Originally Posted by
Bandera
Race bikes are crashed with sometimes disturbing brio.
Crashes cause Damage.
Some damage could/can be repaired.
Steel framesets could/can be repaired by local frame builders.
Bonded AL, Titanium and CF require(d) a specialized facility for repair.
When a popular race frame type is no longer used in competition crash damage becomes rare, specialized repair facilities become idle.
Race bikes remain in useful service for years as obsolescent, obsolete, old, and eventually Classic & Vintage.
Caveat Emptor
-Bandera
Bandera just said it all
Happy to report no problem with my Vitus frame joints, just a notchy Campagnolo Chorus headset that's probably been run over tightened by the PO. Otherwise it's a dream of a bike - light, supple, smooth ride. I'm probably not 'powerful' enough any more to worry about losing power through frame flex - when I increase cadence it surges forward - very happy with that! Also I find I can run a bigger chain ring than on my heavier bikes without getting any more tired - 54T big ring vs 52T - not sure how that works, but it's good for me.