I am in the process of possibly being able to get a Kuota Kalibur for a great price…The problem is I already have a Cervelo P3…Has anyone tried both bikes and can u give me the pros and cons of this switch…Aluimun to Carbon…or just a better bike…thx
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Hi shammyg,
I just bought a Kuota Kalibur yesterday and eventhough I’ve only had one ride on it I thinks its awesome!!! I was thinking about buying a P3 but a few people who know more about bikes than I do suggested that the Kalibur would be better over the ironman distance.
Hope this helps
Tommo
And why not through the Isaac Joule into that mix. I am still trying to learn what if any differences (beyond finish) exist between the Kaliber and Joule…
GB
I can tell you that we have sold both Cervelo And Kuota.
Our experiences with Cervelo have been that they are consiostently mechanically dependable with highly versatile fit and good design at incredibly reasonable prices and the company has excellent lead times and fill rates.
Having sold, serviced and ridden both Kuota and Cervelo that is the extent of my comments on the topic.
so you’re implying that kuota’s aren’t as good as bikes as the cervelo’s?
The Cervelo “looks” more aero…and I think that it is lighter?
I’ve been riding a Kalibur for a few months now and have no complaints whatsoever. I also considered the Isaac Joule, the only real difference between the two is the geometry. From what I hear, the Joule, the Kalibur and the Lucero are all made in the same factory somewhere in China anyway.
Jonathan
I also bought a Kuota this week, and did some homework prior to getting it.
As far as the info I could get from websites, the P3C will come in at aout 1400g for “frame and fork”, the Kuota was 1200 for frame, fork headset and seatpost. The P3 is “a half pound heavier” (~200g) than the P3C according to the Cervelo website. Again, all from websites - I don’t know of anyone personally who has toss each on the same scale.
The bigger difference is geometry. To me, a 78 degree bike (Cervelo) rides quite a bit different than a 76 degree (seat tube) bike ((Kuota). I could tell the difference between the 76 Kuota and the 76.5 Lucero (I’ve ridden each with identical setups. I comes down to what bike fits best. If money is an issue, the Kuota is $2500, the P3C is $3000, and I don’t know what the P3 was (didn’t care, wasn’t on the list - too heavy for the riding I do).
The one thing I can tell you about the Kuota is that is unbelievably stiff and springy out of the saddle. In many ways, it’s as fun to ride as my Litespeed Ultimate (titanium) road bike. The handling is excellent because of it’s stiffness and geometry.
The Lucero is a very nice bike, but very different feel to me than the Kuota. Really comfortable. Like riding in a Cadillac. A bit heavier than the Kuota, but a nice alternative with a different ride. I know that some people advise against test rides, but if you can find a shop that will properly fit you, then set up the bikes according, then let you spend some time with each, I think they are invaluable IF you have ridden a long time, have ridden many different bikes, and have a good feel for performance. I do, and would never buy a bike I haven’t ridden.
That’s my 2 pennies.
I am in the process of possibly being able to get a Kuota Kalibur for a great price…The problem is I already have a Cervelo P3…Has anyone tried both bikes and can u give me the pros and cons of this switch…Aluimun to Carbon…or just a better bike…thx
Funny, before Norm won nobody rode one. Now all the “pile’ers-on” want to aspire to be the next IM WTC, or just look like one. Whats up with all these posers?
Bottom line…
“it’s the Indian not the arrow”
Ride what you want.
why have I not heard anyone talk about the Kestrel Airfoil Pro in all this mix. I have been riding on mine for about 2 weeks and love it. Feels stiff where it needs it and plush where it needs to be. I know everyone has there preferences and I agree it should all come down to fit but I just have not heard alot of people talking about these bikes and Kestrel to me is the Real King of Carbon Fiber. Just my humble opinion. Good luck with whatever decision you make and ride the hell out of it.
Craig
I was at a race about 3 weeks ago, standing near my car, putting my bike away, when a bunch of guys, apparently from a team, were walking 3 Kaliburs through the parking area. The only comment I heard was…“I wish I had my Softride”.
BEAM BIKES RULE!!!
Depends on how great great is. I would consider the Lucero. I bought one and love it. Previously I test rode a P3 forty milesand also have a QR Tequilo. I saw a Kalibur yesterday here in a Seoul bike shop and thought the top tube was very strange, similar to a piece of custom molding. Was considering a P3C, but back in Jan nobody had them or appeared very confident when they would.
Barefoot
The only comment I heard was…“I wish I had my Softride”.
BEAM BIKES RULE!!!
I also have a beam bike, which I rode on a hilly, technical course last weekend, and all I kept thinking was “I wish my Kuota was ready”. Different rides for different conditions, if you can afford it…
Funny, before Norm won nobody rode one. Now all the “pile’ers-on” want to aspire to be the next IM WTC, or just look like one. Whats up with all these posers?
I guess everyone who rides a Trek is a poser who aspires to be just like lance as well.
I live in Florida where its good and flat. The only elevation change I train on is a few overpasses. In Clermont, FL the hills are sneaky tough but the beam bikes do great anyway. Now if I lived in Colorado things may be different. I may be moving to Colorado Springs in the next few years, so I may need to add a lighter/climber bike to my toys ( I have a Trek 5500).
Funny, before Norm won nobody rode one. Now all the “pile’ers-on” want to aspire to be the next IM WTC, or just look like one. Whats up with all these posers?
I guess everyone who rides a Trek is a poser who aspires to be just like lance as well.
No, Lance was like 4 years old when Trek started making bikes. What was Norm on in 2002 and 2003? Huh, ya don’t know? How about a LOOK KG386! Noted.
“Kestrel to me is the Real King of Carbon Fiber”
Rumor on the street is they are made by the same guys who make Kuota and Isaac and the QR Lucero and quite a number of other carbon bikes.
Funny, before Norm won nobody rode one. Now all the “pile’ers-on” want to aspire to be the next IM WTC, or just look like one. Whats up with all these posers?
I guess everyone who rides a Trek is a poser who aspires to be just like lance as well.
No, Lance was like 4 years old when Trek started making bikes. What was Norm on in 2002 and 2003? Huh, ya don’t know? How about a LOOK KG386! Noted.
Well noted, but also note the price of that Look as compared to the new set of carbon TT bikes.
Would Kuota have sold so many bikes if Norman didn’t win? probably not. The bike is stil sick, whether or not Norm won with it.
I think if someone is going to spend over $2K on a frame and fork that they probably have better reasoning than just to be like Norm. I ended up with the Kaliber because it fit me best, I would have just as easily walked away with a Lucero or a Joule. I imagine the majority of potential buyers in this price range use the same reasoning.
That really does not suprise me. The reason I said that they are King is they have been working with Carbon Fiber longer than the other companies you mentioned and even though they be made under the same roof does not mean they are made the same. I am sure all are great bikes and to quote you. Ride the bike that fits!!! I was just curious why nobody seems to be talking about the Kestrel since they were really the pioneers of Carbon Fiber. Just curious I guess…
Craig