The Talon is a road bike.

$2200 is too much, there is a shop near me selling a full Ultegra - including wheels - Talon for $1760 - it's a 2003 model, red 55cm.

I was very close to getting the SL, but the fit wasn't right.

Seems like your riding buddies are hung up on the multi-piece construction - their loss, it's a great bike.

TheTalon is great for a road bike, because it is a great road bike! I don't know about the prices, but I'm thinking since they've come out with the SL, you could get a good deal on one of the standard (heavier) 2003 models. As far as manufacturing quality...the epoxy they use in this two-piece bike is stronger than the rest of the bike...your friend's worries are misplaced.

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Quid quid latine dictum sit altum videtur
(That which is said in Latin sounds profound)

I agree with what everyone else has said however I would say agree that the price is high for this time of year. Just to give a comaprison I saw a Giant composite with nice mavic wheels, carbon adn metal stem, carbon seat post, Ultegra, a really nice saddle which I can't remember, ergo handle bars for the exact same amount of money. Talon is a nice bike but you should be able to get the same bike for less or get a better bike for that money.

Kestrel makes fine bikes. $2200 seems pretty high, but if it's from a supportive shop and you'll get free tune-ups I'd say go for it. If it's a lousy shop look elsewhere.

Buy it and freak your roady friends out!

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I don't work here, I just live here

I have had my kestrel talon for 2 years now. I am very happy with it. It has been ridden alot, and hard by a 210lb rider. It has held up really good. Fast on the downhills, comforatable on long rides, somewhat light, aerodynamic, and has a setpost with back and forward settings. I think it is a great value for the price. You could probably find one now for under $2000. Missionbaymultisport.com? nytro?

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A good friend of mine purchased a Talon this year with pursuit bars/tri setup & has loved the bike(plus he got alot faster vs his prior basic 25+Lb Trek). It looks fast just standing still & rides even better.

I was looking into getting a Talon recently but found a screaming deal on a Giant TCR1 Composite(which is also a fantastic bike) & jumped at that instead.

One of the best priced Kestrels that I found online was from Steve @ Bicycle Doctor~ http://www.bloomington.in.us/~bikedoc/ Steve will email you a listing of prices & will build it up exactly how you want it(such as mixing in some Dura-Ace components or swapping wheelsets). I still might end up buying an SL from him in 2004 if the economy continues to improve(a man can never have too many bikes).

Good luck-

DIG