Originally Posted by joebrew

Many of the posts on this thread seem to be ignoring the basic issues that I'm trying to raise.

a) Yes, stronger riders usually beat weaker riders regardless of the bike. This does NOT mean that equipment has no impact on outcome. Why is it that so many of us are on carbon frames with deep dish wheels and riding pro-level gruppos? Just 'cause we like to hemorrhage money?

b) Biking IS expensive and elitist. Yes, there are more expensive sports (hang-gliding, boating, rowing, etc.). And yes, there are poor people who end up becoming bike racers. But let's not pretend that biking is a cheap sport. The reason that races are flooded with 35 year-old or older white guys is not only cultural - it's also economic.

c) The MAIN reason we (I include myself here) spend so much on bikes is for a performance advantage. If the rules restricted me from purchasing a sub-18 lb. bike, I would
a) have a slightly heavier bike (which would arguably be more durable)
b) have more money in my pocket
c) have fairer competition against those with less money who can't afford 15 lb. bikes