rkg64

Man that Evoke is one sweet looking bike too! BTW I am comfortable sizing myself so that is no problem for either of us.

Tundra_Man 

It looks even better in person. The frame tubes aren't as round as they look in the picture. They have more of a tapered trapezoidal shape similar to the earlier Trek Madone.

rkg64

How comfortable is the position on it? Man now I'm liking the 2016 Giant Defy 1. Uggghhh....and the LBS gives lifetime maintenance not just tuning.

Tundra_Man 

I'm 6'1" and I bought the 59cm. It came with a stock stem of 120mm (even though the BD specs said it would be 110mm) which caused me to be stretched out a little too much. I swapped it for a 90mm which better fit my arm length. With the change to the shorter stem I pulled my seat back about 5mm and rotated the bars downward slightly. Now I can get stretched out in the drops when I want to get aero, have a nice relaxed position on the tops and a good in-between on the hoods.

I know it's supposed to have more of a "race" geometry, but I'm finding it quite comfortable. In fact, I put over 500 miles on it in the first month.

rdtindsm

I recently bought the Kestral Evoke, and have several comments.

The frame is has a bb30 BB and uses an adapter for the Ultegra crank. BB30 has a reputation for creaking and my frame developed a creak from day 1/2. Found out the BB hadn't been installed correctly. Not completely sure it has been fixed, not completely sure that I care. Non the less, I have a new bb to put in at some point. An extra $50. Consider the costs of replacing parts that don't quite match your needs. Saddle, stem, freewheel, et.al.

Most BD bikes come with Bio-max bars. I hate those like the plague because of the hump in the bend. The Kestral comes with a smooth road bend.

BD on some frames is inconsistent with the quality of parts - i.e. ultegra ders with garden variety everything else. The Evoke has higher quality Ritchey stem and seatpost rather than the lower quality (heavier) parts that could have been used. Pleased with the overall quality of parts. Even the saddle was decent, although it was the first thing I changed.

I've bought 2 bikes from BD in large part because I don't have the finances to buy at LBS. I do have enough experience to do most of my own wrenching and can tell when something is wrong. I did just put the bike together and had the LBS do the tuneup about $30 IIRC - YMMV. But I give them a six pack of an adult beverage at xmas. For some people, the hand holding and personal service of LBS in switching parts is a better option.

Tundra_Man 

I had the same concern with the BB30 prior to purchasing my Evoke. From everything I've read, it's likely a question of when it will start creaking rather than if. Sounds like a problem with the design of the bottom bracket that affects any frame from any manufacturer that utilizes it. Thankfully mine hasn't started creaking yet (560 miles). Hopefully when it does start it's not as loud as the usual creaking of my left knee.

I have been very pleased with all of the components that came with this bike. Pretty much anything that isn't Shimano is Ritchey. I'm even running the stock saddle as I find it comfortable enough, although I have considered swapping it out for a white one just because I think it would look cool.

kcjc

Only by those that I drop and shops don't give a rats a$$ if the money is there. And are you serious?

OP, I'm thinking of getting that bike or the Kestral Evoke 2.0. As far as geometry, each manufacture has a different take and they can make a subtle difference in the ride. I have a Le Champion CF and the only thing that bugs me is the higher head tub and the handle bar.