Originally Posted by
PaulRivers
Ah, I get what you're referring to, but I don't think that's what I mean. The Emonda I was comparing was $3,500, so it had good wheels. But I know the feeling you're referring to - this was a different feeling. Wheel changes usually give a far better "get up and go" feeling, the feeling I was referring to was more the kind of way that one car can "feel" faster than another, even though they're actually going the same speed. The Emonda kinda floated, it was like when you're in a plane - you're obviously going faster than a car, but you don't get that same "going really fast" feeling. It seemed purely 100% aesthetic. For this particular angle, I don't think it was a wheel thing. I mean to be fair here - my tarmac also feels a little unsteady, which is probably part of why it feels faster. The Emonda felt more stable and in control - without reducing your ability to quickly steer or anything.
In bold, I believe you mean...kinesthetic which rhymes.
Very true. Best car analogy is driving a 7 series BMW versus a Porsche 911 or Boxster. At one hundred miles an hour the 7 feels like you are doing 30 and a 911 feels like you are going 120.
It does certainly apply to road bikes. My Roubaix just feels like its loafing. I was doing intervals today with sprints to 30 mph with another rider right next to me on a slammed Cannondale and no doubt his bike felt quicker...but he wasn't in fact probably not as quick.
Book on the Emonda is the geometry is between the Madone and the Domane. That means it has a slightly longer wheelbase and probably more laid back HTA and slightly longer rear triangle etc which will make it feel utterly competent but slow...kind of like my Roubaix or a 7 series BMW. I have never felt a more stable bike than my Roubaix. To me, it is simply perfect and carves turns like brand new GS skis. Others, however want a more edgy bike which without question will feel faster.