carbon bikes, Felt

Question
Hi Michael,
 I've been riding a Specialized Allez (Columbus SLX) for years now and have been happy with it, but I've decided to splurge and buy a top tier road bike.  I basically rely on my local bike dealer manager for advice.  He guided me to a Felt F1C 2006 clearance model (exactly my size by chance).  All carbon, incl the handlebar.  It was a heart-stopping $5699 retail last year, he is discounting it to $3800.  My questions:  1.  What do you think of carbon as a long term material to keep for decades?  I want this to be my final bike I buy for the rest of my life.  I ride in LA weather (sunny all the time), flat roads.  What are the pro and cons of carbon?  2. I've never heard of Felt.  Are they a major brand name I can trust?   

Thank you very much
Tim

Answer
Hello Tim,

It is always nice to look for a new bike, weather it is a roadie or mudbike. But if it is the right size, you can ride on a carbon bike without breaking your head about problems. But, the most brands no longer give a warranty for live like in the "old" steel days. If you want that, you can probably also buy a titanium bike from Moots, Merlin, Litespeed or example Strong. The most framesets are build in Taiwan. Take a look for a french Look carbon or a Trek OCLV. Both good quality bikes, with a excelent reputation.
I know Felt from beachcruisers and nice calenders, but the quality must be allright or ok. But still I should look for a model which is building for a longer period like the one I mentioned. I've seen the bike, with a excellent frontfork, but I do not know this petticular bike.
It seems from a picture nice. Do me and yourself a favour, take the bike out for a drivetest. Is is the comfort you want/like, is it strong in the bracketarea?
How does he react, slow or fast?

Give me some anwers, or better to yourselve.

I hope to hear from you.

PS Carbon is nowadays used for the most important parts on a plane (Boeing 747).


Mike