Bike maker Felt Racing has joined creative forces with Troy Lee Designs (aka 'TLD') to develop a limited edition cruiser called the Happy Hour. Debuting at the 2005 EuroBike and InterBike shows, the Felt/TLD Happy Hour collaboration was born from the mutual racing heritage both companies share and enjoy together. As inspiration, Troy Lee and his design team opted to tap into the culture of an annual event they host that has reached celebrity status in the southwestern U.S., A Day in the Dirt. This gathering of motocross and bike riders, film celebrities and aficionados, for a day of riding and socializing in the spirit of the legendary Steve McQueen has quietly reached cult status. Commenting on the project and its design, Troy Lee Designs company namesake and founder Troy Lee says, "Inspired by the unique event A Day in the Dirt and Steve McQueen - the essence of cool - it's impossible not to have a good time on this bike."
The co-branded Felt/TLD limited edition Happy Hour cruiser features a classic Felt tank-style cruiser frame, super-wide 50mm rims, 24 x 3.0 rear and 26 x 2.125 front tires, heavy duty stainless steel spokes and a special "Happy Hour" graphic and color scheme. Most of the parts and components also have been specifically color treated and/or tailored to match. A virtually identical model version will be available worldwide (including throughout Europe), however, the bike might have slightly different specs to meet local safety standards. This special collaborative bike will have a limited run, each individually identified and numbered with its own unique plate mounted on the monostay just behind the bottom bracket. Target MSRP on the Happy Hour is $499 with bikes available exclusively through Felt's IBD channel and certain select TLD dealers.
Felt company president Bill Duehring believes the partnership is a perfect fit as both companies share similar visions about racing, performance and the product design that evolves from that. "The Happy Hour embodies all that is great about racing and competition life. Those that do it share a unique bond built around speed, adrenaline and overall camaraderie. It is fantastic to be working with Troy in offering this very special limited edition bike."
