1t4i riders will compete on fetching black-and-neon green Felt machines for 2012.
1t4i training bikes are equipped with carbon-and-aluminum clinchers but this race bikes will get carbon-rimmed tubulars.
The all-aluminum PRO cockpit on this particular bike is well suited to a powerful sprinter.
This 1t4i team-issue Felt F1 is fitted with semi-anatomic PRO aluminum bars.
1t4i tire sponsor Vittoria is already tapping team riders for prototype testing.
The PRO seatpost is topped with a Selle Italia saddle.
Felt provides these dual-bolt seatpost clamps for riders that have issues with seatpost slippage.
Batteries are mounted beneath the non-driveside chain stay on 1t4i Felt F1 road bikes.
Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 chainrings are fitted to 7800 arms on this SRM power meter.
The season hasn’t even started yet but this 1t4i rider is already clearly putting in the miles.
1t4i’s aluminum-and-carbon Shimano Dura-Ace clincher wheels are comparatively heavy but they’re also very durable – perfect for training.
The 1t4i team – formerly known as Skil-Shimano – will race on Felt DA aero bikes for time trials and the company’s F1 for road stages.
With the exception of the conventional front brake and its associated cable, the front end of 1t4i’s Felt DA is notably sleek.
1t4i riders will use PRO’s Missile Evo aerobar setup on their Felt DAs.
Aerobar positions range from very narrow to surprisingly wide – all based on power and aero data.
1t4i’s PRO Missile Evo aerobars are highly adjustable.
Team bikes are fitted with this custom machined aluminum bridge tying the extensions together for extra stiffness.
Felt was one of the first to use an external steerer on a time trial bike in order to reduce drag. The design is now on its third iteration.
Shimano machined custom stems for 1t4i’s Felt DA time trial bikes to provide a more streamlined fit to its PRO Missile Evo aerobar setups.
The meaning behind the ‘1t4i’ team name.
The battery is mounted to the back of the seatpost on 1t4i’s Felt DA.
1t4i team bikes are equipped with SRM power meters.
Felt uses TRP’s TTV linear-pull brake design for its DA aero bike.
The machined aluminum TRP pad holders are fitted with SwissStop pads.
Moving the brake down to the chain stays allows for an especially tidy rear end on 1t4i’s Felt DA.
14ti is using Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic groups for both its road and time trial bikes.
Not surprisingly given its Skil-Shimano roots, 1t4i will use a full complement of Shimano and PRO gear for 2012, including this carbon rear disc wheel.
Think wider tires are only for bumpy roads? 1t4i’s wind tunnel testing may prove them to actually be more aerodynamic, too.
These little stickers are awfully expensive.
1t4i will use Uvex helmets for the 2012 season. Looks like this one needs a bit of work on the visor fit, though.
Exhaust vents on 1t4i’s Uvex aero helmet help keep riders from overheating.
One of the fruits of wind tunnel testing is lower covers on aero helmets as seen on this 1t4i team-issue Uvex lid.
Project 1t4i – formerly known as Skil-Shimano – announced Felt as its bike sponsor back in September but we now have a first look at actual team bikes and livery, along with a more complete look at some of the rest of the equipment the riders will use in 2012 and beyond.
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Light-and-stiff Felt F1s for the road
Project 1t4i riders will have their choice of Felt’s F-Series or AR carbon machines on the road but at least for now, they’re sticking with the former’s tried-and-true formula of light weight and high stiffness.
Given the team’s close association with Shimano, it’s no surprise that the Osaka component giant will supply virtually all of the finishing kit, including a wide range of tubular and clincher wheels for racing and training, Dura-Ace Di2 electronic transmissions and brakes with SRM power measuring crank arms, carbon bodied Dura-Ace SPD-SL clipless pedals, and aluminum and carbon fiber bars, stems, and seatpost from affiliate PRO.
Italian company Elite supplies bottles and cages and compatriots Vittoria are in the process of equipping the team with an army of tires – including some prototypes. Topping things off are Selle Italia saddles with specific models based on rider preferences.
Not only is the componentry electric but so is the paint job. Project 1t4i mostly sticks with Felt’s matte clearcoat base finish on the F1 but jazzes it up with a bit of neon green. It’s at once understated yet highly visible – and seems perfectly suited for a ‘team replica’ model to be offered to public later.
Sleek DAs for time trials
The 1t4i team – formerly known as skil-shimano – will race on felt da aero bikes for time trials and the company’s f1 for road stages.:James Huang/BikeRadar
For time trials, Felt is supply Project 1t4i with its proven DA platform, dressed up in similar neon green highlights and wearing similar build kits – albeit in corresponding aero variants, of course. Key changes include deeper front wheels and disc rears in most cases, Elite’s more aerodynamically friendly Kit Time Trial carbon fiber cage and bottle package, PRO’s Missile Evointegrated carbon fiber aerobar, and TRP-made linear-pull brakes tucked under the chain stays.
PRO also goes a step further, machining its own custom stems that specifically work with Felt’s DA front end and profile perfectly with the rest of the Missile Evo setup. Custom machined aluminum bridges on some bikes also tie the rear extension ends together for additional stiffness and stability.
Vittoria again provides tires though in contrast to the ultra-skinny rubber many are used to seeing on time trial machines, Project 1t4i may be moving towards noticeably fat, 25mm-wide tires depending on wind tunnel data.
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As for the wind tunnel testing itself, we’ll have more on that later. Stay tuned.
