The current frames are some of the stiffest and most responsive available. Softride models that are designed with climbing in mind, climb very well. Because Softride is not dependent upon the frame material to be both torsionally stiff and vertically compliant, Softride can use exceptionally stiff frame material and a small rear triangle without compromising on the rider's comfort. Current aluminum Softride frames with a rear triangle are some of the stiffest and most responsive on the market. However, wind tunnel testing shows otherwise.
Wheel choice is the real culprit in most side wind situations.
The frontal area of a deep dish or disc wheel is far greater than the frame's cross section. Riding a bike in crosswinds is not fun no matter what you are on. The rider is the biggest windsock of all on a bike. Many of these initial Rockets, primarily in the Medium size, cracked at the high stress slot area. Softride realized the problem and switched frame builders, and manufacturing processes, and the new Rocket frames have proven to be reliable and virtually crack free.