My 1990 Miyata 1000LT feels more stiff than any other of my bikes. However, it also feels much more stout. This bike is made with the "Splined Triple Butted" tubes. Where none of my tourers are lightweight or particularly nimble- the Miyata is heavier; that translates into a "sure-footedness" that the other bikes don't have- I can see someone translating that into "slow." I haven't gotten out on the Miyata yet, so I don't know how it handles under load. I haven't found the Treks wanting for anything- but then again I've never taken them down the proverbial mountain road with 35+ pounds of equipment.