Felt IA FRD Disc Felt Triathlon Bike
Quick Answer: The 2019 Felt IA FRD Disc is a top-tier carbon triathlon bike featuring Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic groupset, hydraulic disc brakes, Zipp 454 NSW wheels, and an integrated power meter. Priced at $15,799, it targets serious age-group and professional triathletes seeking race-ready aerodynamic performance straight from the box.
At $15,799, the 2019 Felt IA FRD Disc is not a purchase — it’s a commitment. Every component on this build was selected for one purpose: to move a triathlete through a 112-mile bike leg as fast as physics allows. Here is what that money actually buys.
Frame and Fork
The IA FRD frame is constructed from Felt’s UHC Advanced carbon fiber, which uses ultra-high-modulus carbon layup to balance stiffness and weight. The result is a frame that weighs in at 20 lbs 7 oz complete — competitive for a disc-equipped triathlon platform. The geometry is purpose-built for the aero position, with a steep seat tube angle that places the rider forward over the bottom bracket, reducing hip flexor engagement and preserving running legs for the marathon to follow.
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The Felt Dagger Disc UHC Advanced carbon fork is matched to the frame and designed around the 12x100mm thru-axle standard, improving front-end stiffness and brake rotor alignment over quick-release designs.
Drivetrain
The 2019 Felt triathlon bike uses a full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic groupset. Front and rear derailleurs are the R9150 generation, controlled by SW-R9160 satellite sprint shifters that can be positioned anywhere on the aerobars for convenient shifting without moving the hands. Braking is handled by Shimano Dura-Ace R9170 hydraulic disc calipers paired with R9180 integrated shifter/brake levers — a system that delivers consistent modulation in wet conditions and on long descents where rim brakes fade under heat.
The crankset is a Shimano Dura-Ace R9100-P, which incorporates a left-arm power meter for watt-based training and race pacing. Gearing is 52/36t chainrings with an 11-28t cassette — a range suitable for flat and moderately hilly Ironman courses. The rear derailleur runs a CeramicSpeed OSPW (Oversized Pulley Wheel System), which reduces drivetrain friction measurably and is a common upgrade on professionally maintained race bikes.
Cockpit
The handlebar is a Devox Dagger UHC Ultimate + Nano base bar at 42cm width, integrated with the frame’s front-end system to minimize aerodynamic drag. Extensions are Zipp Vuka Evo 110 carbon, a stiff and lightweight option commonly used in professional triathlon. Arm pad positioning allows customization for different torso lengths and aero positions. The seat post is Felt’s VariMount Aero Tri UHC Advanced carbon, frame-specific, and designed to allow precise fore-aft saddle adjustment within the steep-angle geometry.
The saddle is an ISM PN1.0 with titanium rails — a nose-less design developed specifically for the aggressive triathlon position, reducing perineal pressure during long efforts.
Wheels and Tires
The Zipp 454 NSW Carbon wheels are tubeless-compatible and represent Kona-proven deep-section aero performance with crosswind stability engineered into the rim profile. Tires are Continental Grand Prix 4000 II in 700C x 25C — a clincher-style tire run tubeless for reduced rolling resistance and flat protection. Axle standards are 12x100mm front and 12x142mm rear thru-axle, consistent with the disc brake platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What groupset is on the 2019 Felt IA FRD Disc? The bike runs a full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic groupset — R9150 front and rear derailleurs, R9170 hydraulic disc brake calipers, and SW-R9160 satellite shifters mounted on the aerobars for on-the-fly shifting without repositioning the hands.
Does the 2019 Felt IA FRD Disc include a power meter? Yes. The Shimano Dura-Ace R9100-P left-arm power meter is integrated directly into the crankset. It measures power output for watt-based pacing during training and racing without requiring a separate aftermarket unit.
What wheels come on the 2019 Felt triathlon bike IA FRD Disc? Stock wheels are Zipp 454 NSW Carbon, tubeless-compatible, mounted on 12x100mm front and 12x142mm rear thru-axles. Tires are Continental Grand Prix 4000 II in 700C x 25C, a proven combination for Ironman-distance racing.
James Hickman is a former Expert coach with USA Cycling who coached cyclists across all skill levels, from CAT 2 racers to intermediate and beginning riders. He also served as a coach for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training program, where he successfully trained individuals of varying abilities to complete century (100-mile) rides, combining his passion for cycling with meaningful community impact.
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