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86 Posts
I ordered a Kestrel Talon TSR 1.0 from BikesDirect (SRAM Red) in mid-June. The bike actually shipped earlier than the anticipated 7/15 date that had been posted. I received it on 7/13. The packaging appeared adequate. The box had one area that was smashed in, but there was no damage to anything inside.
All components appeared as expected. The finish on the frame was much better than I anticipated -- really beautiful finish and decaling, IMHO. I have to say, it's a head-turner when I've had it out.
Assembly was as expected with one exception: the sleeve nut that receives the through bolt of the front brake assembly (through the fork) was too short to actually get the threads of the brake bolt started. After some careful measurements checking, it was too short. I contacted BikesDirect service and received a reply in about 24 hours indicating that they would send a replacement if needed, but I replaced at no charge at LBS (they swapped out the one I received for a longer one -- stay friendly with your LBS!!).
LBS gave a thorough check-out and tune up of the headset, crank, derailleurs and brakes. The front wheel of the Vuelta set had some wobble and needed to be trued.
I have about ~200 miles on it so far. Very different ride than my previous Trek 2.3 (which I loved). It's taken a little to get all the fit and adjustments dialed in. Now it feels like 'my' bike. Selle San Marco saddle that came with it was yuk. Replaced with Specialized Avatar 143 from previous bike. So far, I've been using the Kestrel aero seat tube. Seems fine.
Will be re-wrapping the handlebars. The bar tape that came on it feels cheap and plasticky. It actually makes a 'snapping' sound when sliding my hands back against the wrap direction on the bars. Annoying. Will get some nice Fizik or Profile Designs cork/gel tape on it. Jury is still out on the Richey bars. Not quite used to the flat spot in the middle of the drops. They seem short, like the bar should extend out more at the end of the drops. I find them kind of dorky looking, too, but that's just preference.
The bike is fast, fast, fast. Climbs really well. Vuelta wheelset seems to be very smooth. Of course, I LOVE the SRAM Red grupo, which was one of the prime reasons I purchased. Extremely sure shifting, even under climbing load. Had Ultegra on the Trek, and this is much more solid feeling and I find the double-tap mechanism very intuitive and enjoyable. SRAM is definitely a noisier ride than the Shimano, but I knew that going in and it doesn't bother me. The benefits far outweigh the extra noise, but again, that's personal preference.
All in all, this is a very positive experience. I feel like I got excellent value for the spend. It's my second purchase from BikesDirect (got my wife's bike there, too - a Moto Gigi Pro). Service and follow-through has been excellent, beating expectations. I am very pleased with the quality of the Kestrel so far. I would do it again. Picture attached.
For reference, I'm 6'0" / 205# and got a 57 frame. I do not really race, but ride multiple events and a time trial or two. Have about 2000 mi on so far this season, including a couple of events near home, and a century out west.
Happy trails.
All components appeared as expected. The finish on the frame was much better than I anticipated -- really beautiful finish and decaling, IMHO. I have to say, it's a head-turner when I've had it out.
Assembly was as expected with one exception: the sleeve nut that receives the through bolt of the front brake assembly (through the fork) was too short to actually get the threads of the brake bolt started. After some careful measurements checking, it was too short. I contacted BikesDirect service and received a reply in about 24 hours indicating that they would send a replacement if needed, but I replaced at no charge at LBS (they swapped out the one I received for a longer one -- stay friendly with your LBS!!).
LBS gave a thorough check-out and tune up of the headset, crank, derailleurs and brakes. The front wheel of the Vuelta set had some wobble and needed to be trued.
I have about ~200 miles on it so far. Very different ride than my previous Trek 2.3 (which I loved). It's taken a little to get all the fit and adjustments dialed in. Now it feels like 'my' bike. Selle San Marco saddle that came with it was yuk. Replaced with Specialized Avatar 143 from previous bike. So far, I've been using the Kestrel aero seat tube. Seems fine.
Will be re-wrapping the handlebars. The bar tape that came on it feels cheap and plasticky. It actually makes a 'snapping' sound when sliding my hands back against the wrap direction on the bars. Annoying. Will get some nice Fizik or Profile Designs cork/gel tape on it. Jury is still out on the Richey bars. Not quite used to the flat spot in the middle of the drops. They seem short, like the bar should extend out more at the end of the drops. I find them kind of dorky looking, too, but that's just preference.
The bike is fast, fast, fast. Climbs really well. Vuelta wheelset seems to be very smooth. Of course, I LOVE the SRAM Red grupo, which was one of the prime reasons I purchased. Extremely sure shifting, even under climbing load. Had Ultegra on the Trek, and this is much more solid feeling and I find the double-tap mechanism very intuitive and enjoyable. SRAM is definitely a noisier ride than the Shimano, but I knew that going in and it doesn't bother me. The benefits far outweigh the extra noise, but again, that's personal preference.
All in all, this is a very positive experience. I feel like I got excellent value for the spend. It's my second purchase from BikesDirect (got my wife's bike there, too - a Moto Gigi Pro). Service and follow-through has been excellent, beating expectations. I am very pleased with the quality of the Kestrel so far. I would do it again. Picture attached.
For reference, I'm 6'0" / 205# and got a 57 frame. I do not really race, but ride multiple events and a time trial or two. Have about 2000 mi on so far this season, including a couple of events near home, and a century out west.
Happy trails.