Kestrel – An American bike brand that specializes in producing high-end bicycles for road racing and triathlons. Their bikes fit both beginners and professionals.
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Overview of Kestrel Bikes Brand
Kestrel will not let you down with the carbon fiber bodies, oval concept wheels, and task derailleurs for the best fitness bike. Primarily, their high end features also make it great for advanced cyclists. Athletes use Kestrel bikes for racing and training popularly. For beginners, this bike will challenge you for stiffer riding.
Kestrel bikes will be perfect for both casual and off-road journeys. However, it might be a little heavier than other bikes. However, it will deliver the feel of sturdy and stable. Now, let’s look at the history of the Kestrel brand to understand more!
History of Kestrel Bikes Brand
Kestrel was formed in 1986 by the Aegis employees group. They released their first bike this year, called Kestrel 4000 road bike with an all-carbon frame. At the same time, they were the first in the industry to release the bladder molded monocoque carbon structures.
In 1988, they unveiled the Nitro full suspension MTB after they collaborated with Keith Bontrager.
1989 was a super busy year for Kestrel. Firstly, they introduced the EMS, which is the world’s first carbon fork. After that, they have been recognized as the first company to use the higher stiffness carbon fibers in the 200 EMS projects. Finally, the last event this year has again struck the market with the KM40 innovation, which is the first triathlon bike with an all-carbon body. How amazing!
In the 2000s, especially in 2001, the EMS pro series was released, which made way for molded carbon road handlebar. 2 years later, the first Ironman was launched by Chris Mccormack riding the Kestrel bike. It has boosted the great partnership between the company and Mc Cormack.
In 2007, Kestrels RT 700 was recognized by Outside Magazine with the honors “Bike of The Year.”
In 2008, they were purchased by Advanced Sports International and joined with Fuji & SE under the ASI family.
In 2010, they re-introduced the 4000 triathlon trial bike model.
In 2012, they designed the new Kestrel RT100, which is for endurance riders to hit the market. Then the Kestrel 4000 became the official TT bike of the Champion System – The first professional cycling team based out of Asia.
In 2013, Kestrel launched the brand new Legend, and the lightest frame was produced. In 2017, they released the fastest bikes called 5000SL. After one year, Kestrel added to the train of accomplishments and produced the new legend SL, weighing only 625 grams. Hence, they are the first company to make the lightest frame in history.
Kestrel launched the Talon Road bike for the 2015 season in 2014.
In 2018, they made the first disc brake endurance bike called RT-1000. Besides, they also made the Talon X with a new and aero road platform this year. So it is a short period on the history of Kestrel.
Kestrel Popular Bikes Models
Kestrel is famous for a wide range of bikes, and their models mainly belong to 3 primary categories:
- Road Bikes
- Triathlon bikes
- Mountain bikes
You should always keep in mind that Kestrel features a bit of bias for the premium bike, which means that most of their models will be slightly steep. However, it does not mean that they do not have any friendly-to-budget models. They produce bikes categorized from beginner level up to the expert level of riders.
Triathlon Bikes
Talon X Shimano 105 TRI
- Talon X Shimano 105 TRI ($1699)
- Frame: Kestrel super light high modulus carbon fiber
- Fork: KSL carbon
- Weight: 19.05 lbs
- Tire: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro
- Wheelset: Oval Concepts 327
Talon X is built using the highest ultra high modulus carbon fibers for a lightweight and strong platform. Besides, its Shimano 105 drivetrain fits the Oval Concepts 327 wheels, offering light performance.
Besides, the frame sizes feature extraordinary lengths, diameters, carbon layups, and shapes to create the best ride quality for every rider’s size. Mainly, it features the new Talon X with the integrated fork and new shaping that cheats the wind.
Its Seatpost is reversible to let either road and triathlon positioning. Moreover, shaped seats keep providing reduced road vibration for enhancing ride quality. Briefly, Talon X is super stiff, aerodynamic, and constructed to go fast.
Kestrel 5000 Ultegra Triathlon
- Kestrel 5000 Ultegra Triathlon ($2999)
- Frame: Kestrel Super Light 800K high modulus carbon fiber
- Fork: KSL AERO Pro SL TT total carbon
- Weight: 19.93 lbs
- Tire: Vittoria Rubino Pro Speed
- Wheelset: Oval Concepts 950
Among triathlon athletes, Kestrel, especially the Kestrel 5000 Ultegra. Its Ultegra comes with a gloss or carbon black color. It should measure 60cm and be classified as the XL bike. Its frame is made of 800K high modulus carbon fiber, making it sturdy but still lightweight for compaction.
The front fairing is designed for the best aerodynamics for added edge. For airflow, it will be an excellent internal cable system.
The Kestrel 5000 Ultegra is the fastest bicycle made by the same company. Moreover, it is easy and comfortable to adjust. Besides, it will be excellent for riding long distances.
Road Bikes
Their road bikes include the Legend SL series, RT 1100, and Talon X series. These bikes are also perfect for triathlon, racing, and climbing. For example, the Legend SL is constructed from high modulus carbon fibers.
Legend SL Shimano Ultegra
- Legend SL Shimano Ultegra ($2499)
- Frame: Kestrel Superlight 800K high modulus carbon fiber
- Fork: KDL total carbon
- Weight: 15.66 lbs
- Tire: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro
- Wheelset: Oval Concepts 723
Legend SL is built with high-grade 800k Ultra modulus carbon fiber in a structure of the one-piece mold. You will be sure about the lightest, most vital, and best riding frameset because of no bonded joints. The manufacture was created at a mere 625g complimenting the frame design. Shimano’s Ultegra groupset offers superior level performance.
Besides, engineered seatstays can reduce road vibration for keeping the rider comfortable during the long day of being active. Finally, the shaped down tube, tall chainstays, and bottom bracket offer efficient power transfer.
Regarding the wheels, it features the Vittoria Rubino Pro tires, which offer excellent traction and grip.
These wheels feature the KSL carbon wheelset for completing the ensemble. The model is designed with 11 speed and Shimano derailleurs, while it might not sound like much. Dura-Ace allows for lightning-quick gear shifts. The seat post can be adjustable depending on what ride’s type you are going for. It is also easy to assemble because there are all needed tools included.
Talon X Shimano Dura ACE
- Legend SL Shimano Ultegra ($3999)
- Frame: Kestrel Super Light 800K high modulus carbon fiber
- Fork: KSL carbon
- Weight: 16.95 lbs
- Tire: Vittoria Rubino Pro
- Wheelset: Kestrel KSL55 Carbon
Dura-Ace road bike built with the 800k high modulus carbon fiber, it is the sturdy ultralight construction. Besides, it couped with the Shimano Dura-Ace 11 speed, this excellent road bikes is stiff and superior enough to provide excellent riding performance. Moreover, you will be interested in this bike, which can offer the best results whatever the terrain, especially if you are competitive cycling.
Its Vittoria Rubino Pro tires feature good traction and grip. The wheels come with the KSL carbon wheelset to complete the ensemble. This bike is light but super strong. Besides, it is easy to assemble because you have all the tools.
Kestrel Legend 105
- Frame: Kestrel Enhanced Modulus Hybrid carbon fiber
- Fork: EMH Full carbon
- Weight: 17.28
- Tire: Vittoria Zaffiro pro slick
- Wheelset: Oval Concepts 527
This bike features 22 speed, being one of the best Kestrel bikes in the area. It is made from a combination of 700 and 600k high modulus carbon fibers. It is a lightweight bike yet rigid enough for stable rides. It is designed for those who like minimalist style.
Kestrel Mountain Bikes
Kestrel mountain bikes are super off-road bikes that are common for fun, adventure, and competition. They provide the speed for days, and they are also excellent choices for XC racers which feed on speed for cross country mountain bikers who desire to move around the trail at a specific time. MXZ series includes the MXZ PRO and MXZ team bikes.
MXZ PRO
- MXZ PRO ($2999)
- Frame: Kestrel Super Light 800K carbon fiber
- Fork: RockShox SID
- Weight: 25.3 lbs
- Tire: Maxxis Aspen
- Wheelset: WTB i23 TCS
MXZ has 29″ wheels and XC-inspired geometry, which can optimize riders’ performance and control your expected singletrack. Its RockShox SID 100mm travel fork and the SRAM GX 1X drivetrain are light and provide excellent performance.
MXZ is built using the premium grade KSL 800k Ultra high modulus carbon fiber for control, stiffness, and lightweight. In addition, it features the lightest carbon construction for ultra-efficient pedaling. Besides, the oversize downtown and bottom bracket offer an ultra-efficient pedaling platform. If you afford to spend higher budget like 300 bucks for a mountain bike, you can check out the list of top 15 best mountain bikes under $300 on the link.
MXZ TEAM
- MXZ TEAM ($3999)
- Frame: Kestrel Super Light 800K carbon fiber
- Fork: RockShox SID
- Weight:24.09 lbs
- Tire: Maxxis Aspen
- Wheelset: WTB i23 TCS
All features are almost the same as the PRO. However, its design looks more delicate, and the construction is much more solid. Besides, its price is a little higher than the PRO models.
Kestrel Assembly
Kestrel does not offer assembly instruction. Hence, it will ensure the safety of consumers because you can not assemble it by yourself. Instead, you should visit a local shop to receive the services from an expert mechanic.
You can also order the assembled Kestrel, which is an excellent way to make sure your bike is assembled correctly and professionally. Hence, it will not cause any problems in the future.
Are Kestrel Bikes Any good?
Kestrel bikes are excellent and reliable for their outstanding design, price, and components. Although it comes with the small option of bikes, these bikes are excellent built. If you want to take a step up to a high-end bicycle, however, you don’t like to pay high-end prices, Kestrel might be an excellent choice.
Especially its use of the carbon frame, which is the most affordable and of excellent quality. It provides the actual carbon fiber frame with a variety of significant components. The bikes also feature some unique designs which support pushing it into different levels and make it stand out.
Kestrel vs Specialized (Tarmac vs Talon comparison)
| Kestrel Talon 105 | Specialized Tarmac | |
 |  | |
| Frame | Carbon | Carbon fiber |
| Weight | 18.35lbs | 16.9 lbs |
| Fork | KSL carbon | S works Fact carbon |
| Derailleur | Shimano 105 | Shimano dura ace |
| Saddle | Oval concepts, steel rail | S-Works Toupé, carbon rail |
Talon features the dual-position seat post-selection, which can change the geometry. However, the seat tube angle, head tube angle, head tube length, and the front center are all classic road geometry. Talon is a great road bike and a nice Triathlon bike. Primarily, it handles well on technical descents and is a little stiff.
Kestrel features an excellent warranty and high-quality bike too. However, people might not like the internal cable routing as they will enjoy doing their wrenching.