Anyone out there with experiences regarding a Kestrel Talon? I sat on one and it fits so I would like to know if you like yours or know of some reason (like they fall apart or something) that I sould not buy one. I am thinking about buying one and would like to know what you think… By the way I have a 2003 Cdale cadd7 with the integrated crank for sale 54cm… It will go on ebay soon.
Ive had a K Talon for about 3 years. I love it, rides nice, seems aero to me. I weigh 210+, beat it up pretty well and its still kickin. Get the aero seatpost with the two settings; one is steep and one is slack.
Well, unless you happen to be just about the unluckiest SOB on the planet. . .a Kestrel Talon is NOT going to fall apart on you. Kestrel builds some of the finest carbon fiber bikes on the market, and stands behind their products. Manage to break a Kestrel (not very damn likely, but on the off chance you somehow manage to. . .) and you will get a sweet deal on a replacement frame. I have the Talon SL, which, admittedly uses a different carbon fiber, but other than that is essentially the same bike. The Talon frame is just about as stiff a bike as you are going to find. . .stiff in all the right ways, that is. Yet extremely comfortable over the long haul. To my experience, the Talon is every bit as stiff as a C-dale, yet possibly even smoother than the CAAD-7 frame. I’m curious, though. . .what is lacking in your C-Dale that you are considering the Kestrel? Are you looking to go to a steeper angle? If so, why not go with a dedicated steep-angled bike. As good as the Talon and Cervelo Soloist are at pulling double duty, they really can’t fully compare to dedicated steep-angled bikes. Just curious.
Love my Talon, had it since Feb '01. Got it two months before my first IM and had an awesome ride. Climbs like a champ, and comfortable over the long haul. Sprints nicely. Good do it all bike! Never had a problem, finish/quality is nearly same as when I first bought it. It definitely seen some rough roads, but seems bullitproof. I am 155# and ride the Talon for training and races. My girlfriend ended up with a Talon also, after having a C’dale MS4000. She now is riding longer and faster. The MS4000 was fast, but limited versitility. Race/TT only. I say, if you can only have one bike to train/race, Talon is a good choice!
Chris
I love mine, but wish I had the SL. Just one word of caution, IF you plan on racing it in a very steep position, and IF your upper body is fairly heavy, the steering MAY get a little too quick for you with all that weight up there. It’s a very solid performer, I’d ride mine in the road configuration in any kind of condition, from touring to criterium, to mountain climbing. It just isn’t a good TT bike for me. Obviously, Macca does OK on his for TT’ing :), but, I ain’t Macca!
I’ve had mine for a year and love it. I cried when my wife stopped letting me keep in our bedroom. I have it set up as a rode bike and couldn’t be happier.
I have a Talon and my wife has a Talon SL. She was shopping for a new bike this winter and got me such a great deal on a scratched (very small scratch) frame I couldn't pass it up. When this bike was introduced, it took a lot of abuse from the Slowtwitch community. "It's not a real Kestral" "It's not made in America" "It's not a tri bike" "the wheel cut out is not as good as my Cervelo""the handling will have to suck", On and on. I have to tell you, I'm lovin it. I have it set up at 78+ degrees. No handling issues. I'm getting more and more confident at 90 degree turns under power. Something I could never do on my QR Kilo and was a piece of cake on my Habanero. Life is good. Smooth, quiet, comfortable ride.
I have a Talon SL. Did some oly’s and a half IM on them as well as all my training, including the training for IM Austria in 2 Weeks.
I LOVE MY BIKE, been on them for rides up to 7 hours, finished the bike leg 4th in the Half IM.
And yes, I still keep mine in the bedroom (my wife just got used to it).
David
I just bought a Talon SL a few weeks ago and like the bike very much. My tri bike is a P3, although I will do much of my training and road rides on this bike. I think you cant go wrong with the Talon and the Talon SL