This winter, after being feed up of the UCI always changing the definition of bicycle I decided to rebel a little. I spoiled myself and bought a Kestrel Airfoil, an illegal bad boy in the eyes of the UCI. I love Kestrel bikes having used the Talon for both road racing and time trialing. The Kestrel Talon is quite an aero bike, but has a conventional road geometry. On other hand, the Airfoil is nothing but conventional, it's claim to fame, is downtube less aero design. About the UCI, it doesn't consider this two a wheel human powered machine with cranks, pedals, chain, handlebar, etc... to be a bicycle, because it does not have a downtube.

So this winter I slowly put it together having bought only the frame. I transferred the parts from my Talon SL, and rode it about 15 minutes on the Computrainer. I quickly observed that the Airfoil is built for speed, not only because aerodynamics, but because of the geometry. Unless you put 2-3 inches of spacers on your fork, it puts you in a very aggressive position without any special tweaking.

In sanctioned time trials I unfortunately will not be able to use it, but the Beaconsfield cycling club does organize more informal time trials for me to test out the Airfoil, before doing a first Duathlon this year. Last Saturday was a 15 Kilometer out and back TT.

A few days before I tested my form on the Computrainer using a ramp test. The not so encouraging part was that the numbers are very similar to my January fitness level of a few years back. I just don't seem to have the quick recovery, but that makes sense because I usually get my racing fitness by racing.

Right from the moment I got on the Airfoil, something feels strange. The aggressive position with the very short head tube immediately puts me in my aero position, without having to think about things like keeping a long flat back. After a few minutes, I'm comfortable.

So far, I'm very satisfied with the handling of the Airfoil. It is plenty stiff (at least for me being far from a clydesdale), and a very smooth ride. Compared to the Kestrel Talon SL, it certainly dampens vibrations better.

The time trial itself went fine. As usual, I focus on two things during a TT: keeping a good position and staying at my threshold to make sure I squeeze out as much power as I can. With the Airfoil, the position part is easy. I gave an honest effort and finished the 15km course in 20:35, for a 43.7 km/hour average. A few young racers probably half my age came in within a few seconds.

It was a good preparation for this weekend's time trial in Granby, where I'll be using my good old Kestrel Talon with clip on bars to be UCI legal. I have a feeling the equipment doesn't make that much of difference. I'll keep you posted.