I have owned a lot of Kestrels over the years (4000, 200sci/ems, Evoke SL) and have always loved the rides. They just seem to get better with each new version. However, I am now faced with the unknown and am asking for your advice.

My current Evoke SL has developed a longitudinal crack in the top tube. Kestrel will replace it free of charge. Since the Evoke is no longer made, my options are either a 2011 RT1000 or a 2011 TalonSL frame. I am hearing that the Talon SL has been changed considerably and is now much stiffer. I don't have any experience with the RT 1000. My primary riding is long distance in hilly terrain (some of the roads are pretty rough), so I spend a lot of hours in the saddle. Typical mileage is 6-7000miles/year.

Do any of you own either of these bikes/frames and spend a lot of time in the saddle? What is your recommendation? Why?

Many thanks in advance