I rode a kestrel for many years...I did drop the kestrel and the top tube hit the corner of a building. at first it just looked like the paint was chipped, but it turned into the toptube breaking. Kestrel replaced the frame for $400; the frame is an ems model, they were willing to replace it with a sci for nothing. note that a chip on other parts of the frame does not lead to the frame breaking. I just rebuilt the frame with spare parts...it came in at 17.25 pounds. I also have Legend Ti, a steel ritchey, and scandium bike that weights in at 16 pounds.