What’s The Best Gravel Bike? How To Choose Between The Breed & Broam

May 05, 2020

So you’ve decided to get yourself a gravel bike, and you’ve narrowed down your options to the Felt Breed and the Felt Broam. Congratulations! No matter which one you pick, you’re in for a fantastic adventure with a capable, comfortable, and high-performance new rig. While the two bikes share a lot of similarities, there are some subtle differences between the two. You can find all of the details on their dedicated collections pages. But if you’re looking for an easily digestible cheat sheet that lays down the key differences between the Breed and the Broam, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what you need to know.

The Breed.

SIMILARITIES

FRAME & FORK MATERIAL—Both the Breed and Broam frames are crafted from lightweight and durable aluminum, and they’re both paired with a carbon fork.

DUAL WHEEL SIZES—Both the Breed and the Broam are compatible with 700c wheels (the standard size for road bikes), as well as 650b wheels (the size also known as “27.5-inch” in mountain bike circles). This means that you essentially get two bikes in one thanks to the ability to utilize different wheel sizes. Note that the Breed comes stock with 650b wheels, while the Broam comes stock with 700c hoops.

TIRE CLEARANCE—Both the Breed and the Broam have the same tire clearances, depending on the wheel size used. With 700c wheels, the bikes can utilize up to a size 45mm-wide tire. With 650b wheels, the bikes can run up to a 2.0-inch tire. These measurements are based on ISO safety standards.

RACK & FENDER MOUNTS—Both the Breed and the Broam have mounts for racks and fenders. This makes both bikes a fine choice for wet weather riding with fenders, commuting with panniers, and bikepacking with an array of bags.

The Broam.

DIFFERENCES

GEOMETRY—This is the key difference between the Breed and the Broam. The Breed’s geometry is a bit more aggressive, meaning that riders can get themselves into a lower, more aggressive riding position. If you’re racing gravel and looking for the quickest handling characteristics, the Breed is for you. The Broam’s geometry is a bit more laid-back, with a slightly taller riding position that still allows riders to achieve their most powerful position, as well as handling characteristics that are a touch more stable.

BOTTOM BRACKETS—The Breed features a T47 bottom bracket, a relatively new standard that is fast becoming the choice of artisan framebuilders and high-performance bike manufacturers around the world thanks to its creak-free and durable design. The Broam features a classic BSA threaded bottom bracket for easy maintenance, a silent ride, and long-term durability.

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