Kestrel Talon SL

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Montlake Bike - Kirk

Favorite Ride:
STP (Seattle to Portland)

Bike Setup:
Upgraded wheels to Kysrium SSC SL's on the Talon SL with Ultega set. The SL's are awesome. Total weight with all components: 17.3 lbs. The SL FLIES!

Summary:
What a ride! Had too many problems with a K-2 alum/carbon bike so took a test ride on a 2006 Kestrel Talon. Couldn't see any appreciable difference. Then I rode the SL and UFF DA!! So much quicker it's all that and a bag 'o chips, comfy on the long runs too. Climbing is a breeze. While my buds are grinding away they look over shake their head as I glide to the front with a big grin. LOVE this bike!

Strengths:
Acceleration, light as a feather, responsive and nimble, a great climber.

Weaknesses:
Had a problem with the carbon aero seat post sliding down the tube. Kestrel is sending me a brand new 2008 SL frame!

Similar Products Used:
K-2 with Ksyrium Elite wheels.

Price Paid:  $2200.00 at friend

Favorite Ride:
Kestrel Talon SL

Bike Setup:
Full Dura Ace with Rolf Vector Pro wheelset

Summary:
Kestrel Talon SL is a very strong quick bike. I'm a big guy 220lbs and it can handle my bulk fine. I have the full Dura Ace package and Rolf Vector Pro Wheels that are strong but light enough to keep up with the guys.. I strongly endorse Kestrel products

Strengths:
Strength and quickness

Weaknesses:
none I've seen

Similar Products Used:
Trek 5500

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at bicycledoctor.com

Favorite Ride:
mt. diablo

Bike Setup:
Shimano Ultegra
Velomax Circuit

Summary:
This frame was just what I hoped for and expected! It is extremely stiff, but it doesn't beat you up. I came from a light stiff aluminum frame, but it beat me up on the rough roads that I ride on. This bike seems to combine the responsive, stiff feel that I need especially out of the saddle on climbs or power bursts with the shock absorption that allows me to keep on riding. The nude clear coat on the carbon fiber is gorgeous! This frame rocks. I also sweat an incredible amount so I'm looking forward to NOT corroding the aluminum through the paint as on my last Trek bike. As others have mentioned, the through cable routings are a mixed blessing. The bike looks very clean without cables running along the frame. On the other hand, the cables are quite noisy inside the frame and also on the side of the frame. Overall, I wish that the cables were routed in the traditional manner.
The frame is extremely light at 2.4 lbs and Kestrel says they are working on a sub 2 lb frame! The aero tube layout is cool and gets noticed by many other riders, but I wonder how much difference it makes at sub 30 mph speeds. I bought the frame through the internet (see above) for $300 below retail (bought 2004 frame at end of year although 2005 frame is identical). Also saved $150 on tax. I must say that although the construction quality of the frame is top notch and the value of the frame is high, I definitely do not like the fact that it is made in CHINA. I know that it probably doesn't matter, but I was not ready for a chinese frame. No offense intended to anyone, but it's how I feel. Anyway, it's still a great frame.

Strengths:
Rock solid stiff, great nude carbon fiber look and high vibration absorption. What more could you ask for?

Weaknesses:
Internal caqble routings = noisy

Similar Products Used:
Nothing similar. I have rode looks of carbon steel bikes and a Trek 2300 (light and stiff but no shock absorption)