This bike has been available at this price from BikesDirect for several months now. I hesitated because I have read several unsavory reviews of BikesDirect's customer service and return policy on road bike forums and wasn't comfortable pulling the trigger on that sort of purchase online given the amount of negative feedback floating around. But if you're in the market, you've confirmed that the frame is the right size for you, and you're willing to take the chance that the transaction is the only interaction you'll have with the seller, it's an outstanding deal.
EDIT- my bad- the Talon SL, not the Evoke, has been around from BikesDirect for a while at the $1495 price. Same caveats apply as above though, IMHO.
That best of the best site is a mess. It says the best trail motorcycle is BMW R1200GS. WTF, a trail motorcycle would normally be something 200-250 pounds, a 200 or 250XR or XL or something like that.
"All" bikes are measured differently. Best to "test- ride" each bike before you shell out $1500. I will let you figure that out. Most companies eager for a sale will size you up over the phone though. Best to do that before you purchase, and take notes, as the number one reason for these bikes being returned is "wrong fit." And if they told you it would work for you, and it didn't, well, what else can they do but refund your money?
What's the catch? When's the last time you paid to ship a bike? They aren't cheap.
Cassette/chain NEW Pro-Build Shimano Ultegra 6600 10 Speed 11-23T / Shimano NEW Pro-Build Ultegra CN-HG6600 10speed chain
Saddle Moto SLRstyle Ti Rail 180g (by Velo)
Seatpost Ritchey WCS Road Aluminum Micro-adjust
Stem Ritchey WCS OS 31.8 clamp 1.125 inch steerer (90/100/110 per Factory Specs - NO Customizing prior to shipment -buy a longer or shorter one at www.bikeisland.com and get free shipping)
Headset Sealed Cartridge Bearing Integrated for 1.125 inch steerer
Handlebars ALL bikes come with black wrapped bars, Ritchey WCS OS Butted Aluminum Bar (40/42/44 Proportional Sized to Factory Specs -NO Customizing prior to shipment - check out www.bikeisland.com if you want to buy a wider or narrower bar)
Pedals No Pedals included - buy some at www.bikeisland.com and get free shipping too
Tires Vittoria Diamante Prolite or Kenda Kaliente IronCloak Kevlar (no choice) 700x23c, presta valve tubes (Max 120psi) Color Evoke Red (as shown) Click Here for Image Gallery Note: Wheels are NOT XRP as shown, they will be Ritchey WCS Protocol
Sizes 47cm, 50cm, 52 cm, 54 cm, 56 cm, 59 cm, 62cm Geometry Sizing Chart ========================
Looks like a good deal if this was a generic carbon fibre Ultegra-equipped bike, but for a Kestrel, this is an outstanding buy.
That's a killer deal, frame alone sells for $1200+.
jaylee33
Member
posted: Oct. 4, 2009 @ 12:31a
My friend bought his Kestrel Evoke SL at a Sierra Trading Post Outlet so you might be able to go there or to a similar store and try it out before buying, if the fit is a concern. Of course, they just happened to have his size on the floor-- and it was true to size comparing to all the other road bikes he has had in his lifetime of cycling. However, he instantly bought a new saddle as he said it wasn't a good fit. $1500 is a steal, and FWIW he loves his Kestrel bike-- said it's a whole new level.
rechtien
Member
posted: Oct. 4, 2009 @ 8:32a
For the bike experts here:
I have been riding for a couple years now. Originally purchased a Stephens Aspin Pro used from a fellow soldier returning from Germany. It has a Dura Ace Group with an aluminium frame and carbon fork. Its a German company and has been a great bike so far. I purchased the bike for $900. I have put lots of miles on it although I really do not track specific mileage. It still handles as good as the day I bought it.
I have been thinking of buying a new bike and saw this listing. This bike is an Ultegra group and I realize this is a lesser group than a Dura Ace however, my group is from 2005. Has the newer Ultegra groups had the common trickle down effect seen in other technologies and would this Ultegra group out perform my older Dura Ace? I would love to try a full carbon bike and for this price would be willing to try it.
Anyone have any advice on that? If I ask the shop that does the maintenance on my bike of course they would love to sell me a bike so their opinion is a bit biased. I realize that bike maintenance is easy but to support the LBS I get all tune-ups/maintenance performed locally along with purchasing smaller less expensive parts (tires and such). I love my LBS but they cannot touch online pricing for bikes.
As for sizing goes, I did not put much thinking into sizing this bike. I got on it and it fit (or so I thought). My current bike is 56cm, I am 5'11 round about 175lbs with a 34 inch inseem. My seat post is about all the way out and the bike is comfortable so I assume 56cm on a new bike would fit. Any good references for how to "fit" a bike?
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