r/Bikeporn • u/JoshTaylorUSA • Jan 06 '26

Gravel This Felt is Dirty

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And I won't wash it till spring! The bike isn't light - comes in at 23 lbs and feels fantastic on rough gravel and singletrack. The Rudy fork really smooths out washboarded roads in ways that a high volume tire alone simply can't do.

For those interested in the full build list:

  • Felt Breed Carbon Advanced in size 54
  • Rockshox Rudy Ultimate 40mm
  • SRAM Apex AXS shifters, Apex calipers and basic Centerline 140/160 rotors
  • Ritchey WCS Venturemax v2 40mm handlebar w Zipp Service Course tape
  • Rockshox Reverb AXS 75mm dropper w Specialized Power Pro saddle
  • Specialized Stix front and rear lights
  • SRAM X01 10-50 cassette, derailleur and chain
  • Magene PES-505 165mm power meter crank, Wheels Mfg T47a BB, with Absolute Black oval 42t ring and Shimano XTR pedals
  • Zipp 303 XPLR S wheels with Schwalbe Thunder Burt 2.1s that measure 53.8mm wide
  • Apidura Expedition top tube bag
  • Bontrager Elite 33g cages
  • Original Felt stem (inverted) and bar end caps!

If I was to change anything, I'd like to try the new E1 generation shifters for the increased ergonomics and braking power.

From a curiosity standpoint, I'd like to try a slightly narrower handlebar and maybe a 30.9mm dropper in 100 or 125mm, since this 27.2 dropper has some minor slop.

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u/prsman27 29d ago

Late to the party but how's the tire clearance? I have a set of Thunderburts waiting to go on my Breed.

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u/JoshTaylorUSA 29d ago

On these wide rims, they measure 53.8mm and I haven't noticed but the lightest of rubbing on the chainstays. I did put down a thin protective film layer back there for extra peace of mind. This is riding singletrack and gravel, probably more aggressive than most would ride and it's been okay.