I watched that video when it came out a couple of years ago. Bikes are the same as any other sport that requires a "thing" or widget to participate. Science, technology, human bio-mechanical knowledge and mechanics evolve and improve the "thing" (and the human) over time. For amateur and professional racers it can mean the difference between winning (or placing) and not winning.

For us mere mortals does it make a difference? Yes, it does in most cases but many of us are not pushing the limit to the extent that amateurs and pros do. That would generally indicate that we won't see the added gain to the extent that they do from the thing, but we will usually see a gain.

A high tech bike isn't gonna help this 68 year old retired recreational cyclist so I don't spend the money on it, generally. I bought a new Surly Disk Trucker back in 2023 but I would not call it a high tech bike but it sure is comfortable to ride. However, my simple Wabi single-speed bikes by far and away are the most comfortable riding bikes I have.

If I could find a good used Colnago carbon wonder-bike in my size for a reasonable cost would I buy it? Yep!

FYI, I really lament that GCN stopped their paying videos on cycling history and special topics. I thought most of them were really good.


---