Quote from goatstick on Apr 29^th, 2009, 11:23am:

 
As compared to my DF, yes.  I have been blown into the grass on one ride, and shoved into the next lane on another.  Of course, it may just be a case of comparing apples to oranges at this point.  I've been on a DF for a while now, but only on the Corsa for about 4 months.  When I get hit with a crosswind on the DF it may just be I handle it better, since I'm used to it.

Quote from AustinSkater on Apr 28^th, 2009, 4:39pm:

 
Wow Bryan, while I completely agree, rougly 6 months ago I would never have believed those words would come from you.  The first time I met you was at last year's TTTT, but the first time I rode with you was at last year's Populaire, the day after the Dart.  For a while I was leading the pack heading up 377, and you were right behind me.  I don't remember specificlly what you said, but it was something about bent's should be up front.  I led for the first 10-15 miles before fading back to ride with some of my friends.  Then Schlitter took over and pulled everyone the rest of the way.  
 
FWIW, it's great to read how you feel about bents in such a relatively short time period. Does Shellene feel the same way?

Quote from bikerteam on Apr 29^th, 2009, 1:24pm:

 
I have had a lot of fun with the Corsa, but Charlie asked me during the brevet this past weekend which bike I preferred.  I didn't even hesitate before I responded: "My Merckx."  Comfort isn't the only thing I consider when I'm riding, I am first and foremost a climber.  Until I get to the same level on the Corsa that I have on the Merckx, that will always be my favorite bike.  That being said, I intend to keep riding the Corsa until I do get to that level (considering how long I've been riding DFs, that may be a good long time on the 'bent - and there is no complaining in that statement).
 
I'll let Shellene answer that, I just know that she loves to ride bikes!

I love to climb as well.  I don't do it as well as I'd like, but then I'll never be everything I want to be.  Given that I haven't ridden a road bike in a year now, I'd have to say that I am probably as good a climber on the bent as I was on the upright.  But I'd be ok with being a slower climber, since I know I'm faster overall.  It's good enough most of the time to know I'm in the top third of most packs I've ridden with.
 
I've never thought bents were for everyone.  Many in LSR have zero pain on a df and enjoy the heck out of - so why change?  In the end they're all just bicycles.  Mine just happen to be a cooler one than most  
 
 
Quote from AustinSkater on Apr 29^th, 2009, 1:46pm:

Quote from AustinSkater on Apr 29^th, 2009, 12:11pm:

I wonder if a difference between our Corsas is causing this or riding style? I've ridden DF bikes for over 30 years and within about 3 months the Corsa was far more stable in crosswinds for me. Actually, it was the first heavy crosswind ride on the Corsa which happened to be about 3 months and it was still a pretty stock Corsa at that point. How far back do you have the seat set? I wonder if having it fairly upright causes more instability.
 
In speed-descents with crosswinds I'm still a bit shaky but it's me who is shaky, not the Corsa. That and hard cornering I still need to work on a lot to get anywhere near what I could do on a DF road bike. I have been in crosswinds that blew me around a bit but I was running my coroplast panniers on the rear and the ~40mph wind gusts picked up my rear wheel and set it a foot or two to the side, but that has only happened with the panniers on and I'm pretty sure it was lift on the panniers, not just pushing the bike that caused the problem.

I have a Giro 26 and i have not had any serious cross wind problems this spring and I have ridden on some very windy days.

Quote from jcsadowski on Apr 30^th, 2009, 10:31am:

goatstick mentioned it but what is mounted on the bike made a big difference for me.
On my Giro 26 the Aerotrunk caused it to try and dive the opposite way which I need to unlearn countering a crosswind by leaning hard into the wind because that probably contributed to a fall on the Hurricane.
With dual Ortlieb rear panniers it wanted to pickup the rear wheel and sometimes did.
With both the aerotrunk and rear panniers it would slide the rear wheel.
With just an aeropod I just get some pressure but nothing major.
 
 
 

Quote from bikerteam on Apr 29^th, 2009, 1:24pm:

 
Mark asked me on the 600k if I like the df or the bent better.  I answered without thinking, but have since been contemplating......  I have to admit that I still really miss being able to stand up and climb at a really cool steady pace.  However, my climbing on the bent is getting better with every training session, so I'll have to give that a little time.  Overall:  The bent is so super cool on the downhills and in the flats that I'm certain I will not hesitate to prefer my bent in the near future.  Besides, the lack of intense pain while riding is probably the most cool thing I could ask for!  I believe my df withdrawl symptoms are drawing quickly to a close;  I'll be addicted to the bent in no time!
 
As for wind, no problems on the bent in the wind for me.  I still feel the nastyness of the headwinds, but that is just lack of strength development in the legs.  Crosswinds aren't any worse than the df for me.
 
And for cornering:  I am a total wimp at cornering now since I took that nasty concussion a while back.  My head hurt for days and if Metcalf hadn't been with me I would have been completely lost on roads I had ridden many times before.  I couldn't understand the cue sheet nor remember where I was, and I'm no longer willing to risk anything in the corners.  I'll just have to work harder to catch up after each corner.  So, I can't give any rating of either bike in the corners......
 
I really just love riding my bike.  My bent lets me do that and in fine style