Originally Posted by
RobbieTunes
There is little empirical data supporting anything above negligible power loss from BB and frame flex. I always see this argument. It's nice to think anyone reading this has ever had that "power loss" affect their ride one iota, but that would be BS. I have never seen a photo finish in a triathlon and sprints are won by strategy and wattage.
Pro cyclists ride what they're told and many wish for less stiff frames.
You don't lose power you lose acceleration. If the frame is bending that absorbs your power and thus there is less transferring to where you want it - where the rubber meets the road.
But we are talking folks who generate 2000 watts here. If you watch the sprint finish featuring top sprinters the rear wheel literally skid sideways as the frames are so rigid. A steel frame would fishtail under such extreme power and the man on steel would find himself being left behind - not for lack of wattage but less efficient power transmission.
Triathlon bikes rock you over the BB and onto the aerobars to provide speed, rest and sparing your running muscles- a different suite of determining factors to road racing.
I personally am nowhere fit/strong enough to tap into the obvious advantages carbon gives to riding a bike and as such choose to avoid the disadvantages.
If a carbon bike hasn't been damaged or not been placed under elite pressures it should last a long time. Resin does change over time, but as to how long ageing becomes a problem who knows. The aircraft industry promises 40 years and it is early days on proving/disproving that promise.