Goodbye gravel bike, hello recumbent

I can’t quite picture how you’d even use the lowest part of the bars. Like having flat bars on a slammed stem.

Not sure either, but that is part of why I would like to give it a try :)

Pure 80s madness. Love it.

I've found just the bike for you.

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So much want right now. Was hoping it was an Ebay link.. .

Finally managed to squeeze in a first ride on the Kestrel. Surprisingly it feels just like any other bike. I was expecting the lack the of a seat tube would add some suspension into the mix, but that is definitely not the case. Feels as harsh as any other modern bike.

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So good. Stem looks great and the spinergys go perfect on this. Amazing build, enjoy.

I love this thread. You seem to buy the bikes everyone else would love to build but ultimately says 'nah fuck that'. The Kestrel is fantastic.

Wow!

Thanks for all the kind words.

I changed the Deda because it was too long and crazy flexy. The 3T (Chromix it think it is called) is the exact opposite in terms of flex. Hoping the Specialized bars will add some comfort to the mix.

There is a softride tandem on eBay
https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Burley-Touring-Tandem-Softride-Carbon-Bean-Technology-Cro-Mo-DB-Tubing/233778757797?ul_ref=https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?campid=5338365712&customid=EB17074482&toolid=20006&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fitm%2F233778757797&srcrot=710-53481-19255-0&rvr_id=2766396912880&rvr_ts=f88320751760aaec919743e4ffe975c6&_mwBanner=1&_rdt=1&ul_noapp=true&pageci=3e432a36-938a-4330-aefe-5e01693fe750

The Kestrel is really starting to grow on me, so I decided it was time to treat it to something nice and shiny.

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New handlebars fitted.

For something that made it to the Bikeradar top 5 of the all-time worst pieces of road tech, it feels surprisinly comfortable. So far I have only ridden it on the turbo trainer, but already I can tell it adds two very nice hand positions.

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Nice, didn‘t know specialized made them despite GLM’s Scott sponsorship. Apaarently there were 2 different versions:

The branding says Specialized, but they look almost identical to pictures I found online of a Nitto Mod 195.

Nitto made bits for Specialized, I've had a few Specialized pearls over the years.

No idea how I've missed this thread btw... some mental bikes

Gloves and watches add the finishing touch

Love the kestrel

The top one with the struts (not sure if that is the right word for it) looks amazing. I read about it, but had no idea it looked like this. I wonder if they ever released it to the public. Scott drop in bars are sold quite often, but I have never seen this one. Anyway, so much want right now.

Found this on leboncoin today and managed to convince the seller in to ship it outside France, which can be challenging in my experience.

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Unexpected benefit of the new bars is that they enable me to use a bag that I had previously ruled out.

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Which bag is that please?

Tribulus Limited. Ideally requires a strap through the forks, but as tire clearance is virtually non existent the handlebars will have to do.

Finally got some work done on the tandem. The most exciting thing was connecting the brake lever cable to the hydraulic converter. I wasn't sure what to expect seeing as it is 20+ years old and I am still not sure if I did it right, but it moves surprisingly smooth. Unfortunately no movement at the brake caliper though, so I will need to figure out how to bleed the brakes.

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Excellent! If it’s any consolation, you wouldn’t be able to use that bag with the other version with the dropped aero extensions.

Seeing as my Mavic 3G wheels still haven't attracted any buyers, I decided I might as well put them to good use before they do sell.

I found some Continental Sprinter tubulars in 650c size at a reasonable price at Bikeinn. I am planning to fit them to the wheels with tubular tape. The wheels came without any decals. I would love to fit some, but I have yet to locate any nice ones.

Always thought the destickered 3G looked great on this:

Would love some myself, but can't justify cost, and I fear the tubular.