Originally Posted by carleton

Wut? Spending an lot of effort and money describes how 1/3 of the bikes on this scene were made. The objective of many (not all) people on this scene is to make their bike look as race as possible. For example, track drops. Track drops only excel in one area: Sprint events on the track. Not even endurance events.

Also, carbon isn't as expensive as it used to be. Actually, it's pretty cheap these days. You can get a full monocoque carbon fiber Planet X (frame, fork, seatpost) for $850 shipped from the UK when last I checked. Pearl white or black that shows the carbon weave.

It's a solid bike. I'm 250lbs and raced the hell out of one last season. I was the 2nd owner. Previous owner was a big guy, too. I've since sold it. Another average/big guy at the track is racing it now. No explosions yet.

Also, watched a guy crash a white one this weekend in a race. Got up, checked the bike, no damage. Raced again no problem. No explosions.