Took the Rush out for a 4 hour gravel grinder with
Kerkove this morning. My initial plans were to test out some of the climbing aspects that the Rush has. Before Jeff arrived at our meeting point I did a couple of laps through the singletrack loop near Pfeiffer Park. It has a steep downhill and then a short, steep climb back out so it is a pretty good test to check on body position and things of that nature. The Rush 2000 descended flawlessly, which is exactly what I expected, and climbed just fine. It does not feel sluggish or overweight like some of the other reviews that I have read. During the gravel ride the Rush was not a hinderance at all, although the wind was a little brutal for me. Tailwind for 20+ miles followed by a headwind for 20+ miles back to town. "just like climbing for a long time" was what Kerkove was saying. My legs were definately feeling it with about ten miles left though.
During the true uphill sections I experimented with the lockout on the Lefty, the ProPedal RP3, as well as standing and sitting while climbing. Different combinations worked for different climbs but the consensus is that the Rush climbs just fine especially with the Lefty lockedout. The RP3 works great in both the middle Pro Pedal setting and the right (+) setting. Full right works out well for standing while climbing and both the center and right positions work great while seated. The Rush actually climbs while both standing and sitting but is definately happier with the rider staying in the saddle.
As I stated yesterday, I am hoping to get up to the Decorah area very soon to really give the Rush a true climbing test on the steep and tight singletrack that is Decorah. I love that place.
So, all in all I am very happy with the climbing that the Rush 2000 has shown so far. Stick around for more updates on this fabulous ride in the coming weeks as the temperatures increase.
-Peace.
