knightzerox

Salsa Podio
https://salsacycles.com/bikes/podio/

Kestrel Evoke SL
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...voke_sl_09.htm

Anyone have any information on both of these bikes? I did a search and found minimal information, many threads that started about these bikes diverted off and went off-topic. Since the last thread for the Salsa Podio was last year sometime, I'd like to hear opinions on the bike and also from people who may have them on the forum.

I'm kind of looking for a road-bike for me. I already have a MTN bike and a hybrid, a 2008 Trek 7.6 FX which is very nice and has 28mm tires and a little more road focused compared to the newer models. Excellent bike but debating about getting a dedicated road-bike to go quicker, bike longer, and enjoy more. I have a few options but I'd like to hear about these bike first as these two would be my near top choices.

I understand Spooky makes a very good frame as well that is compared to the Salsa but budget is max around $1600 for a complete bike ( I can get the Salsa for that much at LBS ). A Fuji rouxbaix 1.0 or Fuji Team bike are also available local for around $1000, but may be gone by now.

One more point, I'd like this bike to last quite a bit as I can't keep making investment every 1-5 years on a new bike. The kestrel is all Carbon Fiber I believe and I'm worried about longevity on both, but I think the Salsa should last me quite a bit longer. Thank you.

SalsaPodio

The Podio is my favorite bike I've ever owned or ridden for that matter. It's really stiff yet doesn't beat you up during long rides. I'm pretty sure Psimet has one too and I think he will say the same things about his. Looks good too.

knightzerox

hi SalsaPodio, a few questions since you have the bike.
How have you felt about the SRAM parts on the bike, meaning have they been durable, and is the build quality and assembly well done? When you say the ride quality "doesn't beat you up", in what comparison is that too? Such as compared to a Lightweight steel bike, heavy steel bike, alluminum bike ( maybe heavy hybrid ), etc.. I have a Hybrid bike that has carbon Seat Stays, carbon seat post, and carbon fork and just trying to compare ride quality. I find the Trek 7.6 FX to be very good at absorbing vibrations over bumps, but not comfortable over short distances of 10-12 miles ( I believe this is due to the bike seat it came with though, not the bike )

Thank you

SalsaPodio

I love Rival. I had Ultegra on a previous bike and put it on par with that. I rode a Cervelo Dual for a while before this and have ridden some other steel bikes. In all reality your choice of tires and pressure will have more of an effect on wether you feel beat up after a ride, but can't say enough about how much I love this frame. The only complaint I have about the bike is the fork. The glued in insert started to pull out of the steerer, so I had to remove it and reinstall one.

Inertianinja

My girlfriend just bought a kestrel evoke sl.
It's very light, everything is carbon fiber (even stem and handlebars). Lighter than my felt f3sl.
Nice components and wheels; I'm a big fan of rival.
There were a few tiny defects in the cosmetic layer of the carbon fiber, but i t doesn't bother her.

Her first ride on it yesterday - significantly faster than she was on her old bike.

knightzerox

InertiaNinja,
What do you think of the Kestrel brand? Were there any other bikes that your gf was comparing or looking at and what features made this bike seem more appropriate for her?

Since it's a full carbon bike, I'll also assume then that the ride was very smooth and also very comfortable? Thank you.

Inertianinja

when I was looking at them initially, I was told by an accomplished triathalete/ironman guy that the kestrel brand was well respected for their tri bikes and for pioneering in carbon fiber. they are now owned by Fuji, which made me feel even better about
it for her.
she had ridden a buch of steel and alu bikes, including a felt f95 and a surly pacer, even some
steel singlespeeds. she eventually was like "screw it" and went for the carbon.

I rode it a bit, tho it's 2 sizes too small. light and solid, for my money I can't tell a big enough difference from my carbon Felt F3SL, which I love, other than that it's a little less aggressive.

If I were getting a new bike today, I'd get the kestrel rt800. every single component beats my current felt, for less money.

it's only been a few days, but positive
so far

Inertianinja

when I was looking at them initially, I was told by an accomplished triathalete/ironman guy that the kestrel brand was well respected for their tri bikes and for pioneering in carbon fiber. they are now owned by Fuji, which made me feel even better about
it for her.
she had ridden a buch of steel and alu bikes, including a felt f95 and a surly pacer, even some
steel singlespeeds. she eventually was like "screw it" and went for the carbon.

I rode it a bit, tho it's 2 sizes too small. light and solid, for my money I can't tell a big enough difference from my carbon Felt F3SL, which I love, other than that it's a little less aggressive.

If I were getting a new bike today, I'd get the kestrel rt800. every single component beats my current felt, for less money.

it's only been a few days, but positive
so far

palesaint

If you can trust yourself enough not to drop your bike on the sharp edge of a curb or drop the bike down some stairs or anything along those lines, go with the Kestrel. Properly cared for (i.e. not horribly abused), carbon fiber should last a long time. Rival is a fantastic groupset. The whole bike is a great deal.

knightzerox

That is one of my concerns, I'm a bit accident prone and while trying to be careful may accidentally hit the wheel, handles, etc against a wall or object at some point. From my understanding Carbon is very good at not fatiguing. Since I already have 2 other bikes, I probably won't put more than 300-500 miles a year on the bike, but I'd like to have a good quality ride. I assumed the AL bike would be more durable.

Any other Salsa Owners that may be able to chime in? Thanks.

Inertianinja

i hesitated to buy a kestrel back when I was shopping... mostly bc I didn't have the experience and was still iffy about spending 1700-2500 on a bike.

now I feel like a bit of a chump, since I could have an aero carbon frame with Red. that being said, I do love my current bike. next is probs a kestrel.

Inertianinja

carbon fiber is not porcelain. it's stronger than steel. if it were so fragile that you couldn't accidentally hit a wheel against an object, people probably wouldn't be able to put their 180-lb bodies on them and ride on pavement.

think about it. 14lb bike taps against a door at 0mph. less than 14lb of force exerted on the frame.
175-lb rider hits a hole in the road at 20mph. Force = Mass x Accelleration. yet the bike is fine.

knightzerox

I understand that, but that is what I believe is due to the fact the structural points on the bike and the material are being used to absorb and be strong in relations to those kinds of stresses.

My situation would be more if I am holding the bike upside down to put it on bike hanger and I turn accidentally and have the frame hit the wall or metal objects/garage door etc. Or a even more realistic example I set the bike up in the corner to lean on and it slips and falls over, thereby hitting the pavement or other objects on the frame creating cracks.

Carbon fiber is strong, but it's brittle I believe. If the forces are along it's designed stresses, it's fine, but someone just needs to hit/damage it at a unexpected point and it may crack.

And unfortunately I am a bit clumsy, but maybe my fears have been over-exaggerated by hearing people break their frames easily.

apache997

I just built up a Kestrel Evoke SL last week for a friend of mine from BikesDirect. It's a fantastic bike. Remember that it was nearly $4000 retail. The build quality is very good, and the Rival components are more comparable to Ultegra quality than 105 in my opinion. The Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels are solid and light enough to not really want an upgrade. A 16 pound bike of that quality at that price point is a rare thing. The owner's manual rates the bike up to 275 pound rider weight...it's a very solid looking frame with oversized tubes, yet is very light. I ride a Colnago C50 w/Campagnolo Record, and I'm very impressed with the Evoke SL if that tell you anything. Kestrel helped pioneer carbon fiber frames in the 80s...it's still a great brand and I think it's cool that you don't see too many of them. Some pedals and possibly an upgraded saddle, and you're in business!

chado445510

I like my kestrel --> so therefore, you will too.

RacerOne

I was *this* close to buying a Kestrel SL before I lucked into my Madone, all the research I did said it was a great bike for a little money. I still wonder how it would compare to the bike I ended up with.

knightzerox

Wow well seems to be lots of positive views on Kestrel as a brand. I was worried that since it was sold from BikesDirect and is not a well known brand ( compared to Trek, Fuji, etc.. ) I may be making a mistake.

I really do like the Salsa and for the price, it seems like a great and excellent bike. The kestrel has same components, but is all carbon fiber. My biggest worry was that maybe I was paying the same price for a no-name carbon bike versus a more reputable branded bike.


RacerOne, why did you decide to go with the Madone?

chado445510, can you provide a bit more on your experience with the bike? I'm glad you like it, but I'd also like to hear your opinion on the ride quality and overall build.

bmfsiii

I have an 07 Evoke that is in the process of being warrantied out for a 09 Evoke with the SL fork. I really liked my 07 frame and I should like the 09 as well. I can let you know more in a couple of weeks if you would like. As a side note It was just the frame and fork that was originally purchased and I built it up my self.

apache997

I think your logic is backwards. Kestrel has a long race bike heritage. Salsa?...I still thought they just made skewers.

knightzerox

That would be great, I'm not in any rush to buy. What was the reason for the warranty?

mike868y

The Kestrel of today is not the kestrel of yesterday.

knightzerox

Oh I see, I wasn't sure on the company standing of Kestrel. Salsa bikes are offered and can be ordered from my LBS and it was easier to find information on their bikes as well as some reviews. I will look into it more, thank you.

apache997

Granted, I am well aware of the brand's history. I think you missed my point.

To the OP, if you want to entertain a legitimate alternative to the Kestrel, you might check out the BMC Road Racer...https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ro...bike-6950.html

In my opinion, the BMC or the Kestrel are the two best values out there right now in a competent, race-worthy rig. The Salsa is just a completely different animal.

knightzerox

Thanks I will look into the BMC. What would you consider the Salsa then? A less race oriented bike, maybe a in between a good commuter bike and a road racer?

FlatSix911

Go with the Kestrel ... you will not be disappointed

SRAM Rival, 20 Speed Road Bike Kestrel Evoke SL Carbon $1695.99
2009 SRAM Rival 20 Speed Drivetrain -SRAM Rival cranks, SRAM Rival Derailleurs and Shifters/ Brakes -
Profile Bar, Stem, Profile Carbon Seatpost and Mavic Ksyrium Equipe Equipe Wheelset -16.2 lbs total