Originally Posted by
StanSeven
The one thing though is pretty much all the pro sprinters want a stiff as bike as they can get. Maybe it's just in their heads but it seems like all out sprints need max stiffness
It may well give them better power transfer under high wattages. But no one appears to released any data, or quantified the difference.
I would also guess that if frame flex does make a difference, most new race bikes are all in the same range of stiffness. There could be a huge leap from an 80s era straight top tube frame to a Giant Propel, and very little difference between a CAAD8 and a Propel.
I'd also point out that sprinters were sprinting long before they had today's über-stiff frames.
I have no idea of the differences in speed or tactics due to frame stiffness, but obviously they could do it.