Up next in my sponsor appreciation series is Steve Harad of Kestrel Bicycles. Anyone who knows Steve knows he is passionate about the sport of triathlon, and loves to make fast bikes!

I have been with Kestrel for 2 years now, and I simply love the bike. I'll admit, with the release of the new Kestrel 4000, I was a little reluctant. I'd gotten to know my Airfoil pretty darn well and loved the fact that it didn't have a seat tube. The fact that they'd added one to the 4000 bummed me out; to me the missing piece is what made a Kestrel a Kestrel. Now having had some time to get to know the new 4000? All I can say is that in this case? More is better. The 4000 feels much more responsive to me, and most importantly, it fits better! (Plus it's super cool looking, but if I say that first, I seem shallow.....but it is super cool looking!!)

So please allow me to introduce to you, Steve Harad and Kestrel Bicycles:

http://www.kestrelbicycles.com/


1) Tell us a little bit about Kestrel bikes. When and by whom was Kestrel founded? What was the first frame? And what does ‘Kestrel’ mean?

Kestrel was founded in 1987 by a couple of guys who were really smart! The company first produced the Kestrel 4000 and we continue the heritage today. The Kestrel is a wicked fast bird that is well respected in the bird world that the other birds are admire and strive to be one day.

2) Kestrel is now owned by Advanced Sports. When and how did that come to be and how does Kestrel fit into the Advanced Sports family?

Kestrel was purchased by Advanced Sports International in 2007. Kestrel has been on an up and down over the years and we purchased it to rebuild it back to the premier brand it once was. Kestrel supports the ASI other brands as a high end boutique brand that works only with carbon fiber. It also is the first brand we work with that is sold both in stores and online.

3) With the new Kestrel 4000, you now have a UCI legal time trial bike. Was that the motivation behind the design of the bike? Is the hope that, with the Kestrel 4000 in your arsenal of bikes that Kestrel will have a bigger presence in pro cycling? And one day sponsor a tour team??

You nailed it. We want to expand into pro cycling and with our line of bikes we had, we couldn’t do that. I’m also a wind tunnel nut and wanted to design a bike that was faster than our Kestrel Airfoil. What the 4000 represents is the latest technology Kestrel has to offer for the Triathlete as well as conforms to the UCI regulations. We are fortunate that our sister company Fuji let us test the Kestrel 4000 out with the Footon Servetto team.

4) As Kestrel Brand Manager, you are the face of Kestrel bikes. How did you end up at Kestrel? What did you do prior to working for Kestrel?

Scary that I’m the face of Kestrel. I have more of a radio face  But seriously, I’ve been in the cycling industry since I was 14 when I started racing bikes. I’ve used to own Steve’s Multisport, one of the first Triathlon stores in the USA, and was the founder of Elite Bicycles. I sold both businesses and set out to get a “real” job. After 3 weeks, I realized that wasn’t what I wanted to do. I joined ASI 5 years ago and when we purchased Kestrel, I took over managing the brand. It’s the coolest job making wicked fast bikes. I travel all over the world, visit wind tunnels, meet really cool athletes like yourself, and really enjoy what I do.

5) What are your hobbies outside of your obvious passion for cycling?

Outside of work? You mean after the 70 hours I typically put in at work? I spend most of my free time with my son Jesse. He’s my rock star! Other than that, I really enjoy long walks on the beach, sunsets, cute girls  Oh, and I’m single so feel free to find me a date.


6) What is your favorite Kestrel bike and why?

Has to be the 4000 although the new RT1000 that I will show in a few weeks is right up there. These are the first 2 bikes I had total control over and designed with my team. The 4000 has a year and a half of my time invested in it, lots of trips to the A2 Wind Tunnel so IF I had to pick one, that would be the bike.

7) What differentiates Kestrel from all the other tri bikes on the market these days?

There are a lot of tri bikes out there and I think everyone is doing a good job. Kestrel is pushing the technology barrier and really spending time balancing product with aerodynamics and Fit. Fit is so important and I think some companies overlook that aspect of building a bike. Plus there’s me. I still am the guy talking with customers, answering emails, traveling to races to meet Kestrel customers. I think having someone you can call about anything Kestrel is very important!

The release of the Kestrel 4000 has been a much anticipated and exciting step for the brand. What’s next for Kestrel??

Well, the RT1000 is coming out soon. We are pushing hard into the road market with some very cool designed bikes for 2011. I’m already working on 2012 and Kestrel will be expanding into some new categories. We are also working with some new carbon technology that will be completely unique to Kestrel that we will have ready in 2012. Other than product, we are expanding my travel so I can visit more Kestrel dealers, athletes and expos. I am really looking to visit as many places as I can to keep in touch with the end user of Kestrel.

9) Who is your favorite pro triathlete? …..meaning your favorite female pro triathlete? ….I mean, your favorite female pro triathlete from New England……who rides a Kestrel…..and is currently under the age of 40? DO I NEED TO MAP IT OUT FOR YOU ANY CLEARER??

Hmm, Smyers? You had me at “you really need to sponsor me” when we met in HI 2 years ago. I figured if you had the guts to be direct with asking, you definitely were worth sponsoring. Plus, your husband is cool so IF I ever get sick of you, I can always hang with Dave and your dog