My new ride (long post): Bikefanclub.com

Hello all,

About a month ago, I finally decided to break down and replace my 1996 Cannondale R600 (Campagnolo Athena group) with a bike I've always dreamed about...A Kestrel.

I chose a Friday evening when my wife and son gave me the night off, and ventured into a LBS that carried Kestrel. The salesman was very helpful and suggested riding more than one, but no more than 4, carbon frames to get an idea of how different each will feel.

Test bike 1: 2006 Kestrel Evoke with DA group.
Result: Way to skittish for me. I'm sure I could have gotten used to the feel, but it was frightening on the downhills.

Test bike 2: 2005 Calfee Tetra-pro with Ultegra.
Result: I had never heard of Calfee, and was amazed at how this bike felt. Instantly, I understood what a few friends meant when they experienced love at first ride.

Test bike 3: 2007 Orbea Onix with Campy Mirage.
Result: The only reason I rode a third frame was because the DA and Ultegra groups didn't feel "right" compared to the Campy on my Cannondale.

I left the shop without a bike because of how much it would have cost (The shop wanted $3700 for the Kestrel, and $3400 for the Calfee with the current groups. The Campy change would have run another $700 or so) to have the Ultegra switched out for either the Campy Chorus or Record. It was only those two groups that offered the multiple ring change by pushing hard on the shifters. This was a feature across most Campy lines at one time.

When I returned home, I felt the need to further investigate that awesome bike I rode that day. In fact, I had scribbled "Carlee" on a piece of paper after leaving the shop so I could research further. :-)

After a bit of investigation, I found that that beautiful bike I had ridden was a Calfee (not a Carlee) and I couldn't find one negative comment on the entire Calfee line. This forum helped a bunch with info. I also stumbled across an ebay listing for a 2001 56cm Tetra-Pro with a Record group with a day left in the auction. At that time, the auction was at $1400 with a day left. I watched intently until the closing, and ended up snagging the bike for $1750 with shipping. It seemed like a bit much for a used bike, but if it rode anything like the other Calfee, It was a bargain in my eyes.

I received the bike (which was in incredible condition for a 2001) and had my LBS assemble, tune and go over it with a magnifying glass. My mechanic concurred about the incredible condition.

Here are the stats:
2001 Calfee Tetra Pro (nude carbon I think, I posted some pictures for you all to help me decide)
Campagnolo 10-sp Record group with Carbon shifters and rear derailleur.
Mavic Ksyrium SSC (I belive SL) wheelset.

I finally had the opportunity to get a quick 27 mile ride in on Saturday, and it was everything I hoped for. Definitely a big change from my Cannondale...which I just don't have the heart to get rid of.

Thanks for any help you all can give me on identifying the color.

Justin

Post Extras