Hey everyone, I know this has been discussed briefly in the previous threads but the topic was quickly derailed. I work at a local bike shop where I can purchase both Fuji Tri bikes and Kestrel’s and I am in desperate need to upgrade from the road bike I have. I have been told that both bikes would fit me without much hassle. I am trying to figure out which bike would be best for the long run. My goals are to eventually do a HIM and hopefully a full IM. Right now I am doing Duathlon races where the ride ranges from 22-33 miles. So my debate is to either buy the D6 3.0 and immediately upgrade the wheel set (with the money I saved) or go with the 4000Pro SL Ultegra. Any information and advise would be appreciated!
I have a Kestrel 4000 (LTD) so am partial to those. Just looking at the specs on the Fuji D6 3.0 its certainly in the same ballpark as the 4000, but I’ve seen data that shows the 4000 tests faster in the wind tunnel. Also the behind the fork brake on the Fuji is probably not as nice as the front-mounted center pull TRP and the downtube on the Fuji has been scooped out to accommodate this brake, creating a bigger gap between the front wheel and downtube. All the newer super-bike design seems to be bringing the front wheel closer to the downtube.
I’m not sure if any teams are riding the D6 for their TTs, but I know that some are riding the 4000 who have their choice between the 2, so that should tell you right there that the 4000 is being picked by pros when given the option.
I’m riding a 55cm 4000 and the fit is great and allows me to get as aggressive as I want to with it.
Hope this helps.
I Have D6 Pro and like it, however there is one HUGE pain in the a$$ about the D6. The braking system is freaking ridiculous to work on, both front and rear. Mine is a 2010 so maybe the newer ones have addressed the braking issue. I would NOT buy another one due to the difficulty of working on the brakes. As a matter of fact I am considering selling my frame and buying a different one. I love my other Fuji bikes though
In a previous thread someone posted the wind tunnel data and you are right. http://www.xtri.com/...temId.511710508.html The 4000 has a better wind tunnel data and all signs point to the frame being more “slippery” I am struggling with the “is it worth the spending the extra money.” Right now on my road bike I ride about 20.5 mph for a 40k (training ride). So I want all the advantages I can get but I am by no means an elite cyclist. Will the difference in drag between the two bikes hurt me to the point that spending the extra 1500-2k for the Kestrel is worth it. I am still newer to cycling so I am trying to learn as I go as well.
Thanks for the info about the brakes! I will have to do some research to see if they have made any upgrade or updates to fix that.
I have a fuji D6 2.0 and I love the thing. In regards to the recent comment about the breaks, you can see from pictures that they certainly are unique. With that said, I am no bike Mechanic, but have taught myself to work on my bike to the point of being able to re-cable the entire rig, brakes and all. Just this weekend I am racing IMWI and only 10 minutes ago I finished dialing in my rear break as I am borrowing a disc wheel to use. It took me about 5 minutes to readjust the tension in the rear (bring it in a little) using just my multi tool and a needle nose pliers. I wouldn’t let the brake situation scare you away, I figured it all out on my own. One issue is that the brakes that come stock do not have that little knob to release tension for taking wheels in and out (I don’t know what this is called, I told you I’m no bike mechanic), so I have to “wiggle” the wheels on and out. Previously I have seen people say they need to take the air out of their tires to change wheels, but with my 23mm diameter tires it’s no issue at all taking wheels on and off while fully inflated.
Wind tunnel data notwithstanding, this thing is a joy to ride. I have never seen any actual data on the thing because I don’t think it’s released to the public, but from what propaganda I’ve seen from the Fuji team (youtube videos by the designers, etc) I have a hard time believe that with the amount of time they invested into wind tunnel testing and other modeling programs, I don’t think I’m losing much time on the bike course for choosing the D6.
I have a Fuji D6 - absolutely love it; no knowledge about the Kestrel.
Only complaint / concern with the D6 is that the brakes (with regards to braking “stopiing power”) aren’t great.
Thats the link I was looking for, thanks. Seems like based on the comments from Fuji owners the brakes ‘can’ be an issue and are definitely more of a hassle than the brakes on the 4000, though both are different from normal style calipers. To me the placement of the front brake is suspect in how its alerting the frame shape, but thats my personal opinion, and the wind tunnel data could be validating that or some other design differences, so we cant really tell.
I think it just comes down to how much you feel like the frame advantages and the brakes are worth to you. If you have access to both I’d say ride both and let the ride quality determine your decision. I do love the ride feel of my 4000, and according to Kestrel that is a result of the rear-end styling that you wont have with the Fuji, but not having ridden one I wont make that statement.
Both are great bikes. Time savings is time savings. Will it make as big of an impact if you ride 20mph versus 25mph? Probably not, but its still an advantage against the clock regardless of the amount. I think everyone attaches a different $ amount to time savings based on their goals, so in the end it comes back to what you want to spend and if you will be happy with it.
I personally have a Kestrel 4000 and several teammates with Fuji D6’s. I love the Kestrel because it fits and handles really well. My teammates have said the D6 is a good bike but none of them love it. Ultimately though, the two bikes have different geo’s and whichever fits you better will probably help you deliver the most power and maintain a good position.