PHILADELPHIA (BRAIN) — ASI's Kestrel brand is returning to the off-road market with a new carbon 29er hardtail, the MXZ, which will be available in two builds.
Kestrel produced one of the first-ever carbon mountain bike frames in 1988, also called the MXZ. Two years later, the brand offered the Nitro, a full-suspension frame designed in collaboration with Keith Bontrager.
The new Kestrel MXZ is a sub-22-pound cross-country racing bike.
The MXZ Team model, retailing for $3,999, is outfitted with a RockShox SID World Cup, Shimano XT 1-by drivetrain and Shimano XT disc brakes.
The MXZ Pro, retailing for $2,999, features a RockShox SID RL, SRAM NX 1-by drivetrain and SRAM Guide brakes.
Both models are spec'd with WTB i23 TCS wheelsets, Maxxis Aspen 29 x 2.2 tires and a Ritchey WCS component kit. They are available in four sizes ranging from 15.5 through 21 inches.
"We're incredibly excited to bring mountain bikes back to the line," said Brian Olowiany, Kestrel's global brand manager. "Kestrel built some of the very first carbon mountain bikes with the original MXZ and the Nitro back in 1988. We considered bringing them back over the last couple of years. Based on the number of consumer requests we receive, we knew it was a no-brainer."
The company said Kestrel's new mountain bike line will continue to expand as interest grows. More information at kestrelbicycles.com.
