Reviewed: Felt ZW2

Lab data: 18.4/20 (.64mm head tube deflection; .69mm head tube deflection)Build: 13.5/15Comfort: 13.5/15Value: 12.4/15Handling: 11.2/15Pedaling response: 12.3/15Aesthetics: 4.2/5

Overall: 85.5/100

Straddling the line between race machine and comfort ride, the ZW2 brings together the best of both worlds for a versatile take on women’s-specific design. A longer wheelbase (1,002-millimeters, size 50cm) and longer 417-millimeter chain stays make for a stable ride, especially at high speeds. It does require a little extra work to get through tight corners and isn’t as lively or snappy as a purebred race bike, but the heavy and fairly flimsy Fulcrum Racing 5 LG wheels probably have more to do with this than the frame itself.

The ZW2’s threaded bottom bracket (a threaded bottom bracket!) adds peace of mind, not to mention decent responsiveness when pounding on the pedals. The …

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