brandenjs

I never thought I would go to the carbon side of the cycling world, but this bike came along at a great price ($500) so I jumped on it. It is a 1996 Kestrel 200 EMS, 58 cm,full Shimano 600 group, 105 headset, Sakae stem and bars, Ritchey Comp wheels, Selle San Marco saddle. This is the way it came to me. I wiped some dust off but no in depth detailing at all. Very low miles on this one. It is weighing in at just under 17 lbs.This thing rides so quiet compared to my old steel bikes. I'm still a little paranoid about cracking this thing. Let me know what you guys think..
More pics here: https://s225.photobucket.com/albums/d...l%20200%20EMS/

BananaTugger

Kestrels are badass rigs, and they don't lose their badassness with age like most manufacturers do.

Fox Farm

A very nice bike! They sold for a whole bunch more that what you paid for it. I had one with the red carbon weave and loved it. Living in West BY GOD, you may want to change the gearing to get up some of those steep hills. Put a nice Campy group on that bike and it will be perfect...

brandenjs

Yea, a 12-23 cassette is not really cut out for some of the hills around here, but I can ride it on most of the routes I ride. I believe this was set up for racing. Not that I would, but I could part this out and get my money back. I think I'll ride it like this for awhile..

Vireo

Have fun riding that noodle.

ilmooz

Nice buy for $500. Those frames are well built and solid. Forget about cracking it and ride the heck out of it.

brandenjs

I'm planning on putting some good miles on it...

SUNCOAST

I have owned my white Kestrel 200SCI since the late 90s. I've since upgraged to Campy Chorus. It's always been my favorite ride. It's smooth fast and quiet. No great for racing out of the saddle as it does have a little bottom bracket flex, but it's a comfortable long distance rider. Take care of it and it will last for years and years. Note: I did replace my front fork with another carbon fork. Although no noticeable damage or wear and tear, I just felt it was time. Great bike..enjoy!

brandenjs

I really like the way the 600 group is working. Did Kestrel use Campy groups on any of there models?

SUNCOAST

The complete bikes I've seen were originally Shimano equipped mine orginally had 600 ultegra before I changed to Campy Chorus. However they do/ did sell the frame. I know the 200 and especially the 500 series were popular with the Tri-bike crowd. Keep a light coat of wax on the paint and protect the drive side chain stay and it should be a beautiful bike for years to come. I've always admired the curved geometry and the internal cable routing on the top tube. After reading your post, I saw a white frame/fork on e-bay for $900.

Hida Yanra

That bike is the hot.hotness. Those are some of the best looking bikes I have ever seen in person.

Congrats- switch the cassette and ride the wheels off of it.

Hickeydog

Dang. That has got be some of the best bike porn I have ever seen on BF. Everything is set up correctly (Chain on big ring, flem stipped, no seat bag and no reflectors.)

Jynx

Congrats now ride it like crazy!

brandenjs

I know, I usually put a small seat pack on just for an extra tube.levers and a multi tool. I don't know that I have the heart to clutter it up with one though. The stem is a little long for me 130, I'm going with a 90 or 100.

Metro50

Hey buddy I just purchase the same bike coincidentally and wanted to ask
you if you bought the bike as pictured or did some modifications (specifically on the
lever and down tube cable guide adapter for the front & rear derailleur.

I can't seem to find ANY information on the down tube specs or parts for this.

Did you modify this portion? If so, can you send me a direct link or info on it?
I would be grateful if you can provide any info.

THANK YOU and await your reply.

Kevin

SSRI

the cable guides for the front and rear derrailleur are not removable, it is bonded on top of the bottom bracket. (older style of cable routing )
the lever bosses on the down tube is standard
for STI adapter I go with the flat back, the concave ones would not sit flush to the frame.

colnago62

It was my 1st carbon bike, also. I bought mine in 1992.

I would add to keep an eye on the frame for cracks. The industry was still trying to figure out carbon. All carbon frames back then were susceptible to cracking from normal riding.

brandenjs

Hi Kevin,
As far as I could find out when I purchased the bike was that this is the original Shimano Tri-Color 600 on it. Some of the earlier models had down tube shifters. If you are talking about converting to STI's these cable stops should work. I have loved this bike over the years and because of the older carbon, it is not my everyday rider. Still a great one to have in the stable.
https://www.treefortbikes.com/Shiman...SABEgLZ0fD_BwE

Metro50

Hey, just reading this as I don't chime in regularly on BF.
I think you may have got my initial question a bit misconstrued.
I did want to change to STI hence the question, but could not find
the right type of down tube cable adapters to fit. I was able to find one,
not exactly the correct one, but very doable.

Thank you for replying back though.

Cheers.

Before

After

ridelikeaturtle

I'd have the barrels on the bottom side (swapped L-R from what you have), but I don't think it really makes any difference except aesthetically.