I want to buy a kestrel airfoil pro frameset but I’m not sure if they are planning any changes for 2008 because obviously I would hold off. Has anyone heard anything?
I hear they are making some changes. Anyone hear anything?? Maybe a comeback!
Kestrel was just recently purchased by Fuji. Anyone have any insights on how the Kestrel brand will fair under Fuji … will it even remain Kestrel? Will the continue to put the same investment into engineering they did before just as Kestrel?
I ran into a few of the Kestrel guys in Kona just a day or two after they were let go from the CA office, but we didn’t speak too much about it.
Great bikes, would hate to see them disappear.
Dennis
Joe -
check your PM.
Dennis
I saw this on triathletemag. A new airfoil, same bike jsut a little lighter. Kind of diappointing that they didnt change anything other than weight.
.JPG)
I believe either Preston (Sandusky) or the guy from Fuji who now handles the Kestrel product line posted that new material, seat post, etc. were some of the things they were looking to change. This Airfoil Pro model has only been out perhaps 3 years? They probably can’t afford to change it yet until they have recouped the cost of these molds. Cosmetic and weight refinements are typical steps in maximizing the usage of the same molds.
I’d like to know if they have any changes for 2008 before I go ahead and get a Talon.
So tell me this, knowing there hasn’t been changes with the Talon (they already did their weight saving move to the SL version a few years ago), why would changes on the AirFoil Pro be a prerequisite? The AirFoil Pro is a newer design, so it seems a bit odd that if they don’t have anything new you will go with a product that has even an older design? What am I missing here?
It’s hard to see from the picture, does this new frame have the aero seatpost? Is this the mold that is 3 years old and repainted?
The bikes for '08, and the changes to them, were pretty much set in stone before Fuji/ASI purchased Kestrel. So, what you’re seeing for the coming year has really not felt the influence from the new ownership. Most of the changes are on the backend from a pricing, availability, and marketing perspective. I had the pleasure of meeting their Nat’l sales Mgr yesterday, and I came away feeling very good about their plans for the brand, all of which will make triathletes quite happy.
The Talon, while an older design, is still an amazing value, very aero, and a great all-around bike for those who prefer a dual purpose machine. It will go up in price slightly for '08, but will also now have Dura-Ace shifters and derailleurs (road set-up). Not bad for a bike well under $2500.00.
The real news will come in '09. Oh how I wish I could spill the beans on that one (a tease, I know). Kestrel will be back, and there will be a lot of buzz come this summer. This forum, without a doubt, will freak when they announce thier plans. Kestrel fans will have a lot to cheer about, and I think this change will be very positive.
Was also happy to hear that Preston is staying on board.
oohhh that is a tease! Can you at least tell us if they will keep the aero seatubless frame or go with a sexy curved seatpost to please the crowd?
I would be happy if the only change they made to the Talon was to improve the internal cable routing. Something like what you get on a Cervelo would be nice. However, I think a Talon with tri geometry and a shorter head tube, improved calbe routing, horizontal dropouts would be nice. But then you would have a P2C. : )
Mike
"The Talon, while an older design, is still an amazing value, very aero, and a great all-around bike for those who prefer a dual purpose machine. It will go up in price slightly for '08, but will also now have Dura-Ace shifters and derailleurs (road set-up). Not bad for a bike well under $2500.00. "
And don’t forget it has a carbon frame. A high quality one at that. Can’t think of a better bike for the money. That’s why I went to one when replacing my P2K.