Road Cycling - 2004 Cannondale R2000 or 2004 Kestrel Talon

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vladimir102
01-31-04, 02:34 PM
I am buying a new road bike. I am down to these two. I can get them both with Ultegra from my LBS for $1800. They are 2004 models. Any opinions on these and which one you favor. I will be racing next season. I am 6'1 150. this will be my second road bike. I previously had an Iron Horse Triumph. Thanks in advanced.

bianchi_rider
01-31-04, 06:04 PM
Seeing that you dont have Bianchi in your list, I would definately go with the Kestrel.. Awsome bike :D
marnan
02-01-04, 02:03 PM
Are you sure the Kestrel is a complete bike ? I looked at a few websites and the Kestrel Talon frame and fork alone retails for $ 1,899. If you could get a complete bike for $ 1,800 that would be a steal. Am I missing something ?

marnan
02-01-04, 02:30 PM
I checked a few more websites and JensonUsa has a few closeout 2003 frame/forks for $ 1,249. Add in $ 800 for an Ultegra build kit and you are around $ 2k. I also saw a complete bike for $ 1,799 at bikesmart.com, but there was only a 48cm and 57cm available. Based on your height, I am guessing you need a 57cm, maybe a 60cm. Bottomline, I prefer Carbon to Aluminum. Aluminum is a harsher ride. And if you can buy a 2004 complete Kestrel bike at a LBS for $ 1,800 and have the ability to test ride and come back for any warranty to service, that is a steal.
vladimir102
02-01-04, 02:36 PM
Yeah it's a 2004 for $1800, he giving me a deal cause he supports our team that is getting put together.
marnan
02-01-04, 02:53 PM
The Wheelset will also be critical. Do you know what wheelset the LBS is building the bike with ?
B1105
02-01-04, 03:42 PM
The Kestrel is a really nice bike, I have worked on them and rode them before, and they are very fast and light.
Grampy™
02-01-04, 06:38 PM
Go with the Kestrel. Great bike, awsome price.
RunYun
02-01-04, 06:43 PM
Wow that's a great price if it is built up with good compenents. I just got my R3000 and if I remember correctly the R2000 was ~$2500 Complete.
vladimir102
02-01-04, 09:48 PM
the wheelset is the ones the kestrel website and brochure show on the bike, it is coming complete from factory as shown on www.kestrel-usa.com
anikuma
02-02-04, 12:36 AM
ride both, pick the best fit. As far as aluminum, it isn't harsh. I ride a CAAD5 versus the R2000 CAAD 7. I have no problem with having harsh rides. While I cheer for good 'ol c-dale. Test ride both, pick the favorite. Either way it's in the LBS interest to let you ride both, they win either way.
roadwarrior
02-02-04, 03:59 AM
Bottomline, I prefer Carbon to Aluminum. Aluminum is a harsher ride.

In your opinion.
roadwarrior
02-02-04, 04:00 AM
Wow that's a great price if it is built up with good compenents. I just got my R3000 and if I remember correctly the R2000 was ~$2500 Complete.

Did you get the blue frame, or hold out for the flat black?

I was also wondering about the price on that bike...the 3000 is about $3400ish..

If you want to ride a pro frame for less than two grand, you can start at the R800 and go up in price with component changes from there. Virtually no one else puts their pro frame out like that.