Looking for a new road steed. Love Litespeed and already own a Saber. Saw the new Kestrel Evoke at my LBS and was very impressed. I have a Trek carbon road bike that is too small. Need an upgrade in size.
So which do I pick? Anyone ride the Evoke? Help me decide.
Kestrel Evoke.
It’s new. It’s cool. It’s carbon. It’s light. It has a lifetime warrenty. It wants you to donate your too small trek to TSR.
Litespeed Classic.
It’s classic. It’s heavy. It’s titanium. It matches your Saber. It wants you to mail your too small trek directly to me.
Personally I’d go for the evoke.
Well I really don’t know too much about the Evoke, but Kestrel makes fine bikes.
As for the Litespeed Classic, it has a lifetime warranty too like all titanium Litespeeds, and the ride is really sweet. Plus, since you are able to trade in your Trek for a Litespeed, now you really know what to do with that Trek that is too small.
Ze-Gopha of course would be screwed in that deal, sorry. 
Herbert
Litespeed/QR
This is an odd comparison to me. It is like going auto shopping and not knowing if you want a Honda Element or a custom Asian built tuner-car like a WRX.
The bikes are so different. We sell both. The Classic has its name for a reason: It is tried and true, time tested technology that works. If the bike fits you correctly and you are looking for a long, enjoyable and trouble free ownership experience then you will love your Classic as much five years from now as you do the day you buy it- maybe more. By then you will have put two component groups on it and will hve upgraded to the new 2009 Shimano Dura-Ace Electron-Ace Carbon component group (which Shimano hasn’t even thought of yet).
The Kestrel Evoke is very interesting but I no real world experience with it since it is new. Any opinion on this bike from me would be little better than a (somewhat poorly) educated guess.
Either way, get measured, buy the one that fits and have a great time on it!
Thanks for the input. I am already a Litespeed fan and only mentioned the evoke since it’s new and when I saw it, it arrived on my short list. I don’t know whetrher to all it a compact since it has a sloping top tube.
you will love your Classic as much five years from now as you do the day you buy it
This is true by-and-large of most Kestrel owners I know as well, Tom. I know someone who has painted their Kestrel 4000 twice now, upgraded the fork, and put DA 10 on it. . .The bike is as relevant now as it was back the 80s when they bought it. Great frame. . .very long lived. Though this is just one experience. . .it tends to be typical. . .at least the upgraded parts bit. . .of Kestrel owners.
I have a 2003 Talon SL and absolutely love the bike. When I replace my Specialized E5 road bike I’ll be getting an Evoke. I’ve ridden it on a couple of rides and love the road manners. (If you are looking for a crit bike, you’d probably want something else since this bike is more about the long haul than super-quick handling) The only other thing I’ll do before confirming the purchase is take one screaming down a mountain to confirm the handling on high speed descents.
have you thought about the litespeed tuscany. better bike than the classic.
Just one man’s opinion, but I have a Saber and just recently purchased the Classic. Love it. Only been on a few rides with it, but it is a “classic”. Was really looking hard at the Tuscany (Tom Demerly’s review of it makes you want to have one), but my LBS thought the Classic was a better fit. I am a big boy and the stiffness of the Classic suits me well.
Wahooo…
Yes I’m leaning towards the classic and tuscany. It’ll probably come down to price. The evoke is probably too new for me to jump on a road bike that I’ll want to keep for many years.
Funny, Tom. I just reread your post. Element and WRX. Which one of the bikes is the Element? Just curious. . . ;->
If you choose the Litespeed Classic, you MUST get it in the polished finish. Not only is the polished titanium frame beautiful, but it is also easier to keep clean…I know firsthand.