Narrowing down my new RB choice...

Jaguar27 said:

I'm presently riding a Cannondale CAAD 4...I've been looking, mainly online unfortunately, due to time constraints, at buying a new Bike..yes, I KNOW I should be riding them...

I've found an 04 Kestrel Talon SL, full dura ace, Ksyrium SSL wheels...for $3000, brand new...

But then again, there's the six13, Colnago, Opera and a Bike I never knew about untill last week, the Argon 18...a Canadian company...

Basically, I don't have the Knowledge, or time, to build a Custom Bike and I want a Bike I'll never have to upgrade....apart from initially maybe changing some stuff for a proper fit...

Plus, I was measured for a 55cm frame, for the Kestrel, but I feel more comfy on a 57....

I know you're gonna tell me to ride them all but most of the LBS in our area either only have frames (hard to test-ride), bikes that are not in my size, or no bikes at all "we'll have to order one".... 🙁

But how does the Kestrel SL sound? 😕

Thanx in advance for any advice...

Sounds like a good way to throw $3000 down a rathole.If the Cadle fits, at least you have a basis for comparative geometry measurements. Or would you rather have a poll of lame guesses and lamer opinion.?

boudreaux said:

Sounds like a good way to throw $3000 down a rathole.If the Cadle fits, at least you have a basis for comparative geometry measurements. Or would you rather have a poll of lame guesses and lamer opinion.?

Thanks boudreux, but could you be a little more specific?

What type of riding do you want to do? Crits, centuries, ... Do you want traditional or compact? What frame material do you fancy? Kestrel, C-dale, Specialized, Pinarello, Colnago, Opera make fine bikes. So do Litespeed, Merlin, Trek, LeMond, Argon, Aegis, and a host of others.

You can get a decent bike for 3K, especially if it is production where the manufacturer gets a discount on components and wheels. But ... I'd get a better frame than the Talon rather than get DA. To me, the best bang for your buck is the best frame/fork you can afford, a very good wheelset and an Ultegra-9 build.

Best.

Thanks for the reply...
I typicaly do around 100 miles per week, depending on the time I have to spend riding...or more sometimes...either road or paved trail...depending on the Traffic...

I was actually focusing on Ultegra to be honest, I really don't need D/A...

It may sound stupid (because it is), but I like the look of the Talon Frame..and I know that's not a good reason to choose a Bike...but I do like the feel of Carbon...Opera also looks really nice...

I'm 48, so I guess it's too late to start racing...so comfort comes before speed...

I just LOVE to ride, what can I say??

Thanks again!!

CycleFreakLS said:

What type of riding do you want to do? Crits, centuries, ... Do you want traditional or compact? What frame material do you fancy? Kestrel, C-dale, Specialized, Pinarello, Colnago, Opera make fine bikes. So do Litespeed, Merlin, Trek, LeMond, Argon, Aegis, and a host of others.

You can get a decent bike for 3K, especially if it is production where the manufacturer gets a discount on components and wheels. But ... I'd get a better frame than the Talon rather than get DA. To me, the best bang for your buck is the best frame/fork you can afford, a very good wheelset and an Ultegra-9 build.

Best.