A few weeks back there was a thread on Gear West in Long Lake, MN. I just wanted to follow up briefly on that thread. I purchased a Kestrel Talon from them this week. Now, you are not going to mistake me for Tim DeBoom any time soon, or even Jurgen Zack. I don't look anything like a typical triathlete. The staff at Gear West, especially Jono, gave me the VIP treatment. They were all curteous, knowledgable, and I dare say fun.

This purchase came at the end of an 18 month series of questions, and emails, and phone calls, and drop ins. Through the whole process they displayed the characteristics I listed above. Heck, they hung with me better than my real estate agent, and while the Talon isn't cheap, it's a bit less than our house.

So, for what it's worth - I think they're a great shop. Not only do they (as someone already pointed out) sponsor nearly every single mutlisport event in Minnesota, but they are a good group of folks.