Kestrel Evoke

Price Paid:  $2800.00 at RoadBikeReview

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
Full Campy Record. 08 Mavic Ksyrium SL Premium. (the best wheel I have ever owned).

Summary:
I was debating on several different carbon bikes, (Trek 5200, Specialized, Bianchi,) However I came across a very nice Evoke on RBR, with full campy Record. I have been pleasantly suprised by the durability. The frame is very hefty and stable for a heavy 200 lb rider such as myself. Very nice smooth complient ride. Accelerates well. Responds well and asorbs the road shock very well. Much more comfortable than my previous aluminum and steel frames that I have ridden. I prefer the 07 simpler paint scheme vs the older models that the word evoke plastered all over it.

Strengths:
Very strong, durable smooth yet still very light and comparable in weight to any other carbon bike. Beautiful Red paint job. Climbs like Pantani on EPO.

Weaknesses:
The Evoke frame is a little heavier than a few other competitors, however is more affordable than the Evoke SL version. I would have preferred a full intergrated headset vs. the semi integrated one the evoke has.

Similar Products Used:
1995 Bianchi Veloce, 2000 Trek 5200. 2003 Lemond Malliot Juane.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Buildup at www.GVHbi

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Anything long and windless

Bike Setup:
ultegra double 10spd, kestrel carbon handlebars, terry fly ti saddle, deda magic stick carbon seatpost, velomax tempest ii, crank bros candy pedals

Summary:
After moving to Chicago from Seattle, I had to find something to fill my mountain bike riding void. So, I picked up road biking and love it. I tested a ton of bikes and it came down to this one or a carbon Giant. This one won at the time based on a balance of features, performance, and price. Now that I have 2 seasons on this bike and ~7000 road miles on it as well as trainer time, I am so glad I picked this one.

I'm a heavy rider (210 lbs - I like beer), and this bike delivers a stiff/smooth ride. My typical rides are 25 miles during the week and 50-100 on the weekends. Being in Illinois, I can’t comment on its hill climbing ability, but I don’t feel any flex in the frame when really powering down on the pedals. It’s very responsive, but not twitchy. I look forward to riding this bike for a very long time.

Strengths:
Smooth, stiff, responsive.

Weaknesses:
32.4mm seatpost is kind of a weird size if you're shopping around for a post

Similar Products Used:
Aluminum hard tail mt bikes - this is my first road bike

Price Paid:  $2500.00 at Performance

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
anything in SD...road or mtn

Bike Setup:
Stock 54cm Evoke (Ultegra w/compact drive) with Look Keo Sprint pedals, Forte carbon bottle cages, Garmin Edge 205 computer.

Summary:
Got a great deal and took my Evoke home for x-mas. I already have over 100 miles on it, and should top out at 150 before the end of the week.
Did 62 miles on my second ride and felt great!!! No aches and pains anywhere but my legs (go figure)after riding everything from rutted and cracked asphalt to strong head winds (uphill no less)along the coast. This bike definitely takes the edge off!
We were bounce testing (dropping on both wheels from about 10 inches) my bike and an aluminum frame FELT and you could easily see the difference in shock absorbtion. Where the Kestrel would settle down after one small hop (with no noise) the FELT took a big first bounce and would settle down after a few more small hits (everything rattled on it).
The lack of vibration kept me fresh in spite of the miles.
Very fast bike, and immediately gets the wheels turning when you hit the pedals. At 185 pounds I expected some lateral flex when I hammered it up hills, but I did not feel any.
I never thought I would say it, but I will not buy (or even look at) another road bike for a very long time.

Strengths:
Beautiful (and we all know that matters), fast, smooth. Great riding position and solid components all the way around.

Weaknesses:
Can't take it to the gym and lock it up outside (too paranoid). Haven't had it long enough to identify any real issues.

Similar Products Used:
05 Specialized Allez Comp...and other than both being road bikes, there is nothing similar!!! (look for my Allez on the CLASSIFIEDs page soon).

Price Paid:  $800.00 at ebay frame only

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
20 mile hammer fest

Bike Setup:
evoke 05 frame sram rival with compact crank easton ec90 bars and '03 mavic equipes

Summary:
soft ride and stiff when u need it i now have faster sprints and am always willing to go and do a like 4 hour ride

Strengths:
stiff and sweet looking

Weaknesses:
none so far

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Molt Hills

Bike Setup:
Ultegra, Kestral Bars, Easton Circuit Wheels, Keo Carbon pedals

Summary:
Impressed w/ the ride so far, takes the edge off of rough roads. Very stiff and responsive steering. Best bike I've ridden so far.

Strengths:
Stiffness, absorbs road chatter, nimble, like the Ultegra

Weaknesses:
none so far, can't get quite enough drop from saddle to bars

Similar Products Used:
Trek, Specialized