Originally Posted by MIN
The unaswered question: What kind of carbon and what kind of manufacturing is best?
What do you mean by "best"? And there's a difference between theoretical "best" and real-world "best" which accounts for manufacturing methods. You have to add in cost as one of the variables. Theoretically you can say that 3D weaving with using a single continuous strand of high-modulus CF for the entire bike that gives the strongest and lightest structure possible. Combined with FEA and CFD time, youi're looking at $25,000 for a 1-lb bike frame. How large and how feasible of a market are we looking at for such a product?
Maybe durability and crashworthiness is another factor in real-world manufacturing and so you add in extra material and kevlar to extend the life to 100-years instead of just 2-3. Now we're looking at a 2-2.5 lb frame.
There's a wide range of variables and each person's going to have their own criteria of what's "best" for them. Personally if I was on a pro-team that pays for my equipment, I'd go for the lightest stuff possible, who cares if it lasts only one season.. they'll buy me another $25k bike next year.