Out of many good reasons, the biggest one that forces us to create a new specific category for these bike models rather than aggregating them with others is unconventionality. (Yes, unconventionality in design!)
And that unconventionality element is the downright key that allows our models to meet various needs of different riders; even of those who are arguably showing symptoms of having a cycling problem from time to time, bizarre occasionally, rebellious sometimes, or unusual.
While all of our Urban Alternative bicycles run across the board for that element, they still do share a common soul; one that is partly comprising cycle culture, belonging, purity, and simplicity.
When it comes to Felt Urban Alternatives, there are three well-known lines that we’re always proud of:
- Dispatch
- Curbside
- X-City
Dispatch
The Dispatch gives buyers various options, and the decision is theirs, which we believe is the main part making this line outstanding from the competition.
The name has said it all: The Dispatch is ready to carry out its orders.
Whether training off-season for fitness or honing your bike handling skills; whether freewheel or fixed gear, just rest assured that there’ll be one right model fitting your needs exactly.
There is a fixed cog on one side and a freewheel on the other, opening up the best of both worlds: While the fixed option is more suitable for urban riding because of less chance of locking of the rear wheel, the singlespeed mode delivers better control to ride in steep terrain (which also means you can freewheel down hillier descents).
While the Dispatch can’t be more different than other brands, all the versions share one common soul – all-condition simplicity. For example, the square taper FSA cranks; the single speeds, or the rear brake is specified with an extra right-side dummy type lever, making it an option rather than a requirement.
The riding experience of our Dispatch mountain bikes is another highlight. It is lively without being flighty. It strikes a good balance with steadiness in crosswinds and in handling stakes so you can confidently negotiate potholed or trafficked descents while riding in the city.
The wheelbase is lengthened more than the average (which is from 100cm to 103cm), based on the wheel location, for extra stability.
Designed with durability and versatility in mind, these bikes highlight corrosion-resistant Rust-Buster chain, hardware, and stainless spokes that can last through the wettest of thoroughfares. The axle wrench is also purpose-built to be used as a handy bottle opener for both thirst-quenching and wheel adjustments.
The Dispatch also lets you ride in style thanks to the road bike influenced 7005 aluminum butted hydroforming frame, giving a sharp look. Coated in a matte cement color, its demeanor is, besides, as tough as it is downtown-neutral. For an urban-friendly riding position, we also proportion the head tube.
Compared to those bikes designed around frames originally intended for use on the track, we confidently state that these purpose-built urban fixies hold more advantages.
Curbside
Due to the non-stop popularity of single speeds and fixies, we developed a straight-barred sibling of the Dispatch, named Curbside.
It inherits the neatly welded hydroformed 7005 series ‘Super-lite’ aluminum frame from the predecessors. In addition to that, it is built with an aluminum steerer, carbon fiber fork, and internally routed rear brake cable for the purpose of cutting off as much precious weight as possible.
What is that finally aimed for?
Well, for short urban bursts and fast city-riding journeys!
The total weight of Curbside is only 19 pounds – something that other brands hardly do – which makes it faster and snipper.
The straight, shiny 31.8mm Felt Meat Stick bars, on the other hand, improves the bike’s responsiveness for fast handling. To help you easily deal with the funky drop-outs, we add a little wrench in the package. If you have got the skill, this model can help you easily nip through the narrow gaps in busy foot traffic.
The Curbside isn’t built for long trips or people who fancy riding fixed all the time! Instead, it features a flip-flop hub to let you flexibly switch between freewheelin’ Single Speed action and fixed riding. Both are 66” gear which comes in handy in a really hilly area.
At the same time, it was inspired by courier culture with an emphasis on bright copper trim and sour apple skin.
There are plenty of “bling” on this bike but don’t worry, it does not compromise practical touches.
During the designing process, our team cared a lot about sizes as we wished to bring the best fit for every one of our customers. In each version of the Curbside, we try to offer as many size options as possible.
We specifically designed it with a neat beer-nuts hub spanner-cum-bottle opener mounted on the frame, easy-to-stop dual-pivot brakes, and largely flanged wheels with 28 spokes each.
We confidently believe that our customers will love the wheels of the Curbside because in comparison to standard-spoked ones, they do not require any more maintenance. While these radially spoked wheels look the part on this bike, they are marginally less torsionally rigid.
Built for short urban rides, we also understand that nobody wants to arrive at work covered in road grime. That is the reason our designers added mounts for mudguards, clearance, and rear mounts to enhance the practicality and versatility of the Curbside.
According to many experts, this product line puts a spin on the single speed cycling movement and is a tribute to the eccentric messenger lifestyle. If you want something that can get you wherever you need to go in a hurry with lots of fun, this fits the bill.
X-City
While the two product lines above are designed for specific purposes of use, we want something that can be used for all occasions and generally expand the acceptance of bicycles as a mode of transportation.
Importantly, it also should be at lower price points.
The customer targets set for this product line are any riders on a tight budget, people who want a third bike for riding to work, or individuals who just need a CRV or car replacement vehicle so they can get to the office on time.
From that point, our team created the X-City – a bike that is suitable for whether running an errand across town, zipping over to the coffee shop, or commuting to the office; something that, at that time, nothing else even came close.
In addition to the entry-level models, we have three internal gear hub equipped bikes above that.
At the top, the full Alfine 8 Equipped X-City one. Below that, the Nexus 8 Equipped X-City two, and then, the new model – the X-City three.
The upper three X-City models feature internal hub gears from Shimano: The top bike – X-City 1 features an ultra-reliable Alfine rear hub; the X-City 2 features a Nexus 8-speed hub which is efficient, light, and durable; the X-City 3 features a new internal Shimano that is designed to take one of their center lock disc brake rotors and also features good sealing along with a wide range of gearing.
Even though it has only three gears, the gear ratios are almost the same as the wider range Nexus 8-speed.
This component helps the bike be maintenance-free, easy to shift even when you are stopping at a light and can get up to speed like a breeze.
In addition to the upper three models, our new entry-level options feature derailleur gears, which are designed to give you a less intimidating bike for beginner riders who may be put off by internal gear hubs.
The X-City series is designed with reliability as a key point. Most of these bicycles will end up being locked up outside while people are at work, shopping, or just going to a library. So, all the components need to be well-sealed.
While still keeping the strength-enhancing hydroformed frame, we have done some upgrades to this product line. Such as the aggressive MTB-inspired tubing made of heat-treated 6061 aluminum, the relaxed yet quick, posture-friendly geometry without lacking traffic-darting responsiveness.
This frame is also easily adaptable to any European-style self-attached bike locks, water bottles, carriers, and fenders. Everything is readily mounted in a snap.
All of this rolls on the fat, agile 700 x 38c Felt tires, Mavin wheels, and the powerful hydraulic discs that offer pinpoint braking power in all weather conditions. They ensure the most comfortable, natural hand position while still giving you extra steering control and direct management.
Taking a closer look at the handlebars, you’ll see that the upper three models of the X-City series now use a new design replacing the Albert bar that was on the old bikes.
And this upgrade gives the rider a more upright position, which is better for handling the bike in traffic. All the X-City models feature the same geometry designed for fast traffic riding and they are designed to be more fun than your traditional hybrid or modified road bike with flat handlebars.
The top pick of Felt Urban Alternatives
Through countless improvements, Dispatch 9/80 features steeper seat angles, shorter stems, and more stable front-ends for more dynamics and sure-footed ride to optimize handling prowess and speed uphill and on descents.
It highlights superlight full-suspension rigs and hard-tails made of high-grade 6061 aluminum, which not only enhances the bike’s already impressive maneuverability but also makes it more durable.
The bike is applied to some similar technologies developed for Felt’s high-performance, carbon Doctrine Series. Such as a 29” wheel platform and a contemporary hardtail design, giving it top-notch handling characteristics and rollover capabilities.
There are 8-speed gearing options on this model, which is easily shifted to climb up a moderately steep hill.
To ensure your safety during rides, we built the bike with Tektro M275 hydraulic disc brakes: 160mm rotor for the rear brake and 180mm rotor for the front.
It is, at the current, endorsed to be one of the best choices for modern cross-country riding that can get you to anywhere wanted faster than other counterparts.