Originally Posted by
yooperdewper
this is my first post here..I am new to road bikes. I know carbon bikes are better in many ways. well I went to my local bike shop and was talking to the guys (since im well known there for my vintage bikes) when a guy came up and told me about the bike I have pictured. I went to his house and snapped a shot so I coud get opinions as to value and how good a bike it is.. the man is a doctor and bought it new as a back up bike in 2002. its a 52cm kestrel talon 105 I believe..i know its a talon just not sure of the model. he changed the rims to 16 spoke shimanos and turned it into an 18 speed with an upgraded ultegra shimano crank. everything else is 105 shimano. its like new and hes selling it simply because he doesn't want it anymore.. he isn't worried about what its worth or if he loses money (must be nice being rich) but he offered it to me for 450.. what say you professional road bikers. is this a good deal and should I consider it? thanks
If it fits you properly, and everything is really in top working condition, it's a good deal, and a good bike. Kestrel made good Carbon Fiber bikes, not too different from the Trek 5200/5500 frames from the same timeframe. IMHO, fair value for that bike is around $550 to $600, maybe higher if it's really as pristine as you describe it to be.
I recently bought a 1999 Trek Carbon Y-foil for $450 used, and all told, this bike would be worth about the same in similar shape, except that Kestrel is in noticeably better cosmetic condition, and has better wheels, whereas my Trek had better components (Dura Ace gearing, other stuff at the 105 level).
If it fits you properly, and everything works as it is supposed to, I'd buy it.