I would like to start by apologizing for a misplaced post. I posted in the C&V - "What's it Worth" because I am interested in its value but more interested in converting my recently acquired early 90's Kestrel KM40 to my training bike. I am assuming this is not acceptable as I have not received one response. I am new to this forum and have very little experience in any forum, so I am sorry for that. I have re-posted my questions here this is more appropriate. If this is not the right place then I am not sure how to proceed.

The bike came to me with Shimano 600 group, 650c wheels and EMS forks. This is my first "plastic" bike and I am interested in its value as it sits now but more so, I would like to make it my everyday trainer. I am 50 years old and ride for fitness (20 miles 2-4 times a week) in San Francisco, CA. The roads can be rough here but the routes I ride aren't that bad.

1. My first question, I know very little about this bike and would appreciate any info i could get. I have read up on Kestrel's history and how they came to be. I assumed that this bike was the sort of gold standard for the start of the Carbon Fiber Crazy and thought I would fine much more information but that doesn't seem to be the case. Additionally,


2. I was told these frames come with a lifetime warranty, is this true and how would that work should something happen to it? Does anyone have any experience dealing with a Kestrel warranty issue?

3. in San Francisco, the hills are many and not small. The bike is not setup for hill climbing, more of a flatlanders beast mode bike with 56-42 up front. I was told by the LBS that 42 was the smallest ring I can put on this crank due to where the mounting screws are located. What is the best way for me to adjust the drive train to better suit my environment? It's 8 speed in the rear. Should I change out the crank set and if so what would you recommend?

4. The bike comes with very slender 650c wheels and tires. The rims are in pretty good shape, the tires are showing signs of rot. It's hard to read but it looks like they might be 650x20 and there is very little room for a fatter tire. Where can I find this size tire? They weren't jumping out at me when I did an internet search.

5. The bars are not idea for riding in San Francisco and I am a little too fluffy to comfortably use the elbow pads, not mention it is a position I am not used to. I was thinking of going with a traditional set of drops which mean I will also have to change the brake levers to ones with integrated shifting. Any suggestions on this would be appreciated as well. I have included a picture of the bike for reference.

Thank you in advance. Sorry for the novel! I am very interested in hearing what you all think of this idea and my questions. I would be interested in hearing any other update options as well.