kestrel bikes
 

does anybody own a kestrel RT 800?? how does it perform? thanks in advance!

I'm probably the only feedback you'll get in reference to the RT800, lol. Unfortunately, nothing related to racing since I don't have the extra time to train. Most of my rides are for fitness and recreation, but have also competed in some of the local bi-athlons this year. This being my first carbon bike, second build in less than a year, I'm happy with what I've done.
Before I decided on the RT800, I test rode several bikes including the RT700(original choice), Giant TCR, Jamis Xenith, and a Cervelo Soloist. It was a toss-up between the TCR and the RT but I favored the frame design of the RT plus I got a great deal on the frameset.
At the moment, this is how it looks for now:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3330/...170a9967_o.jpg

ick white tires

more like off-white sidewalls now :(

rock racing rode them in the beginning of the year. I know Kestrel is working on an RT900, But I don't know if rock is riding them yet. Francisco Mancebo won a stage of the tour of california 2009 on an rt800 so that should reenforce the performance. I'd say stop obsessing over what bike to get and start riding.

If I had $2600 to spend on a bike I would definately consider it.

Ppoorrrnnn

I put about 30K hard miles on my Kestrel Evoke, and still use it as a back-up. It's a great bike at a great price-point. Don't know about the RT800 but as far as i am concerned kestrel makes good, solid bikes that always get good reviews (as I recall the RT800 or 700 got some bike of the year award a couple of years ago), and that don't get enough love for whatever reason (particularly since now marketed through Bikes Direct)

Hey, what brand is that bike in the picture?