Originally Posted by
tomato coupe
Your analogies with simple devices are irrelevant, because those simple devices don't behave the same as a bicycle frame. If analogies were all that were required, I'd make the (equally bad) argument that tennis racquets prove that a stiffer frame is better. (Because a stiff racquet gives you more power than a flexible racquet, and is therefore more efficient.)
A tennis racquet benefits from the stiff frame supporting the trampoline effect of the strings. String tension is adjustable to tune the desired trampoline effect. Hollow baseball/softball bats (aluminum, composite) also tune trampoline effect for performance. To reduce injuries, there are limits on exit velocities. Manufacturers control this with adjustment of the trampoline effect.
In addition to the additional length for an effectively longer arm (and an additional hinge point in the system), the ball-chucker benefits from the unloading of stored energy in the flex of the shaft, similar to a hockey stick.
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RIP 01/08/25...2022 Trek Supercaliber, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2018 Trek Procaliber SL Singlespeed, 2017 Bear BR1, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP