Originally Posted by
skinny
So, relatively speaking, in the 32 years from 1975 to 2007, the speed in the TDF has increased by the same amount as it took 72 years for the speed to increase from 1903 to 1975. Hmmm. Roads haven't changed that much in 32 years. Equipment has changed some, but not that much in 32 years. I still see riders out there with box section rims built 3x in many big races and radial spokings were common in '75. Steel and titanium frames are still being used and both were available in '75. I'd say there have been some unprecedented increases in racing speeds in the last few years that cannot be expained away by equipment changes or improvements in training.
By the way, what kind of frame were you riding three years ago that is basically obsolete today?
First, if you read the post you'd see that what was said was you can't totally dismiss equipment. I didn't say it was all equipment. Since I was racing in Europe during the period you mention, I know full well what I was riding. Note my mention of the involvement of the medical profession. "Better cycling through chemistry."
Second, the frame was a CAAD7. Even the original Six/13, the frame I rode after, that is obsolete.
Steel and titanium and the rest are not in the Pro Tour peloton. I can't even think, off the top of my head (other than a System Six) a Pro tour frame that has aluminum in it.