I have owned a lot of Kestrels over the years (4000, 200sci/ems, Evoke SL) and have always loved the rides. They just seem to get better with each new version. However, I am now faced with the unknown and am asking for your advice.

My current Evoke SL has developed a longitudinal crack in the top tube. Kestrel will replace it free of charge. Since the Evoke is no longer made, my options are either a 2011 RT1000 or a 2011 TalonSL frame. I am hearing that the Talon SL has been changed considerably and is now much stiffer. I don't have any experience with the RT 1000. My primary riding is long distance in hilly terrain (some of the roads are pretty rough), so I spend a lot of hours in the saddle. Typical mileage is 6-7000miles/year.

Do any of you own either of these bikes/frames and spend a lot of time in the saddle? What is your recommendation? Why?

Many thanks in advance

Just looking at the geometry of the frames I would go for the RT1000. It's longer head tube to me looks like it would better suit the type of riding you are talking about. The Talon's very short headtube for it's size look like it's more for a super aero position. Not something that lends itself to hilly terrain.

There is something about the RT1000 that does it for me. I think it is a great looking bike and looks like the GEO on the Size 53 would fit me perfectly. I am definitely prefer the comfort (short top tube, tall head tube) geometry.

I'd go RT1000, mainly because of geometry differences like the other poster.

It looks like the Talon's head tube is about .5 Cm shorter for a comparably sized Evoke. That difference can easily be made up with a spacer. however it looks like the RT1000 may have a headtube that's about 5 CM (I think I am reading that right) taller than the Evoke. Looks like the talon and evoke have racier geometry. While the RT1000 has the more geometry.

I love the line in the guarantee that came with my RT 900 SL. "Nothing lasts forever, including your bike"

Great riding and looking bike.

RT1000 is good choice.

I prefer the geometry of the 2009/2010 RT900 over the new RT1000 (I ride the 2009). The new RT1000 is a nice frame, but it seems to be targeting the people who buy a Canondale Synapse. That said, it might be just the frame for someone who spends a lot of miles on the bike and some out of the saddle on climbs.

FWIW, I currently ride an Evoke SL and if I were looking to change I would definitely go with the RT1000 for the type of riding you describe.

Thanks all
Got feedback from the former owner of Kestrel and one of his designers. They think the new Talon is way too stiff and may have lost the Kestrel road feel. Probably more suited to a racer that will generate 1000 watts on a final sprint. They also suggested the RT1000 as a replacement for my Evoke SL. the new RT1000 is slightly stiffer in the bottom bracket, but should have a similar ride to my Evoke.
Have to wait for about a month until the RT1000 is available. Until then, my trusty Evoke will be just fine.