Kuota Kalibur

Price Paid:  $3700.00 at TrySports Raleigh, N

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Duke 1/2 IronMan course

Bike Setup:
XL Frame
Full Dura Ace 7900 components
180 Crank Arms
12/27 cassette
Reynolds Strike race wheels
Cobra Carbon Wing and Carbon T2 Bars
Xlab rear hydration system

Summary:
NOTE: This review is for a 2009 Kuota Kalibur. Let me start by saying I purchased this bike at half off standard retail at TrySports in Raleigh, NC through a relationship they had with the group who was sponsoring me for 2009. I looked at all the usual suspects while shopping for my first truly Tri Specific bike and ended up going with the Kalibur for two main reasons: stiffness and stability. The bike tranfers power effortlessly and I don't feel anything is being wasted. I use 180 crankarms and once they spin up to speed the power generated is incredible. Tracking-wise the bike handles beautifully. It goes where you want it to without anything funny going on. Down in aero or up off the saddle it delivers great speed and true tracking. The Nude/Red/White paint scheme is awesome! So happy I didn't get the all Nude model. I just completed the Beach2Battleship 1/2 Ironman and through mile 35 I was over 3.6mph faster than last year at the same point (if not for being so overzealous and underhydrated - bonking on a bike? crazy! - I would have destroyed my previous years time). It was so much fun clicking off rider after rider that first hour and a half. If you are in Raleigh, NC don't hesitate to call Jon Wallace at TrySports for a test ride. His team is really knows the Kuota line and they all race. (I do NOT work for TrySports) What a great bike!

Strengths:
The Kalibur offers excellent bottom bracket stiffness. There is just hardly any flex at all. The acceleration, out of the saddle climbing and handling, are all fantastic. You just have to ride one to feel what I'm saying. Don't downplay the handling. On this bike it particularly stands out. It tracks perfectly at high speeds and is very stable and smooth. The fit and finish of the bike is also excellent. Paint, graphics, joins are all without blemish. It is a beautiful ride all the way around.

Weaknesses:
Having only had the bike for four weeks prior to the race I really didn't have time to dial everything in. It had issues downshifting at times. To be fair I did upgrade the entire drivetrain to Dura Ace 7900 so it really isn't fair to say something is wrong with the setup its just timing I guess. Oh, I will be changing saddles. The factory model just wore me out last weekend. I think I'll look at the Adamo line.

Similar Products Used:
Cervelo, Specialized, Kestrel and Fuji (though that Matt Reed model is the bomb!)

Price Paid:  $2500.00 at Cycle City (Kansas C

Favorite Ride:
Any smooth road

Bike Setup:
"Medium" Size Frame
Dura Ace Shifters
Dura Ace Rear Der
Ultegra Front Der
Ultegra Brake Calipers
Kuota K03 (SRAM) carbon cranks
Profile Design T2 OS stem/bullhorn/aero bars
Profile Design 052 brake levers
Mavic Krsyrium Elites
Selle San Marco Triron seat

Summary:
I have the 2009 K-Factor SL. For the money, you can not beat this bike. The Kueen and Kalibur are (a little) lighter and stiffer, but a lot more expensive. This is great back if you lack hamstring flexibility (like a lot of cyclists according to my chiropractor). It's a fairly relaxed geometry due to a longish head tube, which is great when transitioning to the run or racing anything longer than Olympic distance. My LBS did a fairly intensive fitting for me, so I had zero neck/shoulder pain that you usually experience with a new bike. (I highly recommend getting professionaly fitted...it's worth any extra cost). For a tri bike, it climbs very well (again the relatively relaxed geometry has a lot to do with this). I went up some 5% grades and didn't leave my aero bars. The only weakness is frame flex, which may be a sacrifice for light weight/good price. I notice frame flex most on the trainer...didn't notice it while actually riding. The Kueen and Kalibur are probably stiffer due to a higher grade carbon. My overall rating is 4.75...would be a 5 if the frame was stiffer.
If you live near Kansas City, go to City Cycles...they upgraded components w/o bustin' my bank account. I am NOT affiliated with City Cycles, but as someone that moves a lot I always appreciate getting the low down on good bike shops.

Strengths:
Light
Price
Geometry (somewhat relaxed)
Plush ride (even by road bike standards)
Looks mean (nude carbon)
Aero seat post looks cool
Climbs well

Weaknesses:
Frame flex (needs to be stiffer)
Geometry (somewhat relaxed...if you prefer agressive, you may need a different bike).

Similar Products Used:
Colnago Cronos (agressive geometry)
Trek 5200 Road Bike (OCLV, stiff carbon)

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Price Paid:  $0.00 at Cycling Concepts, Ro

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Timberman Triathlon, New Hampshire & Pleasant Valley Time Trial Series

Bike Setup:
I'm running SRAM Red with ZIPP 606 wheels. Speedplay X1 Titanium pedals.

Summary:
This frame responds when you want it too.It's stiff and transfers power when you want it. When you get this bike moving, you fly. The bike looks so hot that the event organizer actually refered to the bike as evil.

Strengths:
Stiff and responsive.

Weaknesses:
There was some interference within the cable housing that is in the downtube that prevented smooth shifting to the rear derailler so it had to be removed.

Price Paid:  $5000.00 at Bonzai Sports

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Rolling Hills

Bike Setup:
I dressed this bike out in full durace components, Vision handle bars & aero bars, Look Keo carbon pedals, Selle Italia Signo saddle, carbon hydro tail & cages, & fulcrum 5 racing wheels (wheels to be upgraded for racing).

Summary:
First, my bike is an '08 but that wasn't an option on the review choices. I am still relatively new to triathloning (1 year) but love the sport and serious about training. I've tested many tri-bikes prior to purchasing my Kalibur.
I literally drove the bike shops crazy but I wanted to be 100% certain I've made the right choice---and I'm confident I have!
Immediately upon test riding the '08 Kalibur, there was no doubt this would be the bike of choice. It is stiff but at the same time very smooth. I've listened to all the hype leading up to my purchase in how tri-bikes sacrifice comfort on long rides. Truthfully, my Kuota is much more comfortable on long rides than my road bike--hands down!
This bike is what I consider to be a confidence-builder. The precision and stiffness of this bike allow me to feel way more confident and in control while descending at higher speeds.
I could not ask for anything more in a bike, it truthfully delivers what it promises...not to mention it is HOT looking!

Strengths:
Excellent stiffness and geometry. Delivers a smooth, comfortable ride over long distances. An excellent bike of choice for triathletes. Leaves legs fresh after every ride!

Weaknesses:
None of which I've experienced thus far. A

Similar Products Used:
Tested similarily to Orbea and Cervelo P3 (in my opinion).

Price Paid:  $0.00 at goforitsports.com

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
any

Bike Setup:
dura ace drive train, easton base bar, oval concepts clip ons, fsa carbon compact cranks, zero gravity SS brakes

Summary:
1st a brief background- I have been competing in Triathlon for over 12 years, and have raced very competitively in everything from sprint to Ironman (3 time Kona qualifier out of 4 attempts). I also am a certified coach. I have raced on, trained on and/or tested a high number of bikes. I chose the kuota because of it's high build quality, neutral positioning, and balanced geometry.
After 2 months and 2500 miles of testing and racing, I can tell you that this bike delivers on all that it promises. The bike has excellent stiffness at the bottom bracket and head tube. This creates a great platform for acceleration, out of the saddle climbing and handling. Handling particularly stands out- the bike tracks perfectly at high speeds and sharp turns. Very stable and smooth. I was a very good downhiller before, now I am much faster.
One often overlooked aspect of a Tri bike, is how it leaves you for the run. I was surprised at how much difference there was. My legs feel so much fresher than on any other bike I have ridden- no more 2-3 mile transition to running, I am ready to go from the moment I step off.
If you are already riding a top end bike, don't expect a large improvement in your bike time- unless you are riding a technical course- such as Wildflower, but do expect a big gain in overall performance, particularly on the run.
I have looked at them all- literally, and I firmly believe this is the best all around bike on the market- at any price.

Strengths:
Neutral position allows a good fit for a large number of athletes. Head tube and BB design- amazing handling and acceleration. Great ride "feel". Light weight- mine built up at 14.5 lbs with race wheels in a small frame.

Weaknesses:
sizing- like most carbon bikes, sizes are limited- they cover a good range, so there is a good chance you can get one that will fit, but...size matters!