Cervelo S1 vs. Kestrel Talon vs. Fuji Roubaix RC
 

I'm looking for a decent entry level road bike and was at the LBS looking at:
2009 Cervelo S1 ($2000) or a 2008 Kestrel Talon ($1900) or a 2008 Fuji Roubaix RC ($1300)

I am not much of a biker, but I do enjoy doing sprint triathlons. I've been riding a Cannondale R300 that is about 15 years old and feel it's time to upgrade. I'm going back this weekend to test ride the 3 bikes, but wanted to know if there were comments you had about each. They are all equipped with Ultegra. The Kestrel is full carbon; the Cervelo has a carbon fork and the Fuji has carbon fork and seat stays.

I'm 5'-7" and weigh about 145 lbs. Thanks for any input.

Money not a problem? go with the Kestrel.

+1

Decent...entry level. I think any of the above will do fine...

I got my Talon when they were built here in California and it came with the aero seat post. I've ridden it over 6 years and it does everything well and has served me well. I have also test ridden the S1 and it's definitely stiffer than the Talon but I liked the overall ride quality (comfort wise) of the Talon better. I have not ridden a Fuji Roubaix RC to comment on.

My Talon is White and it's funny that White is back and aero tubing in road bikes are catching on.

Thanks for the input!
 

Thanks for the input! Headed out to test ride all three - hopefully I come back with one of them.

So what did you decide on?

I went with the Kestrel. It felt much more comfortable to me than the others. Spent a bit more than I really wanted to but isn't that how it always is?

Thanks again - this forum is great!

Congrats! Enjoy your new toy. Yes, I've learnt a ton here at the BF :)