$4700
21.1 pounds
Hardtail
Felt, (949) 452-9050
Maxi test: April 2005

Highlights: The stem, bar, seat and seatpost are all Felt branded, adding to the bike's elitist attitude. The Monostat Design carbon fiber seat stays wouldn't look out of place on an alien spacecraft. The wheels (with 18 flat spokes on the front and 20 on the rear) look mean enough to slice the fingers of any distracted team mechanic. They also look fragile. In fact, the whole bike looks fragile--in the same way that a Formula One car looks fragile. That airy, ethereal look is a large part of why the Felt retails for almost five grand. This bike looks out of place everywhere but a race course.

Best quote: "Alternating between seated and standing cycling positions is natural and effortless. When you get out of the saddle, the Felt automatically starts to gas it."

Bottom line: If you are serious about your racing, serious beyond logic, there is no option. The extra bucks get you a zero-compromise race bike. Jim Felt, the man behind Felt Bikes, doesn't want a trail rider on this bike, he doesn't want it ridden on rail-to-trail paths, and he would probably prefer that beginners stay away from it. The RXC Team is made for a rider who knows how to treat a dedicated race bike.