Greater pedaling stiffness means better power transfer, handling, and predictable performance. This significant improvement is attributed to:
- The wider, square-shaped redesign of the down tube and chainstay.
- Use of a lighter, stiffer, more superior carbon fiber material.
Testing Protocols
Stiffness was assessed using the protocols established by Germany’s TOUR magazine with size small framesets, evaluating both torsional and pedaling stiffness.
- Torsional stiffness was determined by how much the complete frameset flexed under a twisting load. Each frameset was locked at the rear dropouts with lateral force applied to the head tube.
- Pedaling stiffness was determined by how much the complete frameset flexed under a pedaling load. Each frameset was locked at the rear dropouts and stabilized at the front by a rigid fixture resembling a suspension fork, providing stability as force was exerted on the crankset to simulate pedaling.