Bike Setup: DA 9; Syntace Aero gruppo, Syntace C2 Clip. HED Jet 60, Zipp 404, HED-3 (depends on my mood). Use Alien seat post, Forte saddle
Summary: This is the most stable, fastest accelerating, bike I have owned. My previous saddle was a Zipp 2001. This bike blows the Zipp away. I've got well over 4000 miles on this frame. And with me weighing in at a consistent 210 lbs. the structural integrity of the frame is immaculate (minus a few chips in the paint from rocks). This bike just keeps taking me farther, faster, and longer. It does seem to prefer HED wheels over the Zipp wheels. But regardless the wheelset, I can still crank up the speed effortlessly.
I built this bike myself so I didn't see the retail costs some other folks have incurred.
Strengths: Smooth handling.
Solid, even on rough roads.
Fast.
comfortable.
Weaknesses: Tends to cause uncontrollable penile enlargement while riding.
Similar Products Used: Zipp
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Bike Setup: 2003 Black Fade 52cm KM40 Airfoil frame set w/ Kestrel Pro 650c Bladed carbon fork with Dura Ace bar end shifters, Profile Carbon X tri-bar setup, Ultegra cranks, derailleurs, HED DEEP rear 650c, HED Jet front 650c, carbon bladed seatpost and Flite saddle, XLab rear bottle/gadget holder.
Summary: I've been casing the KM40 since 1999... it is now April of 2003... After several years of dreaming of the KM40... ahhhh, yes, I finally own my very own!
It is a 2003 Black Fade 52cm KM40 Airfoil frame set w/ Kestrel Pro 650c Bladed carbon fork with Dura Ace bar end shifters, Ultegra cranks, derailleurs, HED DEEP rear 650c, HED Jet front 650c, carbon bladed seatpost and Flite saddle, XLab rear bottle/gadget holder.
It is a dream... started multisport racing last season... wanted nothing but the best. I have considered all of the big named tri-bike brands... nothing flipped me like the Kestrel KM40. I have been using my customized TCR with nice aero stuff but really wanted a tri-specific bike for racing in multisport events.
My wife road with me today and she said... "do you hear that... sounds like a whooshing sound when I ride pass her". I never notice until I angled my head to the direction of my path and heard it for myself... cool sound!
OK... here are some things I like about the KM40's performance:
1. Smooth! Gosh... now I now how harsh aluminum frames are now... this carbon fiber frame set is very smooth.
2. Noticeable more areo than my road bike.
3. first time out, 6 miles faster on the flats at my local training track... not as stiff on the climbs as my TCR but responds well... no complaints!
4. Made in the USA... my first... very nice quality make and materials
5. Sweet paint to caron weave paint job on the fram and a super kewl bladed 650c fork.
6. KEWL FACTOR... way up there... definitely an eye catcher.
7. My wheel set (HED DEEP rear and HED Jet front) works well and looks great with this frame set... it was used in older model KM40's... so I stuck with the same set... I like them... although they are even more deep dished then my spinergies... I do not get the side wind hits like the Spinergy's Rev-X's. Very fast!
8. Lastly, Kestrel is a first class manufacturer... to Troy at the CA headquarters... thanks for the highest customer service I ever experienced from anyone... EVER!... I feel very good about the quality of the people who make KESTREL successful. THANKS!
Like the previous rider who rated this bike... I too was fortunate enough to afford this bike not at retail... as built, it would have easily been over $4,500 but got it for nearly half that... I still believe it is worth the price... just work hard to find the best deal.
I had a great triathlon outfitter custom build and fit the bike for me (Wheelie Fun in Lebanon, Ohio) Make sure to get the best bike dudes to work on it so you can have the best fit for this bike.
So... what are you waiting for? Ah, it's ok to dream like I did... when you finally have one... you'll have a smile from ear-to-ear!
RIDE ON!!!
Rich in Cincinnati
Strengths: Fast and comfortable... I estimate about 80% less fatigue in rides 25 miles plus compare to my TCR.
Weaknesses: I can only afford one!
Similar Products Used: Demo'd all major brands... including aluminum, steel and carbons.
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Bike Setup: Shimano Ultegra-Dura Ace Gruppo
Profile-Design Carbon X aerobar
HED. 3 Wheels,Conti clinchers
USE Aero Carbon seatpost
LOOK CX-7 pedals
Selle Italia Max Flite Trans Am
X-Lab Saddlewing system
Summary: It´s very nice to write about such a great bike as this one. When you ride it for the first time, you simply can´t believe the incredible confort. I usually ride through broken-pavement roads, and this bike makes the difference. Surprisingly, it climbs pretty well and feels nice on out-of-the-saddle sprints.
Very aero, looks fast standing still. Mine is 52cm, which fortunately, fits me perfectly. No problem with the paint so far (4500 miles). I also own a Kestrel Talon with road set-up, not as shock absorbing as this one, in spite of being the same type of carbon fiber. The seat-tubeless design could be an important factor. Congratulations, Kestrel guys!!!
Strengths: Soaks bumps and vibration superbly
Very aero
Great looking
Your friend´s dream bike
Weaknesses: Not enough sizes (52 and 56cm only)
Could be a bit lighter, but it´s OK anyway
A bit pricey,but worth every penny you spend
Similar Products Used: Kestrel Talon (road set-up, Dura Ace, Kestrel Carbon handlebar, USE Carbon Alien seatpost, Look Carbostem, Zipp 303, Conti clinchers, Look 396 pedals, Shimano Flight Deck, Selle Italia Max Flite Trans
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Bike Setup: CAMPAGNOLO C-RECORD GROUPPO, ZIPP DISK (REAR), 440 DEEP WHEEL (FRONT), FLITE TITANIUM SADDLE, SYNCRO
Summary: I PURCHASED MY KM-40 EMS IN 1990 AND THERE WERE ONLY A HANDFUL THAT WERE MADE WITH EMS MATERIAL. AFTER ALMOST 13 YEARS AND THOUSANDS OF MILES LATER, THE BIKE PERFORMS PERFECTLY.
Strengths: THE STRENGTH TO WEIGHT RATIO. THE BIKE SPRINTS UP THE ACCENTS AND FLIES DOWN THE DECENTS.
Weaknesses: NONE, EVEN AFTER 13 YEARS!
Similar Products Used: THIS IS MY FIRST TRIATHLON/IRONMAN BIKE SETUP
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Bike Setup: It's built with all Ultegra except for Dura Ace shifters and rear derailleur. Syntace bars, Cane Cre
Summary: This bike was sized and built to my specs and I must say, it is damn comfortable and smooth riding. It's very fast as well. I felt better practicing transitions on this bike than on my aluminum frame. My bike time and run time will both benefit from this purchase. Hopefully this bike will last a while.
Strengths: • very light
• carbon frame absorbs bumps nicley
• aero shape
• very, very fast
• comfortable on long rides
Weaknesses: • price, but you're paying for quality.
This thing is top of the line.
Similar Products Used: This is my first high-end tri bike or hi-end anything for the road. Prior to this purchase I rode a Specialzed Allez Sport.
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