1989 Kestrel MXZ - Carbon Fiber - E-Stay - 1989

[sq_root_of_2]

I think these are the first production carbon fiber mountain bikes and one of if not the first production E-Stay

1989 Kestrel MXZ - Carbon Fiber

I finished this some time ago.

I went in a couple of directions for this build. It was sold as a frame only so I figured I could take some liberties with the build.

First: Used a lot of titanium parts - replaced all the bolts with ti bolts and put as many titanium parts on without it being too far from a period build.

This frame has a number of bolts to attach things to the frame: Front derailleur, rear drop outs, 2 water bottle mounts so those are all now titanium.

Second: There were a number of bird names used by bike component companies so the decision was made to use as many as possible, again sticking as close to a period build as possible. Names are: Kestrel, Merlin, Ibis, & Avocet. Now known as the bird bike.

Frame: Kestrel MXZ Carbon Fiber with original Zolotone granite finish
Fork: Steel with original Zolotone finish
Headset: Shimano 7400 Dura Ace
Stem: Ibis titanium
Handlebar: Merlin titanium
Grips: Ritchey
Brakes: Shimano Deore XT
Brake Pads: Shimano Deore XT
Brake Cables: Shimano Deore XT
Cantilever cable hangers: Shimano
Brake Levers: Shimano Deore XT
Shifters: Shimano Deore XT 7 speed
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT
Derailleur Cables: Shimano
Cassette: Shimano
Chain: Shimano XT
Cranks: Shimano M730 Deore XT
Crank Bolts: Ritchey titanium
Chainrings: Shimano Deore XT
Bottom Bracket: Shimano Deore XT
Pedals: Shimano Deore XT M731 (for pics) or MKS Grafight 2000 (for riding)
Hub Skewers: Ringle titanium
Rims: Araya RM-20
Hubs: Shimano Deore XT
Tires: IRC Racer X Pro
Saddle: Avocet Racing
Seatpost: Syncros titanium
Seatpost Binder: Kestrel
Bottle Cage: King titanium
All hardware bolts: titanium
Weight with MKS riding pedals: 25.1 pounds (11.39 kg)

The first 2 photos show the bike with pedals for these fancy photos ...the third photo shows the bike with riding pedals (MKS Grafight 2000).

More photos can be seen here: http://s1248.photobucket.com/user/rmtb/ ... t=9&page=1

 

[sq_root_of_2]

A few more photos

 

[noka78]

Re: 1989 Kestrel MXZ - Carbon Fiber - Zolotone

That's a crazy bird i like the built up concept !

With this surface of these frames it' seems like a sculpture !

 

[24pouces]

Re:

Very Cool

 

[mtbdave]

Re: 1989 Kestrel MXZ - Carbon Fiber - Zolotone

Nice, very nice but I thought it maybe lighter my 20" Xizang is 10kg with no to parts only frame

 

[27motorhead]

I love these old Kestrels. Cracking build and love the concept behind it!

Pity Macaw tyres are not period correct otherwise you'd have another bird breed added to the mix! In case you're unaware of Macaw tyres, they were hideously coloured tyres and most will only remember them by their rather sexist advert that I'm sure has popped up in RB a few times:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1237/460 ... 697482.jpg

Ta!
Tim

 

[Retro Spud]

Re:

Nice

How about some "fast Feathers" kit like skewers etc

 

[27motorhead]

Re: Re:

Nice

How about some "fast Feathers" kit like skewers etc

I like your thinking... and just thought... X-Lite Chicken Stix (brake levers!)

 

[Vinevo]

Re:

Love it, absolute classic

 

[RockiMtn]

oh how i would LOVE that stem off that!