Description Combine the ultra-light weight and magic-carpet ride of Kestrel's coveted EMS line of frames with the agile handling and explosive acceleration of the Talon. The result: the Talon SL. By employing a s...
Bike Setup: Full Dura Ace 7800, Mavic Askium Wheels, Cane Creek Brakes.
Summary: I bought a new 2008 Kestrel Talon SL in April of 2009. I loved the bike. It performed like no bike I ever rode, incredibly smooth and fast! Averaging 20mph on this bike is practically effortless. I had no problem keeping up on grous rides, and in the two months of overship had done several long rides as well. It was truly a joy.
And then, last week, I experienced a frame issue. The front derailuer cable stop, that mounts to the downtube went down into the body of the frame after I attempted to shift to the large front chaingring on the street in front of my house. I heard a pop, and my shifter no longer worked. Upon inspection of the cable, I had a hole in the fram where the cable stop once was.
After taking the bike to a LBS (certified Kestrel Dealer), they notified me that the frame needs to go back to Kestrel for their evaluation of the damage. The mechanic told me he's never seen anything like the damage in his years at the shop. It seems like a freak break that hopefully Kestrel will warranty. More to come on this.
Strengths: Lightweight, Fast, Comfortable to ride, especially on long distances.
Bike Setup: Full Ultegra, FSA Compact Crank, Shimano Wheels, Specialized Carbon Seat post and Terry Fly Saddle.
Summary: My Talon SL is simply sweet. When I need to put down the hammer it flies. When I need to climb it never lets me down. It is smooth over the roughest roads, and it is responsive when I need to carve through the turns. And it is a beautiful bike to look at as well.
Strengths: Areo for a road bike. Stiff bottom bracket. Great value for the dollar.
Weaknesses: I haven't really discovered any.
Similar Products Used: Novarra AL 6 frame with carbon fork and seat stays.
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Bike Setup: FSA compact crank, Shimano Ultegra derailer/shifters, Shimano Wheels and hubs, specialized carbon post.
Summary: I have put 4,000 miles on my Talon SL this past year. It is smooth and responsive. I rarely have to get out of the big ring because it just cooks along on inclines, and it eats up ground when cruising the flats. I have very little road chatter even with the roughest roads, and when I hit good payment it feels like butter. To top it off, it is a beautiful bike and it is a great value compared to it's competitors.
Strengths: Weight and stiffness.
Weaknesses: It's too beautiful a bike to take a fall.
Similar Products Used: Trek 1000 and REI Novarro AL6 frame with carbon fork.
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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.
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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
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