Re: Dragonfly v. Tetra
02/09/04 08:55 PM (24.53.21.48)
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First off I am convinced that Davdon made the right choice. I think if he had asked Craig the choice would have been the Tetra at the great price. I talked with him when I got my bike and he suggested the Luna based on my needs and riding style. At the time Craig rode a Luna. I was happy when he said that since I liked the lugged look more. I have a Kestrel so a Luna looks very different for it. He said the ride was the same and everyone who has been on both agree. Davdon definitely made the right choice. A Tetra at a great price is a super value. Money is finite. For some we reach the finite status more quickly. If money is an issue at all and you have a great deal then the Tetra was the best choice. Let's face it the D'Fly is not cheap by any means. You can upgrade a lot of parts for the difference in cost. If money is absolutely no concern (and isn't with me) then go for broke which in my case would be a literal statement.
Can you feel .5 pounds? That is hard to say I think. If a half of a pound made no difference at all Lance and others would not have climbing bikes. Lance has said he "saves" his lighter bike for the mountains because of a mental edge knowing you have the lighter machine.
Can the average weekend warrior feel the difference? That I think is harder. I use the smaller size water bottle. They weigh 1 pound when filled. I don't feel faster once I killed off my first bottle and that is a pound.
I however believe Rebecca and others when they say the D'Fly has a different "feel." It should as it is not made of the same exact material. Don't forget it has the boron added. They say scandium does not feel the same or ride the same as aluminum even though it is is just aluminum with added ingredients. It stands to reason that carbon fiber with boron added would have a different feel to the ride.
Back to the .5 pounds. Even Lance agrees to the power of the mind. For the exceptional rider it could mean a difference but it would not be a huge one in time. My Kestrel is a little heavier than my Calfee. My Kestrel is slower on average speed. Without going into details it really is and was set up exactly the same. I noticed it just by chance. However I don't think the weight is the issue I think it is the Calfee is a more responsive and more lively frame. Hence I ride faster.
Well that is a lot words not saying a whole lot. I hope I did not bore anyone.