Kestrel Talon - Anyone?

[Wahine]

So I'm back on the hunt for a bike and I keep coming across the Kestrel Talon. There are a couple on E-bay and they're are priced really fairly for a carbon bike with an ultegra package. The geometry looks pretty good for me and the bike is aero so I could trick it out for triathlon and still use it as a road bike.

Anyone have experience with this bike. I don't know a single person that has one.

Reviews on road bike review were 90% really positive.

Thanks for any input.

[LBTC]

DH says "nice bike". :)

[Jo-n-NY]

Two men in my bike club have Kestrels and are very happy with them. However, I do not know the exact model.

~ JoAnn

[SheFly]

DH and I both ride Kestrel Evokes with Ultegra. We LOVE these rides! I came from an aluminum Cannondale, and the Kestrel is a much nicer ride - stiff when you need it to be, still comfortable and VERY responsive. I found that climbing was much easier when I moved to this as well.

If I had to do it again, I would go with a Kestrel because of the quality, and the great price point! I train and race on this bike.

BTW - we both just tricked ours out with Zipps for this year. I'll let you know how those work out (but the total bike weight is now in the sub 18 lb range).

SheFly

[smilingcat]

very very nice bike for lot less money. I don't onw one but have tried it.

Shawn

[Pedal Wench]

Kestrel has recently been bought out BUT, their old stock is being sold off with great savings on a great bike. You should check them out at www.bikesdirect.com -- they're the ones with the remaining stock. I've not dealt with them myself, but know alot of people who have. You might get a better deal than with ebay, and more confidence in dealing with a real company.

[Wahine]

Hey thanks for the feedback so far. Keep it coming.

I am really tempted to get this bike off of ebay. I can't find one in my frame size elsewhere and the colour will high light my hair.:p:D

Meanwhile, the sale ends tomorrow and I have a 5 year old used bike on loan to me for a test ride. The bike is almost totally dura ace, Cannondale CAD7. But it has lots of miles on it. Well taken care of but... You gotta wonder about all those miles. It would be cheap, $500.

Any comments?

[SheFly]

The difference between an aluminum and carbon frame is NIGHT and DAY. When I came off of the Cannondale to the Kestrel, I really started to enjoy the ride more - it was more comfortable and less jarring for me, while still being stiff enough to handle any torque.

However, if cost is an issue, the Cannondale was an awesome bike for multiple seasons. Now I can't go back from the carbon though...

Just my $0.02!

SheFly

ETA: I just found this at Cambria bike (http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=56869&page=KESTREL+TALON+10+SPEED+ULTEGRA+COMPACT+ROAD+BIKE) for a GREAT deal! Not sure how much it was on eBay, but this is a nice price for this frame and full Ultegra...

[Wahine]

Shefly - thank you so much for the input. So far I've mostly been given the thumbs up. One friend thinks it's to heavy and that I should be riding dura ace for the amount I ride. I just don't think I can justify the cost from Ultegra to Dura.

I have to decide very soon. Like in the next 24 hours.:eek:

[SheFly]

Wahine - I put on about 5000 miles a year, most of that on my Kestrel. I have an Ultegra set up (with a Dura Ace rear derailleur). Last year I ran Kysiriums on the bike, and the entire build weighed just over 18 lbs.

I don't think it's too heavy, but I am also a bigger rider - 5'10" and 150 lbs if that makes a difference.

I am looking forward to trying out the bike with the new Zipps on it this season!

Good luck (you won't be disappointed with the Kestrel!).

SheFly

[smilingcat]

Personally, I think the difference people talk about D/A and Ultegra is overblown with one exception. The price tag. They both shift really well. They both brake very well. They both last just as long and easy to service. Granted its few oz. ligther.

go with ultegra and save that extra money for nightrider... cloth...

I don't think Talon is really all that heavy. check it out on kestrel web site and it should tell you the weight.

smilingcat

[Wahine]

I did it. The bike is mine. I got an e-mail to confirm my shipping address. So I guess it's headed my way!!

[teigyr]

Beautiful bike! And I think it will accessorize your coloring wonderfully.

I'm starting to think what little competition you have will now be left in the dust :D

[emily_in_nc]

That's a gorgeous bike, Wahine. Congratulations and enjoy!

Emily

[mimitabby]

wow, that's beautiful!!

aren't you the one who wanted someone to go shopping for you??

i like the color. :p

[KnottedYet]

Very nice! Sleek and beautiful!
Congratulations on your Kestrel!

[Bike Goddess]

Nice Bike! You'll love carbon!:D:D:D

[elk]

what a gorgeous color...are you a redhead?!?!?!?

[Wahine]

what a gorgeous color...are you a redhead?!?!?!?

Yes I am. Even if it's somewhat enhanced nowadays to cover the white. :eek:

Mimi - yes I was lamenting shopping. I've been on the lookout for the right bike at the right price for about 9 months and I was getting pretty sick of it all, then all of a sudden... there she was. Then the lovely ladies here on TE gave great input and I got more good input from some friends. Finally today my LBS said that I would be silly not to buy so...

I'm still pretty nervous though, since it's off e-bay. I'll feel better once it's arrived.:o

[SheFly]

Gorgeous! And from one Kestrel owner to another, you'll LOVE it! Do let us know how you like the ride.

Congrats on a great purchase!

SheFly

[chickwhorips]

Congrats! Very nice.

Yup... I need a road bike!

[Starfish]

Wow, beautiful bike! Should make that upcoming bike intensive easier to look forward to! :)

[Wahine]

Soooooo, I finally got to take it out for a ride today. All I can say is....

I LOVE CARBON

OMG. The difference it made today on less than ideal asphalt for 40 miles was amazing. It fit's me well and it climbs really well, especially out of the saddle for short stints.

Thank you all for the input that led me to buy this bike. I think it will work out really well for me.:D:D

[Starfish]

How exciting!! We need pictures, now that you have the actual bike!

Remind us again...what have you been riding? Curious to know if your old ride was all aluminum or had carbon stays?

Anyhow, it's great that you love your new bike! Yay!!!! :D

[Wahine]

My old bike was a 1999 Specialized Allez Pro - Aluminium Alloy with a carbon fork. I could sure feel the difference today on this bike. I didn't get nearly so rattled and that meant less fatigue too.:D:D

I'm waiting to post pictures until she gets her new front wheel, it was damaged in shipping so I'm waiting for a replacement. Right now I'm using my old front wheel and it doesn't look nearly as good.

[Starfish]

I'm waiting to post pictures until she gets her new front wheel, it was damaged in shipping so I'm waiting for a replacement. Right now I'm using my old front wheel and it doesn't look nearly as good.

Aaah. Too bad about the wheel. Wow, full aluminum to full carbon. Way to go!

[SheFly]

I LOVE CARBON


I told you so :D. Roads are still too sketchy here to get the carbon bike out yet, so I am still riding my aluminum 'cross bike with full fenders. It's almost 10 lbs heavier than my Kestrel, so when I do finally get on that, I should fly!

Glad you love the bike!

SheFly

[Jo-n-NY]

Congratulations!!! I agree with the wonderful change from Alum to Carbon. Last year I went from the Specialized Dolce Comp to the Ruby Pro. Talking about the change does not give what the ride actually feels like justice.

Best of luck and Enjoy!!!

~ JoAnn