OK, I have 150 miles on my new Corsa and here are my initial riding
impessions. I have been riding an Optima Baron, almost exclusively,
for the last 3 years so I will be making some comparisons of the two
bikes.
The M5 seat of the Corsa is smaller than the Optima seat on my Baron.
It is about 2 inches shorter in length and 1 inch narrower. The 2" of
reduced length is between the 2 bends of the seat. Overall, the seat
fits me pretty well and is not uncomfortable, although right now I
would say that the Optima seat is a bit more comfortable for me, but
that is likely because I am accustomed to it. With more miles on the
Corsa, I'm sure I'll become more accustomed to it's seat and it will
feel perfectly comfortable. I have no problem with neck fatigue, or
pain, but then I didn't on the Optima seat either.
My Corsa is the large frame and with the seat stays fully reclined,
the seat clamp is just about right in the middle of the adjustment
range. The seat angle is slightly more than the seat on my Baron,
which is fully reclined, but not by much. When the handlebars are set
for my arms fully extended, the riser angle is almost perfectly in
line with the head tube. Even with the height adjustment of the stem
fully lowered, the handlebars are still a few inches higher than I
need. The superman position is certainly different than what I am
used to but it is not uncomfortable.
The Corsa is a fast and efficient bike. On a flat, smooth road, my
Baron is faster for the same percieved effort, but not by much. Into
a stiff wind, the Baron also seems to be a bit easier to maintain
speed, but again , not by much. It is really difficult to quantify
any differences, because I only have about 200 road miles this year.
Although the spinning work I have done, at the local YMCA, have my
heart and lungs in excellent shape, my legs still need some more road
miles and are getting stronger every ride.
The Corsa is definitely quicker, when accelerating from a stop, and
also seems to be a better climber, on the hills in my area. This is
no doubt due to it's lighter weight. I haven't weighed either bike
but my just hefting them, the Corsa is noticably lighter. Handling is
excellent. It is quicker responding than my Baron but is predictable
and smooth. I am still getting used to it but I am pretty steady on
it right now. Starting is a bit trickier, so far, but again, I have
had no real problems. The stiffness of the Corsa and overall ride
quality, seem to be about the same as my Baron.
Bottom line, so far, with my limited miles, is that the Corsa is a
very comfortable ride and is certainly capable of being ridden at a
fast pace, by those capable of riding it so. It might be slightly
less efficient on flat, smooth rural roads but for all long rides, in
varied terrain, it is probably capable of being ridden just as fast as
my Baron. For hillier rides, it might even be faster, for me.
I did a short mile ride last Friday evening, on mostly rural roads,
with light winds, but about 60 percent of the ride was on a glacial
moraine, with rolling, to slightly hiily roads. Even after going
through my home town and riding the streets for a couple of miles I
ended up doing 29.5 miles in 1:32. I did not push myself really hard
and only had about 100 road miles for the year. It appears that I
might not be getting many road miles on my Baron for awhile and will
be riding the Corsa.
Harry Jiles