Kestrel Talon - Anyone?

[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.

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 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.

[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