[douglas]

it might finally be time for an upgrade, I dont have the cash yet but anyone have any experience or opinions on these rides?

http://www.kestrel-usa.com/bikes/talon.php

http://www.rideblue.com/rc5.html

 

[MtnBikerChk]

They look pretty - but I think you should go CARBON!

 

[LordOpie]

They look pretty - but I think you should go STEEL!


Ok, they don't look pretty. In fact, that Blue is fugly!

And that Kestrel looks like a sort of TT bike. Is the wheelbase long enough for you?

I always thought of you as an endurance rider.

For just a little more money, you could probably get a custom steel roadie. But if you're lucky enough that a mass-produced bike fits you properly, then cool and just save your money.

$1400 MSRP =

 

[douglas]

What I dont want is a big name bike (Trek, Specialized, etc) or something everyone else has.

I have never been a steel or carbon roadie (mine is AL, with a carbon fork).

I need a do it all bike: I often do quick club 30-40 mile rides during the week, and w/e's are usually 50-60 mile tour rides . But on occasion I'll do a century (the hillier the better), and I want to do a couple normal road races next year, and a hill climb race or 2.

 

[reflux]

The Kestrel is very tough to beat at its current price range. An equivalent bike, the Cervelo Dual (or is it the soloist? whaev), will easily cost more.

I don't have any time on a Kestrel, but I hope that changes soon. A friend recently purchased one, and I may come into one myself soon.

Unfortunately, I have yet to put a leg over a Blue. In fact, I only heard of Blue just a few weeks back.

 

[splat]

I like Kestrel but the talon is is too much of a TT/Tri Bike for my taste.

 

[reflux]

I like Kestrel but the talon is is too much of a TT/Tri Bike for my taste.

The seattube sets you off that much? Geometry-wise, the Talon is all road.

 

[GravityFreakTJ]

i met some of the guys from Blue at the Tour de Gerogia , seemed like really cool people .their top of the line bikes looked nicely built.

 

[Serial Midget]

What I dont want is a big name bike (Trek, Specialized, etc) or something everyone else has.

All tri-geek wannabes have a Kestral... very common bike out west.

Do yourself a favor and get a custom built steel frame - it will last your lifetime and no one else will have it.

 

[LordOpie]

Do yourself a favor and get a custom built steel frame - it will last your lifetime and no one else will have it.

Some of the best advice I ever received.

 

[MtnBikerChk]

Do yourself a favor and get a custom built steel frame - it will last your lifetime and no one else will have it.

NEXT YEAR BABY!

 

[indieboy]

the blue is a nice bike. don't discard that bike out for a second. i know all those guys extremely well and they have done a great job with the product.
the geometry is very nice. very stable ride. go ride one if you can and see for yourself.