S30 vs Vendetta cruising speeds?

[Balor]

I've tried searching, but for some reason there is a dearth of comparison data. In fact, there is little data on how fast S30 is at all!
Can people that care about statistics chime in about their average speeds (level ground, loop track) on S30?
And I'm especially interested in comparison data of those that had both S30 and Vendetta.

 

[ak-tux]

I've tried searching, but for some reason there is a dearth of comparison data. In fact, there is little data on how fast S30 is at all!
Can people that care about statistics chime in about their average speeds (level ground, loop track) on S30?
And I'm especially interested in comparison data of those that had both S30 and Vendetta.

Check this blog: https://cruzbike.com/blog/2016/06/07/the-new-s30-robert-holler-rides-and-reports/

 

[Balor]

Any other experiences? The difference seems really small... though that is newer, 'suspension-less' Silvio.

 

[ak-tux]

Any other experiences? The difference seems really small... though that is newer, 'suspension-less' Silvio.

The last iteration of the S30 or S30v2 only had rear suspension. That is still very effective compared to a purely rigid frame like the V20 I should think.

Yes the difference in speed between the S30v2 and the V20 must be very small. In my opinion it was the ideal general purpose FWD road bike . The older fully suspended S30 version (i.e. with front and rear suspension) would theoretically be slower because front suspension introduces minor transmission losses and significant weight increase.

 

[Balor]

I think that flat chainstays may actually be the greatest source of additional drag - flat plate drag is the worst possible.
I am a firm 'nonbeliever' in weight (and even suspension) affecting speed on flat ground much, because my total weight with the bike is whooping 300 pounds and it does not prevent me from reaching 24mph averages on flat highway.
Uphill though... now that is where things get brutal, admittedly.

 

[chicorider]

I can only offer anecdotal details, but I have and ride a V20 and the last edition of the S30, both with identical wheel and Dura Ace 9000 builds. While the S30 is a bit heavier and a bit less aero than the V20, my Strava times, both for climbing and on flats, are consistently a wee-bit higher on the S30. Most of my climbing PRs are on the S30, and I recently did a 50 mile flat loop on both bikes, about a week apart, with similarly calm weather with the V20 averaging 22.8mph and the S30 23mph, which is a pretty typical speed difference. On paper, the S30 should be slower, but my guess is that the higher seat incline allows me to push more into the backrest and to put more watts into the pedals. That my legs often feel a little more fatigued after a ride on the S30 seems to bear this out. All that being said, the V20 is more comfortable for me than the S30, and I can hold a good, high cruising speed on the V20 all day.

 

[ak-tux]

I can only offer anecdotal details, but I have and ride a V20 and the last edition of the S30, both with identical wheel and Dura Ace 9000 builds. While the S30 is a bit heavier and a bit less aero than the V20, my Strava times, both for climbing and on flats, are consistently a wee-bit higher on the S30. Most of my climbing PRs are on the S30, and I recently did a 50 mile flat loop on both bikes, about a week apart, with similarly calm weather with the V20 averaging 22.8mph and the S30 23mph, which is a pretty typical speed difference. On paper, the S30 should be slower, but my guess is that the higher seat incline allows me to push more into the backrest and to put more watts into the pedals. That my legs often feel a little more fatigued after a ride on the S30 seems to bear this out. All that being said, the V20 is more comfortable for me than the S30, and I can hold a good, high cruising speed on the V20 all day.

I guess if the road surface was less than perfect, for example on tarmac with some cracks and patches, the difference would be greater in favour of the S30.

If Cruzbike was to bring back the S30v2 or S33 all they need to do is to retain that rear Ti leaf suspension , use the S40 frontend and increase the wheelbase just a little. I think there is something special about that low to mid thirties seat angle.

 

[Balor]

I can only offer anecdotal details, but I have and ride a V20 and the last edition of the S30, both with identical wheel and Dura Ace 9000 builds. While the S30 is a bit heavier and a bit less aero than the V20, my Strava times, both for climbing and on flats, are consistently a wee-bit higher on the S30. Most of my climbing PRs are on the S30, and I recently did a 50 mile flat loop on both bikes, about a week apart, with similarly calm weather with the V20 averaging 22.8mph and the S30 23mph, which is a pretty typical speed difference. On paper, the S30 should be slower, but my guess is that the higher seat incline allows me to push more into the backrest and to put more watts into the pedals. That my legs often feel a little more fatigued after a ride on the S30 seems to bear this out. All that being said, the V20 is more comfortable for me than the S30, and I can hold a good, high cruising speed on the V20 all day.

Very interesting, thanks!
Back-seat interface is critical for power delivery and is often overlooked... my next project will likely feature a custom molded seat and 'shoulder boosters'. Using my back for bracing is hugely ineffective anyway - I have a thick, ahem, 'damping layer' there.
As far as I know, 'horizontal' hour record highracers use shoulder boosters and achieve extremely impressive (350+) wattages... of course that power is not free, just like you said, but being ABLE to push harder when required is a very nice bonus to me.

 

[MrSteve]

Seat angle is a factor in aerodynamics. Numbers don't lie.
Seat angle is also your individual preference. Whatever you prefer is what works for you.

My Cruzbike Sofrider V1 has two different seat angles.
Same bike, same rider, same everything: The only variable is the seat angle.
So, apples-to-apples! (Not apples-to-oranges.)
With the 30 degree seat, the bike with me on it averages 16mph on hilly roads with a top speed in the mid to high 20mph range.
On flat roads, it cruises at 18mph.
With the 18 degree seat, the bike with me on it averages 17mph on hilly roads with a top speed in the low to mid 30mph range.
On flat roads, it cruises at 20+mph.

With the 30 degree seat, the slipstream keeps me cool and so this is the preferred seat for warm weather riding.
With the 18 degree seat, the slipstream is hardly noticeable and so this is the preferred seat for cool weather.

My Vendetta 2.5 is much faster than the Sofrider, probably due to the lack of suspension and it weighs less.
Also, I prefer it.

Hope this helps.

 

[ak-tux]

Seat angle is a factor in aerodynamics. Numbers don't lie.
Seat angle is also your individual preference. Whatever you prefer is what works for you.

...

My Vendetta 2.5 is much faster than the Sofrider, probably due to the lack of suspension and it weighs less.
Also, I prefer it.

Hope this helps.

Curious, what is the seat angle of your Vendetta ver. 2.5?

 

[Gary123]

I can only offer anecdotal details, but I have and ride a V20 and the last edition of the S30, both with identical wheel and Dura Ace 9000 builds. While the S30 is a bit heavier and a bit less aero than the V20, my Strava times, both for climbing and on flats, are consistently a wee-bit higher on the S30. Most of my climbing PRs are on the S30, and I recently did a 50 mile flat loop on both bikes, about a week apart, with similarly calm weather with the V20 averaging 22.8mph and the S30 23mph, which is a pretty typical speed difference. On paper, the S30 should be slower, but my guess is that the higher seat incline allows me to push more into the backrest and to put more watts into the pedals. That my legs often feel a little more fatigued after a ride on the S30 seems to bear this out. All that being said, the V20 is more comfortable for me than the S30, and I can hold a good, high cruising speed on the V20 all day.

 

[MrSteve]

Curious, what is the seat angle of your Vendetta ver. 2.5?

Seat angle is 22.5 degrees according to the published specifications.

The Vendetta climbs more efficiently/faster than the Sofrider for all of the reasons.
For me, in order, these are:
-no bottom bracket flex.
-Longer wheelbase = more front wheel traction.
-Better aerodynamics and
-lighter weight.