Cycling

Felt's Nexar: The Ultimate Aero Road Bike Unveiled

Mar 20, 2026, 8:33 PM
Felt Bicycles is revolutionizing the cycling world with the launch of its Nexar series, an innovative line of aero road bikes designed for unparalleled speed and minimal weight. This introduction signifies Felt's recommitment to high-performance cycling, emphasizing advanced aerodynamics, sophisticated carbon engineering, and superior race capabilities. The Nexar, a fusion of 'Next' and 'AR' (Aero Road), builds upon the legacy of its predecessor, the AR, which debuted in 2008 and saw its last update six years prior. With a focus on refining marginal gains, achieving seamless transitions, optimizing structural forms, and integrating systems more tightly, the Nexar is engineered around three fundamental pillars: aerodynamics, weight, and rider fit, promising an exceptional riding experience for both professional racers and dedicated enthusiasts.

Experience the Future of Cycling: Felt Nexar – Redefining Speed, Weight, and Performance.

The Genesis of Nexar: A Leap in Aerodynamic Engineering and Lightweight Design

Felt, a brand now operating under new ownership as of 2026, is making a strategic return to its core values, placing a strong emphasis on crafting high-performance bicycles across road, gravel, triathlon, and track disciplines. The new strategy underscores a commitment to aerodynamic excellence, cutting-edge carbon technology, and race-ready performance, all while streamlining its product offerings. The Nexar emerges as the direct successor to the highly acclaimed AR series, inheriting a legacy of innovative aerodynamic design that dates back to the original AR's launch in 2008.

Unmatched Aerodynamics: Cutting Through the Wind with Precision

At the heart of the Nexar's design philosophy lies an unwavering commitment to aerodynamics. Felt boldly declares the Nexar as one of the market's leading full-aero bicycles, boasting a 5% reduction in drag at speeds of 40km/h compared to the previous AR generation. This aerodynamic superiority is achieved through dual core principles: minimizing frontal area via slender tube profiles, fully internal cable routing, and optimized rider positioning; and streamlining airflow with teardrop-shaped tubes and smoother component transitions. Felt's extensive history in aero development, including early adoption of wind tunnel testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics, culminates in the Nexar, a bike that eschews compromise, designed to perform optimally for 99% of riders, not just elite racers.

Revolutionary Lightweight Construction: Performance Without Compromise

Beyond its aerodynamic prowess, the Nexar also sets new standards in lightweight design. The top-tier FRD frame, in a size 54cm, weighs an impressive 800g, rivaling the recently released Giant Propel Advanced SL. The complete Nexar FRD bike, in its lightest configuration, is claimed to weigh just 6.48kg (size 54cm), placing it significantly below the UCI's minimum weight limit. Felt's engineering team meticulously selected materials, carbon layups, and structural priorities to ensure a unique 800-gram frame that maintains stiffness and precision. Even the new one-piece cockpit contributes to weight reduction while enhancing overall rigidity and aerodynamic efficiency.

Ergonomic Fit: Tailored for Every Rider's Performance

Felt's third pillar of innovation for the Nexar is its focus on rider fit, recognizing that ultimate speed is only attainable if the rider can sustain an optimal position. The bike features a higher frame stack and shorter reach to promote an improved riding posture, complemented by a steeper seat tube angle that supports efficient power transfer over the bottom bracket. To cater to a diverse range of cyclists, the Nexar is offered in seven frame sizes, each meticulously engineered to ensure consistent handling and coherent proportions. The inclusion of size-specific crank lengths further optimizes pedaling efficiency, accommodating different rider dimensions. This geometry development, informed by extensive data from thousands of rider positions and input from international bike fitters, aims to create a bicycle that excels both in the wind tunnel and in real-world riding conditions.

Advanced Frame Enhancements: Boosting Performance and Ride Comfort

The Nexar's frame undergoes significant upgrades aimed at improving both performance and overall ride quality. The bottom bracket area has been reinforced to maximize power transfer, resulting in sharper acceleration. Furthermore, the rear triangle has been re-engineered to enhance comfort on longer rides, while lowered seat stays contribute to increased vertical compliance. An expanded tire clearance now accommodates up to 32mm wide tires, a 2mm increase over the previous AR model. While this matches some competitors, Felt continues to balance tire capacity with its commitment to aerodynamic efficiency.

Market Presence and Historical Context: Felt's Journey

Felt's journey has been marked by dynamic shifts since its founding by Jim Felt in the early 1990s. Following acquisitions by Rossignol and KTM, the brand is now based in Barcelona under new ownership, symbolizing a renewed focus and direction. The Nexar will be available through a global network of expert dealers, with no direct sales. Set to launch by the end of March, the Nexar will be offered in seven frame sizes and four complete builds, alongside a frameset option. The flagship Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 model is priced at £9,899, positioning it competitively within the high-performance cycling market.

Felt Nexar FRD: Specifications and Pricing

The top-tier Felt Nexar FRD model comes equipped with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset and a 4iiii dual-sided power meter, complemented by Metron 45 RS wheels, all contributing to its impressive 6.48kg weight. Priced at £9,899, it stands as a testament to Felt's pursuit of peak performance.

Felt Nexar Pro: Specifications and Pricing

The Felt Nexar Pro offers a high-performance alternative, featuring a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset and a 4iiii single-sided power meter. It is fitted with Metron 45 SL wheels and has a total weight of 7.04kg, available at £7,013.

Felt Nexar Expert: Specifications and Pricing

For enthusiasts seeking advanced features, the Felt Nexar Expert includes a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset and Metron SC45 I23 wheels. Weighing in at 7.53kg, this model is priced at £5,454.

Felt Nexar Race: Specifications and Pricing

The Felt Nexar Race model provides an accessible entry into the Nexar line, equipped with a Shimano 105 Di2 groupset and Metron SC45 I23 wheels. With a weight of 7.96kg, it is available for £4,675.

Felt Nexar FRD Frameset: Specifications and Pricing

For cyclists preferring to customize their build, the Felt Nexar FRD frameset is available for £4,069, offering the same high-performance base as the complete FRD model.

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