Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
Unfortunately for this theory, the fastest (for me) single bikes have been very stiff carbon. However our steel CoMotion tandem feels faster to us than did an aluminum Cannondale, supposedly a stiffer bike, which felt "dead" to us. Though I've talked to and ridden with tandem teams riding Calfees and suspect that a Calfee would feel (and be) even faster.
Yes, well, I've tried a bike that BQ said is a great planer, and while it is a really nice ride, I don't percieve anything I think is notable in its propulsion. The frame tubes are OX-Plat standard diameter with 7-4-7 TT and DT with a special stiff chainstay design, and it was designed for 650b. so with 42 mm donut tires it's a very smooth ride especially on not so smooth pavement. I can feel the ride quality and the aspects of low-trail handling, but not sure about planing. I think my 1980 Masi (small frame, no clue on tubing except, it's LIGHT) might plane, but I'm sure my two steel Mondonicos (one SL and the other ELOS) are nice and quick, but not as cushy as the Masi (well, maybe the ELOS is ... hard to say).
The differences BQ has documented were noticable to them but small.
So I can't disagree with your results or your interpretation.