Thanks to those who provided input.
I rode about 20 miles on each on Saturday. Both bikes are very nice. I would be happy to own either one. Here's how it went:
Giant: Handling was unbelievable. I was instantly a better bike handler. It really inspired confidence riding in the group. The bike I rode came with the cheap shimano wheels (Rolf low spoke knock offs). The wheels were a bit flexy on climbs. I would have had to swap the wheels for sure. Ride was comfortable. If I were looking for a road bike only, this would be it. It is an absolute steal at $2K with full Ultegra and pedals.
Kestrel: Handling was a bit more stable than the Giant. In then end, this was the deciding factor. I felt like the Giant would be a bit too twitchy with a set of aerobars. The Kestrel seemed to track a bit straighter with less effort. Again, the handling on the Giant was very nice and I would have chosen it instead of the Kestrel if I wasn't going to put a set of aerobars on the bike. The blue Kestrel is beautiful. They really did a good job with that color. Internal cable routing is a plus. Also, the velomax circuit comp wheels were preferable to the wheels on the Giant.
The Kestrel was 250 bucks more than the Giant and so was a bit less bang for the buck but it fit the bill for me (one bike for TT and roadie group rides).
I don't think that anybody would be dissapointed with either of these bikes. Quality is outstanding and they both ride like a dream.
Mike P.
I rode about 20 miles on each on Saturday. Both bikes are very nice. I would be happy to own either one. Here's how it went:
Giant: Handling was unbelievable. I was instantly a better bike handler. It really inspired confidence riding in the group. The bike I rode came with the cheap shimano wheels (Rolf low spoke knock offs). The wheels were a bit flexy on climbs. I would have had to swap the wheels for sure. Ride was comfortable. If I were looking for a road bike only, this would be it. It is an absolute steal at $2K with full Ultegra and pedals.
Kestrel: Handling was a bit more stable than the Giant. In then end, this was the deciding factor. I felt like the Giant would be a bit too twitchy with a set of aerobars. The Kestrel seemed to track a bit straighter with less effort. Again, the handling on the Giant was very nice and I would have chosen it instead of the Kestrel if I wasn't going to put a set of aerobars on the bike. The blue Kestrel is beautiful. They really did a good job with that color. Internal cable routing is a plus. Also, the velomax circuit comp wheels were preferable to the wheels on the Giant.
The Kestrel was 250 bucks more than the Giant and so was a bit less bang for the buck but it fit the bill for me (one bike for TT and roadie group rides).
I don't think that anybody would be dissapointed with either of these bikes. Quality is outstanding and they both ride like a dream.
Mike P.