Subject: RE: Kestrel or fuji morey000 - 2010-08-05 9:49 AM Re: "The Footon – Servetto team in the tour de France actually rode Kestrels that were branded as Fuji’s…"
That's very interesting! So, the kestrel is the better bike, but fuji wants to retain their brand as the higher end? Hmmm. I wonder why they did this? And where did you learn this tidbit. I still have a softspot in my heart for the Kestrel brand- as they pretty much created the carbon fiber bike in the late 80's. They were on top at one time. Now, I guess, Trek probably employs more carbon fiber engineers than all the other companies put together. Let me repharse that... They rode Kestrel TT bikes. The road bikes were Fuji's. Here is a picture of a "fuji" AKA Kestrel 4000. My guess is that they did this because it MIGHT be more aero than the Fuji or to adhere to the UCI guidlines on TT bikes. Riding other bikes that are rebranded happens ALL the time at the tour. Its not just bikes, its wheels, tires, rims even shoes this year. It comes down to the big name riders preference as to their equipment or a sponsor not making whatever is needed. But I agree with you Kestrel has a soft spot in my heart as well. There is the very first Kestrel carbon KM40 from the 80's hanging in a bike shop in Madison, WI that one day I will own. And no, Trek does not employ the most carbon engineers. The last study that I saw, Giant actually did as they make most of the bikes that are on the market even some that say other brand names on them even American ones that say Trek and Specialized. Edited by jhouse4 2010-08-05 11:37 AM
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