Project 1T4i’s Felt DA Time Trial Weapon

After a one-year absence on the world’s grandest stage, Felt Bikes will once again find their way into the upper echelon of the sport after signing on as equipment sponsor for the Dutch Pro-Continental team Project 1T4i (formerly Skil-Shimano). The team will be on DA time trial bikes and F1 road bikes to start the season. AR models will also be available for the rouleurs on the team looking for an aero advantage in road races. 

RBA met up with Felt and 1T4i at the San Diego Slow Speed Wind Tunnel where they were undergoing equipment and rider position testing in the iconic 65-year old wind tunnel. Vuelta a Espana stage winner Marcel Kittel, and prologue winner at the U.S. Pro Cycling Challenge, Patrick Gretsch were at the tunnel looking to gain every equipment and positioning advantage they could find-knowing it will be critical in landing a Tour de France invite. Unfortunately, due to team contractual obligations, we can’t show either rider during the wind tunnel testing until after January 1. 

Since the UCI rules dictate that professional teams race on equipment that is currently available to the public (or will be shortly, as is the case with Team Movistar’s Campy EPS group), 1T4i’s Felt bikes, Pro and Shimano components is all equipment that can be purchased at your local dealer. Although, if you want the frame with custom team colors you might have to know someone pretty high up. A stock Felt DA Di2 will set you back a mere $12,999, hopefully Santa has some deep pockets this Christmas?

1T4i continues their strong relationship with Shimano, which owns Pro and Pearl Izumi-all three are sponsors of the team. Pro aerobars are some of the most aerodynamic on the market; but more importantly, they offer a large range of adjustability for elbow height and width, in addition to multiple extension bend options. The team exclusively runs Shimano Dura-Ace Di2. This allows satellite shifters to be used on the aerobar extensions, in addition to on the brake lever. The versatile design allows the rider the option of shifting while on the base bar, or in the extensions.  

Part of the reason the wind tunnel testing is so critical is that every rider has their own ideal position. Depending on flexibility and biomechanics, one rider’s perfect position could be completely wrong for the next guy, as was the case with Patrick Gretsch and Marcel Kittel (his bike is pictured). Kittel’s arm position was significantly higher than Gretsch’s ultra-low profile. If Kittel tried to use Gretsch’s position he would be much more aero, but would also most likely be slower because he couldn’t put out the necessary power. There is always a balance between power and aerodynamics, the best in one category doesn’t always mean it’s the fastest. 

Felt’s Di2 battery mount isn’t quite as clean as an internal battery placement; but since Shimano doesn’t yet offer that as a factory hop-up, the back of the seatpost will have to do. It’s still better than it hanging out in the wind on the downtube. 

Thanks to Shimano and Pro, 1T41 will never be left without the ideal wheel setup for any given course or weather condition. With options ranging from a disc, to a four spoke, to 50mm deep wheels, there’s something for everything. The most popular choice? A rear disc with a 50mm deep front Dura-Ace wheel.