Kestrel 500 sci question
 

Hi,

I looked at a used kestrel 500sci today, size small. It was a really nice ride. It's a 1998 model.

It's got ultegra 8sp double. It's been really well maintained and the owner is asking $1200 obo.

My main concern is that I really need a triple. From what I've learned about this bike is because the wheels are 650cc it makes it easier to climb. I just don't want to end up with a bike that i'm going to have to spend a fortune (for me right now) to upgrade to a triple. We have a lot of hills here in the LA area.

Also, the handlebar was 38cm and my shoulders are 40cm. That's an easy fix.

I'm a newbie and any help would be appeciated.

Megan

Sweet bike.

The 650 C wheels are minimally lighter, and, being smaller in diameter accelerate faster. They may improve climbing, marginally, but if you need a triple with 700 C wheels, you will likely need one with 650s.

If this bike is being bought new from a bike shop, the time to upgrade would be now. See what kind of deal you can cut. Chances are the shop will swap the crankset out for you and charge you only the difference in price.

As for the handlebars, when you test rode the bike, did they feel narrow? I think a lot of bikes are spec'ed with too wide bars these days. Again, if you are buying this bike new, the shop ought to swap the handlebars out for you at no charge.

If you are buying the bike used, why not try riding with the double and see if you truly need a triple. If you do wind up buying some parts (you'll probably need a crankset, front and rear derailleurs and a new chain, maybe a bottom bracket) you can sell the old parts on ebay. Bike parts get good prices on the old 'bay.

BTW, isn't the 500sci a triathlon bike? Not that there's anything wrong with that.