chas58

I just did the upgrade from good aluminum (ultegra) bike to top shelf CX bike.

I'm finding a 10% improvement on hill climbing and a short tight 60 second course. cruising around town at 200 watts, it probably doesn't make much difference, but hitting it hard with 500-1000 watts, the good bike really accelerates hard. Its April and still snowing, I'm not in top shape, and I'm getting personal records on my test segments.

I don't know what difference that will make in a race - but the ability to carry speed through very tight turns, to accelerate out of turns and to punch up a hill are very different in this bike. Its all in the frame.

As for Just Riding Around - the bike is a ball. Fits larger tires, very maneuverable and just loves to play. Compared to my old Aluminum bike - its mostly the acceleration that makes a difference.

For long distance, I don't know that my average speed is higher on a more casual ride, but I do find that I can do long 100km rides and not be quite as worn out at the end.