Speeder wrote “I can’t see there being many people that would prioritise uphill performance over the fun stuff. Even if it were true.”
Ha! There speaks someone who relies on uplift. If you’re riding cross country, & pedalling up the hills yourself, uphill speed is *everything*. Because of the way averages work, shaving 10% off the (fast) downhill sugments makes no difference, but shaving 10% off the (slow) uphill segments is literally a lifesaver (by which I mean, you get to the pub before closing).
If this bike ever appears on the market here I’d definitely be interested. Though I think if he really wants it to be the “last bike you ever buy” he should build it in titanium, not aluminium.