Few bicycles borrow their silhouette from a wartime motorcycle, yet one steel-and-aluminum cruiser did exactly that and earned a devoted following. If you appreciate machines that treat design as a statement, you will understand why we cover pieces like this alongside our feature on the NIU MP-H smart e-moto. Heritage styling and modern mobility share more DNA than most riders assume.
The Felt MP cruiser bike arrived as a niche object of desire: part military tribute, part rolling sculpture. It was never built for speed. It was built to be noticed. Nearly two decades after its debut, the model still circulates among collectors, custom builders, and riders who value character over componentry.
What Defines the Felt MP Cruiser
Design is the entire point. Introduced in the mid-2000s, the felt mp cruiser bike leaned hard into a WWII military aesthetic, from its olive-drab paint to its stenciled "MP" lettering. According to an early Uncrate feature, the original model retailed around $550 and shipped with fat balloon tires, front and rear racks, a canvas saddle bag, fenders, and a generator-powered headlight.
The styling was deliberate rather than decorative. Reviewers noted the tank-style top tube, the motorcycle-inspired front end, and the bobbed fender tips as the details that sold the theme. It was a bicycle engineered to evoke a specific moment in history.
Frame, Fork, and Build Details
Specifications shifted across production years, which explains some confusion among buyers. Certain listings describe an aluminum monocoque tank frame, while later catalog entries reference a steel tank-style frame paired with a curved springer fork. Both versions prioritized presence and comfort over weight savings.
Component data from a RoadBikeReview listing outlines the recurring hardware: a double-clamp fork with a semi-integrated headset, super-wide 50mm aluminum rims, an oversized dynamo front hub, 26 x 2.125 tires, and a dynamo-powered headlight. The same source records a user rating of 4.1 out of 5, a respectable score for a design-first cruiser.
A closer look at the styling brief confirms the intent. A BikeRoar overview describes the MP as featuring styling "straight out of a WWII movie," with a triple-tree fork, headlight, and full-coverage fenders completing the package. If you prefer the relaxed geometry of these machines, our curated selection of beach cruiser bikes carries the same comfort-forward spirit into the present day.
How the Felt MP Actually Rides
Weight is the trade-off. Owners consistently describe the MP as heavy, a direct consequence of its tank aesthetic and robust wheelset. That mass, however, translates into a planted, stable ride on flat terrain and boardwalks.
The wide tires and long wheelbase absorb road imperfections well, which suits leisurely cruising rather than climbing. Internally geared hubs on many builds kept the drivetrain clean and low-maintenance. This is a machine for unhurried patrols of the neighborhood, not for chasing personal records.
Collector Value and Buying One Used
Scarcity drives interest today. Because the MP was a limited-appeal model, clean examples now trade largely on condition and originality. Value guides such as Bicycle Blue Book peg the 2007 model at an original MSRP of $550, with resale value now dependent on condition, original build, frame material, and current buyer demand.
If you are inspecting one, treat it like any vintage machine. Check the frame, fork, and welds for cracks or prior repairs. Evaluate drivetrain wear, wheel and bearing condition, and ask for any service history. A cosmetically perfect MP that has been ridden hard can hide expensive surprises.
The MP in Today's Mobility Culture
The MP frame refuses to retire. Its heavy, characterful shape has become a favored base for custom builders, from motorized conversions to mid-drive electric projects. The proportions that once evoked a wartime motorcycle now lend themselves naturally to battery packs concealed in that thick top tube.
This is where heritage design meets electrification. The same instinct that made the MP compelling now powers a new generation of statement machines, including our coverage of the godlike electric cruiser (Zeus). Material innovation has also moved forward dramatically, as our look at the Allied Cycle Works carbon-fiber bike demonstrates. The MP proved that a bicycle can be collectible; modern builders are simply raising the ceiling.
Conclusion
The military-style Felt MP endures because it committed fully to an idea. With its tank-style frame, triple-tree fork, and roughly $550 original price, it was never about efficiency; it was about identity. That single-minded devotion to character is exactly why clean examples still command attention among collectors and custom builders alike. We share that belief that a machine should move you before it ever moves an inch, which is why we curate mobility as culture rather than mere transportation. To continue the ride, explore our collection of beach cruiser bikes and find a design worth keeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the Felt MP cruiser originally cost?
The 2007 model carried an original MSRP of roughly $550. Present-day resale value varies widely based on condition, originality, and buyer demand.
Is the Felt MP frame steel or aluminum?
It depends on the production year. Some listings cite an aluminum monocoque tank frame, while later entries reference a steel tank-style frame with a springer fork.
Where can I find comparable cruiser bikes today?
Contemporary comfort cruisers capture much of the MP's relaxed appeal. Our curated beach cruiser selection offers modern examples built around the same easygoing, design-forward philosophy.
