Originally Posted by
Bacciagalupe
I would also say I can't think of too many reasons why either the Wilier or Focus will give you much of a performance edge over the Defy, unless you change the setup (especially the rider position, wheels and tires). This is not to say that getting a 2nd bike is necessarily a bad idea; just keep in mind that it won't really make you faster.
That's what I thought too, but man I felt so much faster/stronger on the Wilier and Focus. I did the same short 1.5mi climb during my test rides and was ~1mph and nearly a minute faster on the carbon bikes. Sure, fatigue may have played a role, but the difference in feel was remarkable. On my Giant, I feel like I'm fighting the bike. When I stand to pedal, it sometimes feels like I'm not really going any faster. The Izoard and Izalco, on the other hand, feel like they always want to go faster. When I stand, the bikes leap forward, and I don't feel like any power is being wasted.
All in my head? Perhaps...
Originally Posted by
mpath
What size frame is the XP? And what wheels are on them?
It's a medium with Fulcrum 7 wheels. The build I want from CC will come with Rival vs. Ultegra (~200grams saved) and Mavic K10's vs. the Fulcrum 7's (~400 grams saved).