Well, it was an interesting and worthwhile experiment, riding the V26 for a week or so -- and sincere thanks, Barry, for the swap! However, try as I might yesterday, I couldn't get the bike above 25 on the flats, which is a definite indication of the help the homebuilt fairing (although smaller than a Windwrap/Zzipper style) on the SXP gives. Even with the seat at ~<40 degrees recline and my feet up, I could really feel the wind hitting me -- which to me sort of says that if you're not going to have a fairing and still want a significant difference in speed compared to a low bottom bracket bike, you really DO want to get "laid back" like a Bacchetta... But putting an extended front fairing on the V26 would definitely increase one's top speed!
My other impressions of the V26 compared to the SXP:
1) The ride was definitely somewhat bumpier, which is easily attributable to the aluminum frame and frame geometry -- but still comfortable, as such. But I'd have to give the SXP the nod for long-distance touring comfort, especially on chipseal.
2) Having my feet higher to pedal wasn't a significant problem - but I was uncomfortable with it 18 months ago. Balance was not an issue, although it was a (very) LITTLE trickier when starting.
3) The front end is definitely lighter, comparatively -- I could feel the front wheel move significantly in bumpy sections;
4) Power transfer seemed better, from a purely subjective standpoint. If I could have reclined the seat even more (I was on hole #2, and my Aerotrunk was almost rubbing the tire), I wouldn't have had quite the support from the seatback. [Note: Barry uses it even much more upright, like hole #7?] The aluminum frame has very little flex, and the BB is part of the main 2" tube.
5) It fit on my Saris rack fine, even with the seat on -- the SXP is topheavy with the seat on.
6) The disc brakes were tempermental -- I had to loosen the cable more than I wanted to to avoid rotor rubbing.
Like I said, it was an excellent experimental opportunity, thanks again, Barry! Kinda quashes my budding desire for an aluminum V3... which isn't necessarily a BAD thing for my wallet!!!