And because there's nothing to differentiate the different brands/models, the riders in the TdF don't give a monkey's what they ride AS LONG AS IT FITS. Even if they did care, they would have to ride the sponsors/team bike, so it's not like Guiseppe d'Italiancylist chooses what he rides. The TdF is a marketplace, the bikes you see are from the makers with the money to support the teams - not necessarily the best, but usually the biggest. So don't choose a bike just because Lance 'chooses' to ride one... remember, he gets paid to use that bike, you don't.

Welcome to the Forum by the way!

PS. Just read your 2nd post OP. I think the above still applies, but when you're doing your study, don't confuse reputation in carbon frame building with reputation in cycle design and building per se. What I mean is that there are some brands who have a great history, but have not moved into carbon and those that have, will almost certainly outsource the manufacture to just three or four factories in the far east. I'd challenge the premise of your thesis and say that 'best in class' is not necessarily defined by quality of product as it is by the power of the brand.