Early 90's Kestrel KM40
10-03-16, 07:31 PM
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Early 90's Kestrel KM40
Hello,
Because I am less interest in the value of the bike than what I can do with it, it occurs to me that this might not be the best place for this post. I am not sure how to move it to a more appropriate location, sorry.
New to forum and the Kestrel. I just recently purchased an early 90's Kestrel KM40 from a friend of mine that's in really good shape. It has Shimano 600 group, 650c wheels and EMS forks. This is my first CF bike and I am interested in its value as it sits now and I would like to make it my daily trainer. I am 50 years old and ride for fitness in San Francisco, CA.
My first question is, I was told these frames come with a lifetime warranty, is this true and how would that work should something happen to it?
Two, in San Francisco, the hills are many and not small. The bike is not setup for hill climbing with 56-42 up front. I was told by the LBS that 42 was the smallest ring I could go with the crank that is on it. What is the best way for me to adjust the drive train to better suit my environment? It's 8 speed in the rear.
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 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.
The bars are not idea for riding in San Francisco and 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. 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.
Because I am less interest in the value of the bike than what I can do with it, it occurs to me that this might not be the best place for this post. I am not sure how to move it to a more appropriate location, sorry.
New to forum and the Kestrel. I just recently purchased an early 90's Kestrel KM40 from a friend of mine that's in really good shape. It has Shimano 600 group, 650c wheels and EMS forks. This is my first CF bike and I am interested in its value as it sits now and I would like to make it my daily trainer. I am 50 years old and ride for fitness in San Francisco, CA.
My first question is, I was told these frames come with a lifetime warranty, is this true and how would that work should something happen to it?
Two, in San Francisco, the hills are many and not small. The bike is not setup for hill climbing with 56-42 up front. I was told by the LBS that 42 was the smallest ring I could go with the crank that is on it. What is the best way for me to adjust the drive train to better suit my environment? It's 8 speed in the rear.
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 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.
The bars are not idea for riding in San Francisco and 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. 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.
Last edited by tracybullard; 10-03-16 at 08:26 PM. Reason: Might not be the most appropriate thread for my post
10-04-16, 05:41 PM
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Hi Tracy, nice bike.
1) Welcome
2) Just post again in CV if moderators don't move it.
3) Lifetime of the original company, I'm afraid. Kestrel was bought some years ago by a group that cares not one tiny bit about the earlier incarnation. That being said, I have 2 Kestrels one older by a few years one newer by a few, and both are going strong. I honestly don't know much about them, just like the technology/designs, and the way they ride.
Byw 42t on a 650c is like a 39t ring on a 700c bike, and that gigantic 56t is like 52t because of the smaller wheel circumference.
Eric
1) Welcome
2) Just post again in CV if moderators don't move it.
3) Lifetime of the original company, I'm afraid. Kestrel was bought some years ago by a group that cares not one tiny bit about the earlier incarnation. That being said, I have 2 Kestrels one older by a few years one newer by a few, and both are going strong. I honestly don't know much about them, just like the technology/designs, and the way they ride.
Byw 42t on a 650c is like a 39t ring on a 700c bike, and that gigantic 56t is like 52t because of the smaller wheel circumference.
Eric
10-04-16, 09:11 PM
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It seems to be set up as a triathlon bike. Which explains the flat land gearing and the aerobars. You might want to go with a different crank with no more than a 130mm bolt circle (You most likely have a crank with a 144mm bolt circle. The bike shop was wrong, as there were 41 tooth rings made for 144 BCD cranks, although they are hard to find....) and provisions for a third, "granny" ring, to tackle the steep hills in SF. You will also most likely have to change out your bottom bracket to one with a longer spindle, to accommodate the triple crankset
Let's see the drive side of the bike on another pic, so we can make a better assessment of what is on the bike, and how you might improve it
Let's see the drive side of the bike on another pic, so we can make a better assessment of what is on the bike, and how you might improve it
10-04-16, 10:38 PM
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In many cases warranties only apply to the original owners. I think Kestrel still makes bikes. Often with a warranty claim, the bike is replaced with an equivalent new bike.
Anyway, If something happens in the next few months, then your friend (if the friend is the original owner) might assist with a claim. Otherwise, if you're riding the bike hard for a decade, and the warranty excludes transfers, then I'd just accept it. There are carbon fiber repair shops that can fix damage.
As far as the 650c tires. The first question is whether your tires are tubulars (sewups) or clinchers. Your friend will be able to answer if you're not sure. It will make a huge difference in recommendations and what you buy.
Continental makes a 650c x 23 gatorskin clincher tire. I don't know if it will fit your bike's clearance.
I'm seeing notes of the Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX clincher Tire in both 650x20 and 650x23, but I'm only finding 23mm tires. It looks like the new version, is only 650x23.
https://www.vittoria.com/tire/corsa-open/
Post some close-up photos of the labels on the tires, and the actual fork, brake, and rear triangle clearance spots.
Anyway, If something happens in the next few months, then your friend (if the friend is the original owner) might assist with a claim. Otherwise, if you're riding the bike hard for a decade, and the warranty excludes transfers, then I'd just accept it. There are carbon fiber repair shops that can fix damage.
As far as the 650c tires. The first question is whether your tires are tubulars (sewups) or clinchers. Your friend will be able to answer if you're not sure. It will make a huge difference in recommendations and what you buy.
Continental makes a 650c x 23 gatorskin clincher tire. I don't know if it will fit your bike's clearance.
I'm seeing notes of the Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX clincher Tire in both 650x20 and 650x23, but I'm only finding 23mm tires. It looks like the new version, is only 650x23.
https://www.vittoria.com/tire/corsa-open/
Post some close-up photos of the labels on the tires, and the actual fork, brake, and rear triangle clearance spots.
10-05-16, 08:53 AM
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I put on set of spectacles (im old) and the tires are 650cx23 clinchers. Thank you for the info and advise on possible warranty issues.
