I currently have an SLT01, and it is THE most laterally stiff frame I have ridden, and coming from my 2.8 Series Cannondale, I think that's saying something. The Madone of the same era wasn't even close. This thing just goes like a rocket up hills when I'm standing on it, I feel nary a sway, and I still ride the Cannondale, and it's noticeable, even with the same wheels.

My question is directed at those who have ridden both the SLT and the SLC frames. I've heard both that the SLC is actually more laterally stiff than the SLT, and then there are articles, and comments in this forum that make it seem like it isn't that stiff a frame.

I guess I have a hard time believing that with my experience with the SLT, that the SLC could be more whippy, or noodly, as seems to be indicated by some people. Having never ridden a Cervelo, I can't comment on that frame in the stiffness area, but it just seems odd, given the tube shapes and all, that the SLC could not be equally as stiff, or more so than the SLT, or Cervelo.

It's more a curiosity thing, as I'm perfectly happy with the way my SLT rides.

No one? Bueller, Bueller?

I happen to have a chance to ride both. I test rode a SLT01 from a LBS few months ago and now have owned a SLC01 for about a month.

The first impression of the Team Machine is the stiffness and responsiveness of the BB area as already point out from you. When ridden out of the saddle, it shoot out like a rocket as compare to my other Giant TCR Composite. However, I found the ride quality a bit harsh when comparing to the Giant. It has more of an aluminum feel than carbon. But I was totally taken by the rock solid BB. Per some of the other's suggestions, I put my faith on getting a SLC01 from eBay. It does not disappoint. I get the best of both world, rigid BB and great ride quality. Being 200 g lighter is another bonus.

I think the perception on SLC01 being "softer" than the Team Machine is because its great vertical compliance quality mutes the banging/boucing effect. it is altogether much quieter and smoother but NOT softer. But again, many reviewers compare it to a Cervelo R3 or other super rigid frame that I have not personally ridden so I cannot comment on its rigidity on a global sense. All I know that it is not softer than a SLT01. And if you are considering buying one, good news perhaps come from the new 2008 model that BMC actually add more rigidity to the BB area in response to some of the criticisms.

Thanks for the reply, it's much appreciated. Nice to know the skinny. Where did you find out that they were going to beef up the '08 model?

Read the last sentence from this article from Cyclingnews.com :

http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech/2007/shows/eurobike07/?id=results/eurobike075