Originally Posted by
Bandera
Yes, But.....
Groupos designed for professional cycling are engineered and manufactured to the highest quality standards and UCI requirements.
Cost is not an important consideration vs. a balance of extreme reliability and light weight, one must finish to win and the mile mileage high speed pounding dished out by pro riders is an excellent test of kit. It also tests team mechanics and budgets, I lack the 2nd.
Let's not confuse wear and risk of failure. A Dura Ace chain is not going to snap during a 1200 watt sprint, but it does not mean that it will last as long as a Deore chain. Pro racers don't have to go even 1000 km on one chain.
It's the same story with tires. The most expensive tires are the ones that are lightest and the ones with the best grip (e.g. Conti Competition) but not the most durable (Conti Sprinter Gatorskin).
Anyone know how often wearables are replaced during e.g. Tour de France?