I just bought one last fall, mine's older I think, it's great, I was reluctant at first but ya, no problems....I'm old enough to remember these things...and yes, Kestrel did have a full carbon monocoque frame in 86 or 87
@@TheRetroBiker It's the first inexpensive carbon frame, so that. We used to drool over Kestrrels in shop windows in the 80's, not sure how sought after they are now, they are very similar to a modern road frame.
Beautiful. Be aware though that the glue that connects the aluminum bottom bracket shell to the carbon tubes has aged in the last 30 years and could break under heavy workload (eg. pedaling uphill or doing jumps...) So I personally wouldnt recommend it as a daily driver. That's why I restored mine to pristine condition and sold it.
Thanks, top tips. I wonder why they put white hoods on it and not black, must be an 80s thing. I'll be swapping the levers out for STIs that are mostly black but I'll keep the 105 levers to one side so anything I swap out is reversable.
@@TheRetroBiker Yeah, those are the 1990 105 BL-1055 Aero Brake Levers. Had the white ones too. BUT there are 105 8-speed STIs (ST-1050 i believe) if you want to use parts of that era ;) You may have to change the cassette to an 8 speed one though or you could set the limiting screws on the derailleur accordingly. 7spd cassettes work with 8spd STIs :)
Thanks, those part numbers are helpful. I've got some more modern 8 speed for now but they are low end Shimano and theres way too much black plastic on them, they will do until I find some of the shifters you mentioned for a prive that's less than the bike cost me ha ha.
This bike rides and feels amazing,i bought one of this
They are great!!!
Subscriber number 13!! Get in!! 😈😈
Jesus, I'd not seen that. Must stay grounded and not let this fame go to my head ha ha. Thanks 😊👍👍
Lovely bike Greg, enjoying the videos :)
Thanks very much dude, more bikes = more of me bugging you for advice mind 😂
I just bought one last fall, mine's older I think, it's great, I was reluctant at first but ya, no problems....I'm old enough to remember these things...and yes, Kestrel did have a full carbon monocoque frame in 86 or 87
Ah so not quite the first then. Full carbon would be a lot more sought after I bet.
@@TheRetroBiker It's the first inexpensive carbon frame, so that. We used to drool over Kestrrels in shop windows in the 80's, not sure how sought after they are now, they are very similar to a modern road frame.
If you are 6'2" this is way too small for you, by the way!
It's not too bad, not ridden it loads of times. Need to do more riding on it in the hope of freeing up the stem!
@@TheRetroBiker If you feel good on it then I won't argue, that's the most important issue.
Beautiful. Be aware though that the glue that connects the aluminum bottom bracket shell to the carbon tubes has aged in the last 30 years and could break under heavy workload (eg. pedaling uphill or doing jumps...)
So I personally wouldnt recommend it as a daily driver. That's why I restored mine to pristine condition and sold it.
The white 105 hoods are original btw. Sadly you probably won't find them anywhere online so I'd suggest you go for the black ones
Thanks, top tips. I wonder why they put white hoods on it and not black, must be an 80s thing.
I'll be swapping the levers out for STIs that are mostly black but I'll keep the 105 levers to one side so anything I swap out is reversable.
@@TheRetroBiker Yeah, those are the 1990 105 BL-1055 Aero Brake Levers. Had the white ones too. BUT there are 105 8-speed STIs (ST-1050 i believe) if you want to use parts of that era ;) You may have to change the cassette to an 8 speed one though or you could set the limiting screws on the derailleur accordingly. 7spd cassettes work with 8spd STIs :)
Thanks, those part numbers are helpful. I've got some more modern 8 speed for now but they are low end Shimano and theres way too much black plastic on them, they will do until I find some of the shifters you mentioned for a prive that's less than the bike cost me ha ha.