Bike Setup: Bike was a build after selling my Kestrel frame set. Using the Time ASX Crank set and Pedals, Dura Ace group and wheel set, FSA Carbon Bars, Ritchey WCS stem and Fork, Thomson Post, Selle Italia Saddle.
Summary: This bike handles great at high speeds (I have had it at 60mph+ many times, forgiving in the bumps like full carbon should be, plenty stiff enough for the climbs. Good geometry, stable in the corners, including under hard braking.
This frame has served me well, KHS is a smaller company that spent the time and money to offer "one" really good carbon frame. Building this bike up has made the real difference in performance compared to its "off the showroom" counter parts.
Strengths: Very comfortable ride. Good geometry.
Weaknesses: Could use a stiffer front end.
Similar Products Used: 07 Kestrel Evoke
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Summary: Note my earlier review (below) was inaccurate. The frame is 100% carbon, not a carbon-alu mix as I had thought. See the comment I posted. Sorry for the confusion! This is a great bike!
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Summary: Bought the frame and Alpha Q GS10 fork new, built it up with a full SRAM Force group, Deda Newton stem and bar, Thomson Elite seat post, my old Look pedals and Selle Italia seat. Wheels are Mavic Open Pro rims laced to Dura Ace hubs, with 36 spokes in the rear 'cause I'm a big boy now.
LOVE the bike. Stiff but way more comfortable than my old alu bike. Faster steering but it also feels more stable, an unexpected combination. I use the bike for training and for centuries, no racing (except for the first-one-up-the-hill variety) so ultimate light weight isn't my priority (as you can tell from my choice of wheels). This frame, a 50:50 mix of carbon (fork and rear triangle) and aluminum (top, steering, down tubes)is a very good compromise for the kind of riding I do.
I'm delighted by the Force group.
All in all, an idiosyncratic build that suits me fine. Limited sex appeal ("KHS who?"), but the frame is very well finished and a delight to build. Highly recommended.
Strengths: Comfort combined with strength.
Responsiveness combined with stability.
Good finish.
Love the Force, may it be with you, too.
Fabulous value.
Weaknesses: Doesn't impress my Pinarello and Bianchi/Ducati-riding mates!
The stigma of low price.
Summary: The 2007 model comes with Dura Ace cranks. I have changed the saddle to a Selle Italia SLR. Will be changing the bars from FSA to EA70s as well. Shorter reach and I think the bend starts earlier even though it is a lower drop than FSA. The bike is great to ride. With the right bars I think it will be a great set up. It's not super light but has not failed me doing races and short sprints. Came with American Classic wheels and 700X25 tyres which I may not use as I train with a powertap and have a set of deep section Gippemme wheel for good races.
Strengths: Dura Ace shifters and rear derailer.
Weaknesses: Not super light.
Similar Products Used: Scott CR1 with 105.
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