IA Disc, meaning that it creates no penalty in terms of aerodynamic drag.

Tire Clearance:

The savvy triathlete will utilize the best equipment possible for any given racecourse, and that includes selecting the optimal tire come race day or in anticipation of a long training ride. The IA Disc features more clearance than any previous Felt triathlon bike, meaning that it can accommodate tires up to size 28mm on select rims, per ISO standards.

IA | Advanced | Force eTap AXS | 2020:

• Frame: Felt Integrated Aero Tri Disc UHC Advanced + TeXtreme carbon fiber, MMC with InsideOut construction, 68mm BSA threaded bottom bracket shell, 12 x 142mm with Syntace style thru axle, flat mount disc brake standard, horizontal dropouts, replaceable rear derailleur hanger, internal mechanical or electronic cable routing
• Fork: Felt Dagger Disc UHC Advanced carbon fiber monocoque construction, 1.125" carbon fiber steerer, upper cover, blades, dropouts, crown; internal disc-brake routing, flat-mount disc brake standard, 12 x 100mm thru axle
• Headset: FSA integrated, 1.125" 36¡/45¡ sealed ACB cartridge bearings MR122 {873E-RS}, split top race H2145 {No.11AGY-2} with Felt compression device
• Stem: Felt Dagger 31.8 Cold Forged
• Handlebar: Devox Bayonet 3.1 base bar with Devox Ergomod extensions, ¯31.8mm, 48 - 51cm: 390mm, 54 - 58cm: 420mm
• Bar Tape: Devox Gel tape and new EVA arm pads with anti-microbial cover
• Shifters: SRAM eTap Clics (aero extension) and Blips (base bar)
• Front Derailleur: SRAM Force eTap AXS braze-on
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM Force eTap AXS 12-speed
• Crankset: SRAM Force DUB, 48/35T, 48cm: 167.5mm, 51cm: 170mm, 54 - 56cm: 172.5mm, 58 - 61cm: 175mm
• Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB BSA threaded
• Chain: SRAM Force 12-speed
• Cassette: SRAM XG 1270 12-speed, 10-28T
• Brake Levers: SRAM S-900 Aero HRD Disc hydraulic
• Brake (Front): SRAM S-900 Aero HRD Disc, 140mm rotor
• Brake (Rear): SRAM S-900 Aero HRD Disc, 140mm rotor
• Saddle: ISM PS1.0
• Seatpost: Felt VariMount Aero Tri UHC Advanced carbon fiber, 300mm length
• Seatpost Clamp: Felt Internaloc integrated with titanium bolts
• Rims / Wheelset: Reynolds AR58/62 DB Custom carbon, tubeless ready, 21mm inner width, 58mm depth front, 62mm depth rear
• Front Hub: Reynolds Series 1, straight-pull design, 12 x 100mm thru axle, Center Lock
• Rear Hub: Reynolds Series 1, straight-pull design, 4 pawl, 24T ratchet, 11-speed XDR driver, 12 x 142mm thru axle, Center Lock
• Thru Axles: Front: 12 x 100 x 118, thread: M12 x 1.5P x 13L, Maxle; Rear: 12 x 142 x 163 (163L + 9 head = 172 total), thread: M12 x 1.0P x 19L, Syntace
• Spokes: Sapim Sprint bladed
• Tires: Continental Grand Sport Race folding, 700 x 25c
• Accessories: Carbon assembly paste, aero seatpost slot covers, IA CALpac 2.0, Di2 Internal battery charger, IA BTSpac storage box, tubeless valve stems
• Finish (Accent): 1) Matte TeXtreme (White Geo), 2) Matte TeXtreme (Spatter, Gloss Charcoal)
• Weight: 20.5 lb, 9.32 kg