Im torn between the KestrelKM40 and the Litespeed saber. Anyone have any tidbits of info that can help me in deciding. Both fit similarly. Litespeed gives me option of 650 700 wheel for same frame size… apart from that…
Go with the titanium!!! Can’t go wrong with a Litespeed!!!
Dont know much about the Kestrel, but I have had my Saber for about a year now. Love it. Great bike
Once you go carbon, you’ll never go back!
Get the one that fits! OK, got that out of the way. I used to own a 52 KM40. It was a little too small, but overall it is a fantastic bike. Most comfy ride I’ve been on. Sold it and bought a Saber which fits me to a T now plus it has 700c wheels. These were the 2 factors which led me to the switch.
Kestrel will be coming out with the Airfoil, which is basically a KM40 but in many sizes other than the 52 and 56, and 700c wheels. I’ll be looking at going back to the Kestrel. If you’re an IM athlete, you’ll feel fresh off the bike. The Kestrel ride is awesome.
As for my Saber, solid bike, lite, stiff, and handles better (fit, bigger wheel).
I raced a 56cm Litespeed Tachyon at IM Cal 2001, and a 56 Kestrel KM40 at IM Wis in 2002. Both bikes were awsome. Although the KM40 was to big for me, it was a much more comfortable ride for long distance. I now ride a 54 Calfee Luna-Tri and love it. Not only does the Calfee fit me, it has a great blend of a traditional geometry and carbon. The ride is compliant while providing a stiff bottom bracket. I did not feel the Kestrel accomplished both of these criteria. The litespeed was great, but I feel it was better suited for shorter distance races.
In short, get the one that fits correctly, it took me 3 expensive bikes to get it right.