I don't think I need to go that far - it's still slower than my flat bar road bike. I think the speed increase came mostly in the climbs and descents, of which there are a lot; speed on the flats wasn't too much different (though a bit higher as well). Regardless, it's nice to have to option of riding either bike at a reasonable speed on pavement. I am curious to see how much off-road performance is compromised, though.