Panorama view of one very memorable ride in Norway in June of 1993, me on the Roulandt and Charles Clinton (of Seattle, USA, where else? ;-)) on his Presto (Roulandt not in view). It took place on the last day of --for me-- abortive Tour Des Fjordes '93, when, shed of all luggage, well rested, and in spite of improper gearing mentioned elsewhere, I was after all able to keep up the uphill pace of Charles riding a low geared and streamlined Presto. Provided I carried no additional weight on the rear wheel. Carry no evil. . .
    For close to two and a half hours we rode up a mountain at an easy pace, me in the lowest gear, Charles in the next to his lowest one; me now and then straining to stay above the stalling  speed, him the very model of civility making sure, that I trailed him close behind. Before that I was able to test- ride his bike, of course, and liked it just fine. When we at last parted company, as I was to return to the railroad station to begin the train journey home, I was able to fly  all the way downhill at breakneck speed (I carry no cyclocomputer on principle) and cover the return distance in all of 20 minutes! Ergo, the Roulandt is not totally unsuitable for the mountains, it is merely unsuitable for the uphill parts of them! ;-))
    The Presto, now, that's a whole new different kind of fish. It scales[sic!] the mountains like they weren't there. Especially when ridden by someone like Charles, who does it a lot, takes the activity seriously, and thus keeps the drivetrain well oiled and adjusted. Here's a bigger picture of the scene.