Bike Setup: Kestrel 200 EMS frame/fork w/Ruby Weave finish. Dura Ace 9 spd. Race wheels: Mavic Cosmic Elite. Training wheels: 32 spoke Dura Ace hubs w/Venus Sun rims.
Summary: Went from Alum Javelin w/Trek carbon fork, which was a very solid bike, to Kestrel 200 EMS frame and fork and Dura Ace gruppo. The steep geometry lets the 200 EMS handle like a jet fighter, but it's not so steep that it's "twitchy." The power transfer is so flawless that when you stomp on the pedals you are wondering if the bike will shoot out from between your legs and maim a spectator. Despite the stiffness, the road chatter is almost nil since the carbon absorbs the lesser bumps. The unspoken benefit to this is the improvement to handling b/c your tires stick to the road better. I live in Colorado and comparing the downhill handling of the Kestrel to other bikes on the same course makes the differences obvious. It's the same theory as full suspension mtbike. This is the bike for riding both crits or 4 hour road races.
Strengths: Smooth ride; crystal ruby clear coat over carbon weave; terrific power transfer; fearless handling.
Weaknesses: Finish doesn't chip as fast as my old 200 (1991), but still chips.
Similar Products Used: Kestrel 200, Klein Quantum 2, Javelin Lobo, Litespeed Classic.
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Favorite Ride: Drafting behind a 230 lb Clydesdale
Summary: I love this bike. It is truly a dream machine. The ride is smooth. The bike is light.
Strengths: Customer service is slow but more than fair. I bought the bike in 1992 and in the summer of 2001 the seat tube binder broke. Because of the lifetime warranty, the entire frame and fork was replaced (the design was changed in in the mid-90's--no need to worry). However, it took a full month to get the replacement.
Weaknesses: None except for price.
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Bike Setup: I have Campy Record 10 speed setup with Rolf vector pro wheels.
Summary: This is the best road bike you could buy - unique brand - amazing ride (beats the big-brand knock offs the Posties ride). I ride about 2,000 miles/year, training and recreational rides. You don't need to be a racer to own and appreciate the abilities of this bike.
If you're in the market for a light, strong, responsive road bike, test ride it. You won't be disappointed. You may be tempted however, by their newer 300ems - even lighter - at around 2.2lbs. The best gets better!
Strengths: This bike has an amazing ride - smooth yet strong, light and responsive. As a light rider, I can fly up hills with this one. With a carbon fiber body - it doesn't beat me up. I train/ride in the bay area - and on long rides and climbs, this bike absorbs the road so I keep fresh.
Weaknesses: This bike makes me push my limits to see if I can find the limits of the bike. So far - the bike has always won. Besides that - the cost of owning takes a bit of commitment to put down the money. So while it may not be the best "value" - once you make the purchase, you won't regret it!
Similar Products Used: None
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Bike Setup: Campagnolo 9-speed Ergo Record. Spinergy SPOX. Terry Fly (great saddle).
Summary: I really did my homework on this one (I'm not made of gold, so the price was a major issue & I'm a librarian, which means I'm obsessive about the details). I made the right choice. Road buzz from aluminum & steel (even 853- which my other bike is) wore me down after a while- though I didn't notice. My 30+ daily rides & 70+ week-enders are less taxing. & the little things: like when I hammer down. Instead of hearing a metallic clank I hear a soft thud. I like that- as if all of my energy is going toward propelling the bicycle. My average speed has gone from 18.5 to hovering just under 20. A caveat: I purchased complete w/ Spinergy SPOX & carbon post. These reduce road vibrations also, so a standard setup might not be quite so muted. Truly bottom line: I love this bike. It's like riding a dream. If you can find it in your heart to spend tons of money on a bicycle, this is definately worth taking for a test ride for an afternoon.
Strengths: Extremely light. Very stable. Stiff. Smooth. Beautiful.
Weaknesses: Even though it's lighter, the larger bulk of the frame (compared to my steel) makes it seem less manoeuverable on climbs & sprints. I'm fairly sure I'll get over it in time, so it's not really a product weakness.
Similar Products Used: Trek 5200 (pretty nice), KHS Aero (my second bike), Trek 1200 (a terrible mistake)
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
5 of 5
5 of 5
4 of 5
