Felt ZW40 review
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TCBarRnxUUSfgEZ5tdugu5-415-80.jpg)
The ZW40 combines a frame and carbon fork that perform well with a thoughtfully chosen groupset and components. It’s even more appealing considering its budget price tag.
-
+
Stable geometry
-
+
Triple chainring
-
+
Women's-specific finishing kit
-
-
Brake levers hard to reach from drops
You can trust Cycling Weekly.
Felt's women-specific range opens with the Felt ZW40.
Built using Felt’s aluminium F-Lite tubing, the frame has seen plenty of manipulation to get the best from the material. As a result, the ZW40 rides with a higher quality than its price tag suggests. Over rough lanes the frame was supple enough to give some cushioning, and despite its weight and some flex in the rear end, it still had the positive feel of power transfer.
A comparatively long head tube made for a high front end that conferred a stable if unexciting ride; ideal for new riders or if your confidence needs some steadying.
The eight-speed groupset came with a triple chainring. This meant that climbing in the small ring was good for steep climbs and also makes it a less daunting prospect for new riders, but it does limit your gear options in the middle ring, as it’s a higher gear range than normal.
The ZW40 comes armed with a host of women-specific parts, including the bars and saddle, making for a promising package. The Felt-branded saddle is similar to the Selle Italia women’s gel flow design — a popular model, with a well-placed cut-out to relieve pressure where it’s at its most unwelcome.
The compact drop bar meant that the drops were easily accessible but the radius of the curve was just too great to allow for easy reach to the brake levers. An insert into the levers is needed, this would make the reach far more acceptable.
FELT ZW40: SPEC
Distributor Saddleback, www.saddleback.co.uk, 01454 299965
Price£599.99
Frame Felt FitWoman custom-butted super-light 7005 aluminium
Fork Felt FitWoman carbon-fibre with chromoly steerer
Size range Petite, small, medium, tall
Weight 21.33lb (9.7kb)
Groupset Shimano Sora 2200
Wheels Felt sealed alu hubs with alu aero rim
Size tested Medium
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
Unbound Gravel lottery opens two months early, ensuring riders are 'more prepared than ever'
Registration for the 2025 Unbound Gravel will open on Friday, November 1, 2024, and close two weeks later, on November 15. Lottery winners will be announced on November 21, 2024.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Star triathlete Taylor Knibb to take on world's fastest cyclists in the Olympic time trial
Colorado-based 26-year-old Taylor Knibb will be representing Team USA in both the individual time trial and triathlon at the Paris Olympics.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
Ellen van Dijk 'can't unclip from pedals' after breaking ankle, but will still race Olympic time trial
'Walking is more difficult than cycling,' said Dutchwoman who fractured ankle six weeks ago
By Tom Davidson Published