Road Cycling - Kestrel Talon frames for 6-4 rider

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SANDICO
03-23-04, 10:37 AM
I am 6-4 and weigh 180. Inseam and sleeve length are 35 but I'm prob more leggy. Can I ride a Kestrel Talon 60cm? Looks like top tube is only 59.5. Prob too short but are there any other tall riders out there on a Kestrel Talon?

georgesnatcher
03-23-04, 11:30 AM
I'm 6'6" and while I do not own a Kestrel (maybe next time) I ride a Trek 5200. The TT length on that is only 59cm. My sleeve length is 36 inches and inseam (for pants) is 34 inches. I find the 59cm TT on the 5200 to fit me perfectly. It came with a 130mm stem. Unless you are using a shorter stem than I am I don't see how the TT length could be to short. If you're real leggy maybe you should look one size larger with a shorter stem. The Trek I ride is the 62cm version (I think they measure center to center but am not sure).
SANDICO
03-23-04, 12:15 PM
I'm 6'6" and while I do not own a Kestrel (maybe next time) I ride a Trek 5200. The TT length on that is only 59cm. My sleeve length is 36 inches and inseam (for pants) is 34 inches. I find the 59cm TT on the 5200 to fit me perfectly. It came with a 130mm stem. Unless you are using a shorter stem than I am I don't see how the TT length could be to short. If you're real leggy maybe you should look one size larger with a shorter stem. The Trek I ride is the 62cm version (I think they measure center to center but am not sure).

Well, interesting because that's one of the other bikes I'm looking at. I rode the Trek 5000 the other day (only one they had built up in a 62cm). Liked it alot. (Currently ride an 03 Giant TCR1 XL).

Why do you say maybe your next bike will be a Kestrel? I've decided to go carbon and am now just narrowing choices. I can get a Talon frame and a DA9spd buildkit for about $2300 total. So, a bit less than LBS price on the 5200 and its DA. Have you ridden Kestrels? Are they considered to be "better"? I'm quickly finding this is all subjective but since I do have the build your own option, I'm taking my time considering all the options.

Any feedback you have is very welcomed.

georgesnatcher
03-23-04, 03:06 PM
After having the 5200 I know that my next road bike will again be CF. I am not going to limit my choices at this point. I also plan to look at Aegis and other CF manufacturers. As you said "better" is subjective. For the money I had in my pocket (and was willing to spend) I found the 5200 to be the "best" bike for me. It did'nt hury that I got a great price.
Get the best bike you can afford and that fits and feels the best.