Kestrel Talon X Road Bike Review

Are you interested in learning what the Kestrel Talon Road Bike has to offer you?

Who’s it best for? 

What are its standout features?

We’ve done all the research on this bike so that you don’t have to. To learn everything, you need to know about the Talon 105 model by Kestrel, take a look below. 

Feature Details of Kestrel Road Bike

Comfort Level

Can you ride this bike and feel comfortable at the same time?

Oval Concepts is the brand who have constructed the saddle for this Kestrel bicycle. They’ve incorporated a 300T Tri saddle which rider are liking. It provides you with a supportive yet stable seat.

The saddle itself is supported by a Kestrel EMS Pro Aero seat post. You’re able to easily adjust this post to alter the height to your exact preferences. Therefore, you can be sure easily change the heights to suit the activity on the day.

This makes it a great option for both casual riders and more competitive ones.

Frame Construction

What makes the frame so special?

One of the standout features of this Kestrel bicycle is, without a doubt, its carbon frame.

It boasts an aerodynamic, lightweight, and sturdy design. We found the carbon fibre to be one of the driving factors that made this make feel so robust and lightweight to ride at the same time.

As a result of the strong frame, you can be sure to enjoy using this bicycle for a while and knowing it can withstand some damage.

The lightweight frame is what makes is so great for racers. You’re able to shift the weight of the bike from left to ride with minimal effort. This carbon frame also responds to your movements incredibly quickly too.

Wheel Quality

Does the wheel quality keep up with the other features?

The Kestrel Shimano 105 Road Bicycle uses Oval 327 wheels. While they aren’t the highest-quality wheels that you can find, they are still durable enough for this bike – especially when you take into consideration the price it’s available at.

When first riding out on this bicycle, you’ll find the wheels feel strong and lightweight. We liked how the rear wheel is equipped with four spokes. This feature helps to increase the weight capacity, while also ensuring you can ride at faster speeds.

You get to experience Vittoria Zaffiro Pro tires which work effectively to ensure grip on all surfaces, regardless of your speed.

Number of Speed

Are you looking for a speedy, lightweight bike?

Well, a very noteworthy aspect of this Kestrel Shimano bicycle is that seems to have been made for speed.

You’re able to choose between a wide variety of 11 gear speeds. Therefore, this makes it a lot easier when it comes to climbing up steep hills. As a result, your energy reserve doesn’t drain as quickly, and you can ride for longer.

Gear Precision

In addition to the great speed features, you may be glad to hear that they are enhanced by the precise gear shifting.

With a Shimano derailleur, you can be sure to shift through gears smoothly. Typically, this kind of accurate and smooth shifting is found in bicycles of a higher price range.

Wonderful Design

When using the Talon 105 Bicycle, you’re exposed to an incredibly aerodynamic experience.

A lot of this is largely due to how the bike is designed to contour naturally to your body. There’s also an A2 wind tunnel and internally routed cables. The combination of those design features means that air can flow more freely along the bicycle.

Furthermore, this bicycle is equipped with advanced Kestrel H-Stays. These are identical in their shape and ensure that the chain stays remain as aerodynamic as possible.

However, they also work to provide more stiffness and a better transfer of energy that you create while pedalling.

Braking Power

As you now know, this Kestrel bicycle is made for speed. However, that also means they’ve had to put some extra attention into their braking mechanism.

So, how does it fare?

Well, the braking is pretty impressive. With the Tektro R540 dual-pivot callipers, the braking is very responsive.

Between the time it takes for you to squeeze the 105 STI brake levers, and for them to be engaged with the tires, you’ll find that there isn’t any time between them.

Despite the fact that the braking is very responsive, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s harsh. In fact, it’s the opposite. You’re given complete control over the braking, and it never feels too clunky, or overly sharp.

Who Is This Bike Designed for?

7 Reasons to Buy Kestrel Road Bike

Features at a Glance of Kestrel Bicycles

Kestrel Bikes Assembly

Frequently Asked Question and Answers

Question: What is the psi with these tyres?

Answer: The Vittoria Zaffiro Pro tires can have a minimum psi of 100 and a maximum of 120.

Question: Does the bike come fully assembled?

Answer: The pedals aren’t the only thing you’ll have to work on assembling. The bicycle is delivered almost completely assembled. However, you have to assemble the seat and handlebars yourself. To be fully covered by their warranty, Kestrel advises customers to have their bicycles put together at a bike store.

Question: What year was the bike made in?

Answer: It was made in 2016. However, this doesn’t detract from the quality, and it’s one of their newest bicycle models.

Question: Is this a good bicycle for women?

Answer: A lot of the time, women are advised that they should find bicycles that are specifically made for them. When it comes to the Kestrel Bicycle, you’ll be glad to hear it’s an excellent choice for women and men.

However, this is only the case if you manage to pick the right size. Provided you pick the right sized frame, you’ll find the construction of the bike works well for all people.

Question: Should you seek further coverage with Amazon?

Answer: The warranties that Kestrel offer make customers feel assured. Therefore, we wouldn’t say it was a necessity to get additional coverage from Amazon. It’s not needed as Kestrel deals with customers well on their own.

Buying Advice

One of the pitfalls to purchasing bicycles in this more affordable price range is that you often need additional gear and equipment.

The Kestrel provides a good range of components in the package. That’s what makes it such a great choice for beginners who aren’t sure about what extra upgrades they may need.

Having said that, you will need to purchase your pedals and fit them on. Therefore, you may want to consider purchasing the pedals separate before the bicycle arrives. This means you can attach them and be ready to ride on the same day.

Wrapping Up

What’s our final say on the Kestrel Talon Bike? Is it worth it?

People looking to participate in faster competitive races may struggle a little. The 11-speeds on offer can’t quite compete with some of the higher-end bikes.

On the other hand, when you consider the affordable price and wide range of riding benefits on offer, we feel very confident in recommending this bike. Infact, this bike is one of the best endurance road bike under $1500.

Beginners, in particular, will experience the most benefits. The features we’ve discussed are what you’d expect from a bike in a higher price range. So, it can be a nice boost up for complete newbies to start out on.

Intermediate riders will also find this bike lasts them for a good amount of time. Take the information provided here about the Kestrel bike to help make the best decision for your biking needs.