Originally Posted by godspiral
would it be fair to say that Willier might have the most desirable bikes by European pros? or would every rider have something nice to say about any of the bikes in the tour? Is it common for riders to choose teams based on their bike sponsors?
Pros don't care what they ride. As long as it fits, is light, stiff and relatively comfortable for 7 hour days. Commerical obligations means in any interview they will always say their current bike is "The best I've ever ridden..." or some crap.
Only example I can think of to the contrary was when Baden Cooke and De Peet were at the ill-fated Mercury-Viatel.....the LeMond 853 bikes they had to ride really were crap. And they said so.