Giro 20-TT and Strada test ride today
 

(cross-posted on BROL)
I returned to the Wheelworks in Belmont MA today to test-ride a 26x26 and 26x20 SWB. The Giro 20-TT and Strada were set up, both with the Euromesh seat, in the right frame size, so I rode 'em.

Compared with my test ride the other week on a Giro 26 in the large frame (which I barely fit on) the latest bikes were much more fun and easier to handle. I can see having more confidence on the 20" front wheel since the lower BB requires less athleticism to handle, particularly on frequent stops and starts. I also like the idea of converting Giro 20's to 26x24 to find a middle point between the styles. However, my riding is mostly on suburban roads, not urban ones so the start/stop issue doesn't bother me too much. The 26x26 would require my improving flexibility somewhat to make getting the 2nd foot onto the pedals after a stop a smoother process.

My conclusion is that I'd prefer the smaller front wheel for now but can live with the larger. I am still lurking in the classifieds and I hope my Trek bike sells ASAP so I can shop in earnest. I wish I could own one of each, the smaller front wheel for commuting and the highracer for fun rides.

Part of my general advice is to repeat the test rides. Especially if one bike handles poorly for you, it may be you. By waiting a week or so and having a few other test rides in between before repeating, your brain has time to process the experience and you will often get a completely different ride the second time around.

I also recommend doing multiple test rides. Just last weekend I tried out both a Giro 20 and 26 to use for commuting. I've ridden these bikes before on other test rides, but for some reason the Giro 20 felt more twitchy to me than it did before. However I do prefer being able to put my feet firmly down on the ground for stops and starts, so I'll probably lean towards the 20 as well.

I'll be going back next week. I am also thinking of waiting until the '09 bikes start coming out to see if I can get a deal on a new '08 bike vs. scouring the used market.

I tried a Giro 20 today and was very impressed. I too, like the idea of a seat closer to the ground and not such a high BB. It was no twitchier than my Bike E at low speed and seemed more stable at speed.
I am leaning toward the TT.
Mark

Perhaps others with experience will chime in, but it seems that the highracer style really needs clipless pedals. I found if I missed getting my left foot on the pedal I had to stop, get my right foot ready to start the bike again, and repeat. With clipless pedals I could have pulled the right foot around and gotten the left foot in position again while in motion.

Not necessarily for starts. But clipless pedals help to secure the feet during longer rides and when going over bumps.

Starting on a highracer gets easier with practice and bent muscle development. Just remember to shift down when slowing or stopping, and always start off in a sufficiently low gear.

When I'm starting on my highracer, I don't clip either foot in until I've given a good push off and built enough speed. Usually that means 2-3 revolutions of the pedals. After almost keeling over a few times, I'm wary of waiting at lights with one foot clipped in! :)