Originally Posted by
twobadfish
I've been trying to understand since like my birth how all that makes the bike _faster_. More comfortable, feels different, etc.. doesn't seem to equate to anything that makes the bike faster. I understand the bike being shaped more aero but aside from that I just don't get it.
More comfortable makes you faster by causing less fatigue. Stiffer allows more power to be transfered. Different rake will make the bike handle better (or worse) which can in turn make you faster or carry more speed as well. It all makes a difference, whether or not it is noticable speed wise can be argued for days.