The Kona survey clearly indicates that “most” pros are using a steeper configuration, 76+ degrees. How about olympic and half distances (non ITU) races?? What are your thoughts on seat angle for a course like Wildflower?
Has anyone had a good look at McCormack’s Wildflower setup? Did he put his Talon into the steep mode?
Here’s a little peek inside what we’ve been doing this evening at FIST here at Xantusia: Dan has presented to us a series of three more or less scientific studies that support, through various protocols, the validity of steep seat tubes. Now, Dan doesn’t have any bikes to sell (anymore). He has nothing “vested” in selling one type of bike over another. however, the evidence we have reviewed (and debated extensively here) does support the steep seat tube angle as “faster”. Also, we have talked extenisvely about the application of steep seat tube angles of variable terrain and teaching climbing techniques that make people FASTER on climbs using steeper seat tubes. Also, we have looked extensively at the effect of steep seat angles on running faster. The bottom line: For most people steeper IS faster. Olympic, sprint, Ironman or whatever- as long as you’re not drafting, the tendency is that you should be “steep”. Much more to come.