Hello everyone.
Just wanted to give a review of the first 6 months with my Kestrel Talon. I thought it might be useful, especially to those who have been inquiring about this bike.
I bought the bike this past March and have logged just under 700 miles on it. I have full Ultegra on it as well as Shimano's R-540 wheelset. Tires are Hutchinson Carbon Comps. The only non-Kestrel/Shimano parts are Look PP-396 Jalabert Pedals, Ritchey Pro Stem, Selle San Marco Concour Lite saddle and 3T bar.
The Talon has been every bit as pleasurable to ride and own as I thought it would be when I was deciding on it. It's very stiff when power is applied and really flies up hills and on sprints. The acceleration is instant...no preceived "lag" from effort to motion. I did not test ride a bike that could match the Talon in this respect. Going downhill is a joy as soon as you get used to how "light" the bike feels at speed. Smoothness is key here since at speed, small inputs translate into big direction changes. Weight shifts cause instant changes in direction as well.
Road feel has been good, it rides with a sort of quiet hummm that really lets you know your moving. The frame is very damp vibration-wise. Those who are used to steel or Ti's ride will definately say the Talon is "dead" feeling.
Durability is very good, considering I was extremely concerned by this aspect. No major crashes, 2 falls and 1 drop and only 1 paint chip. The paint and coating are excellent, especially on
the "nude" stays and fork.
The other bikes I tested were the LeMond Buenos Aries and Tourmelet, Specialized S-Works Allez Comp, Giant TCR2 and Fuji Team.
Things I don't like about it are:
1) Not as light (weight-wise) as carbon "should" be
2) Stock areo-seatpost is heavy and slips (I've had to shim mine)
3) Graphics could be more understated
Things I love about it are:
1) Acceleration, acceleration, acceleration!
2) Feels very light and nimble on the road
3) Handles beautifully once you adapt
4) Kestrels are still rare birds on the bike rack
Overall, this is one great ride for the money!!
Just wanted to give a review of the first 6 months with my Kestrel Talon. I thought it might be useful, especially to those who have been inquiring about this bike.
I bought the bike this past March and have logged just under 700 miles on it. I have full Ultegra on it as well as Shimano's R-540 wheelset. Tires are Hutchinson Carbon Comps. The only non-Kestrel/Shimano parts are Look PP-396 Jalabert Pedals, Ritchey Pro Stem, Selle San Marco Concour Lite saddle and 3T bar.
The Talon has been every bit as pleasurable to ride and own as I thought it would be when I was deciding on it. It's very stiff when power is applied and really flies up hills and on sprints. The acceleration is instant...no preceived "lag" from effort to motion. I did not test ride a bike that could match the Talon in this respect. Going downhill is a joy as soon as you get used to how "light" the bike feels at speed. Smoothness is key here since at speed, small inputs translate into big direction changes. Weight shifts cause instant changes in direction as well.
Road feel has been good, it rides with a sort of quiet hummm that really lets you know your moving. The frame is very damp vibration-wise. Those who are used to steel or Ti's ride will definately say the Talon is "dead" feeling.
Durability is very good, considering I was extremely concerned by this aspect. No major crashes, 2 falls and 1 drop and only 1 paint chip. The paint and coating are excellent, especially on
the "nude" stays and fork.
The other bikes I tested were the LeMond Buenos Aries and Tourmelet, Specialized S-Works Allez Comp, Giant TCR2 and Fuji Team.
Things I don't like about it are:
1) Not as light (weight-wise) as carbon "should" be
2) Stock areo-seatpost is heavy and slips (I've had to shim mine)
3) Graphics could be more understated
Things I love about it are:
1) Acceleration, acceleration, acceleration!
2) Feels very light and nimble on the road
3) Handles beautifully once you adapt
4) Kestrels are still rare birds on the bike rack
Overall, this is one great ride for the money!!