Brad Stockwell wrote:
> The lightness and stiffness make these bikes great climbers.
I have no problem with this statement as long as it's understood that it's an opinion. Some people seem to regard it as a fact. Others prefer the climbing of a small tube frame with some give. Which is better has never been proven; I think because it really just comes down to personal preference.
Certainly if the stiffer bike was really better for climbing in some objective way (beyond "feels better to me"), the effect would be measurable and the results of the tests would be shouted from the roof tops in every ad for a monstrously stiff bike. I believe there never will be any such measurements, and I believe I am faster up hills on a frame with noticeably more give than a Klein.
Note I'm not saying I've proved anything, just reminding that the stiffness camp hasn't proven their side either.
Mark Bulgier
Seattle, Wa
USA