Originally Posted by
colnago62
Not all races have climbing that requires the rider to be a stick man. Most of the amateur racing around here gives the advantage to an all around rider; a guy who can climb pretty well, motor, and sprint. In this neck of the woods you can race a criterium and the velodrome several times a week all season long.
I think people here are looking at the issue incorrectly. A high end racing bike might not give you faster solo ride times, but if it keeps you from getting dropped out of a group ride, you will definitely see an improvement of tour ride time.
Many of the riders in those races are sponsored.
And of the people who buy expensive bikes, few are racing.
What does that leave? Ego. Status. Pride of ownership. That's fine.
A few people buy porsches and race them. The vast majority don't.