So I saved my $ for a few weeks, didn’t drive much, ate at home, carried my lunch to work, did not splurge. I now have a full carbon, shimano 105 groupo, oval concepts Kestrel Talon 2011 road bike!!!!! This thing is the bee’s knees. I purchased it new online from www.bikesdirect.com. This bike is a hoot. I set up the geometry for a comfortable road bike for mysel, however it has the capability and aero dynamics to be a full on race or tri bike if so desired. I personally enjoy it because of the light weight (<20 lbs fully loaded), it has phenominal acceleration and quick (if not bordering on too quick) response.The bike is a monocoque (Monocoque is a construction technique that supports structural load by using an object’s external skin, as opposed to using an internal frame or truss) triangle with fused carbon wheel and chain stays. The dropouts are alloy as is the replaceable rear derailler hanger. It even shipped with an extra hanger. The forks are carbon and it sports a tapered 1 1/8″ headset to a 1 1/4″ fork junction. The only thing I replaced is the stem , because in my opinion, not 1 bike I have seen comes with a long enough steer tube. Speaking of which, the steer tube is alloy so that made it easy for me to add a “Uno” 110mm adjustable stem. So far that is my only modififation. I might switch the seat, sometimes I like it, sometimes I dont. I rode almost 8 miles today and it was comfy. Here are a bunch of pix .
Now I have to ride more to justify this bike. I think I will go out and ride it now, the temperatures are only in the low 100’s in the afternoon so its not too bad.