Originally Posted by
aikigreg
yes, I believe the xstream is a leap in design and functions very well as a climber. It was the first thing I noticed when I tested the prototype - it's a billy goat with a rocket pack.
Nothing personal, but this reads more like an embellished sales pitch than reality. Climbing isn't about aerodynamics, it's about laden weight, rolling resistance, and above ALL, rider ability. The 'stream weighs 26 pounds and I assume no better RR than a 21 pound Bachetta carbon Aero. So are implying that the 'stream will out climb a CA with the same rider on the same hill?
Further...
The fact that the 'stream was used in RAAM, does NOT mean it's suitable for street use. Quite the contrary;
* FACT: Excessive tiller on LWB formats (much over 8") inhibits low speed balancing AND maneuvering.
* FACT: The x-sream's rear biased weight distribution also contributes to crappy low speed balancing AND maneuvering.