Heh... yeah, I have a similar experience. I bought a Spec TriCross a year or so ago with the intention of doing some long distance road riding / touring. On a whim, I decided to take it to the trails instead of my mtb, and I was rather surprised at how well it handled just about everything (except the really techy stuff, as you noted). That was a great bike, but I ended up selling it b/c a new baby does not give much time for touring or extended riding. Since then, I've seen a couple of these outfitted with mtb bars and converted to SS for ripping up the XC trails.
I think the majority of the differences you are talking about (better climbing, faster with less effort, etc) come from the more efficient riding position. And it is the position you trained in, so it is going to feel natural and powerful.
Sure, the narrow tires offer less resistance (but also reduced traction)... and the taller gearing is just going to _feel_ faster even if you have to crank on it. I don't think there's really enough difference between a moderately sized 29er tire and a 700cx37mm to make up for the difference in gearing.
I think the majority of the differences you are talking about (better climbing, faster with less effort, etc) come from the more efficient riding position. And it is the position you trained in, so it is going to feel natural and powerful.
Sure, the narrow tires offer less resistance (but also reduced traction)... and the taller gearing is just going to _feel_ faster even if you have to crank on it. I don't think there's really enough difference between a moderately sized 29er tire and a 700cx37mm to make up for the difference in gearing.
