Had a ride on 9098 from Middlesbrough to Gateshead Interchange. I was actually surprised by it, did better than I thought it would do with it achieving the limited top speed of 62mph (speedometer app I used was indicating a maximum speed of 67mph bit the app probably isn't totally accurate) Although it felt slightly sluggish getting back onto the A19 after Peterlee. It was pretty comfortable as well.
I still feel that it is not a suitable long term vehicle for the X9/X10 and I don't believe any bus currently being manufactured is, really feel some form of coach would be better suited to this route. I do feel that it would be a good buy for any other double decker route that GNE route like the 21 or the Ten. Much nicer to the StreetDeck I've got on the X21 now, not very smooth and rattles from the back upstairs.
