What follows is just MY opinion. Based on commuting and general riding. That said....
Originally Posted by
Mr23779
"Self, these are rolling works-of-art and have the latest/greatest components, etc...and since these are magnificent machines and are meant to be ridden long distances, built like tanks but weigh next to nothing, are effecient, and are the epitome of cutting-edge design...wouldn't they make great commuting machines, too?"
FOR REALZIES?
Rolling works of art? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Give me a lugged steel frame with classic brooks seat and bar tape and day of the week. It's like hardcore porn to me.
Latest components? Any bike can have that and the latest is not always the greatest. The big brands like Shimano make great stuff but they are just giving the public what they THINK they need and not really what's best. 10 speeds? Now 11 coming out? Do you realize what has to be done to get extra cogs in the same amount of space? They have to be thinner and therefore wear out quicker. Other than cassettes and cranks, there isn't anything else component wise that's any better from anything ten years ago or more, and I still wouldn't say those are better anyway.
Meant to be ridden long distances? No. They are meant to go fast like Lance. Or make you think you go fast like Lance. Bikes meant to go long distances (touring bikes) are the complete opposite of racing bike. They are built stronger, built to take heavy loads, the geometry sits you in a more upright and comfortable position so you can actually stand up straight when you get off. They have clearance for tires that let you tackle almost any terrain and fenders for the ever changing weather during long/far rides. The only thing that makes road bikes better for long distance is they are lighter and there for somewhat easier to pedal. When every second counts and you need ever last bit of energy while racing, that's a good thing. For commuting, who cares?
Built like tanks? This is a joke, right? Especially if it has any carbon. That stuff is light and flexible but it can only take so much before it snaps. Bend or dent your steel frame and it may still be rideable. At least to get you home. Crack carbon and you're screwed. Break a spoke on a racing wheel and again you are screwed. I Hope you have a cell phone. Those thin tires are also more prone to flats. The only thing I would relate to a tank is the road-feel if the pavement is anything but uber smooth.
Efficient? Well, ok... i'll give you that... in one sense of the word. Light and fast = pedaling efficiency.
But I wouldn't say they make an efficient commuter.
Epitome of cutting edge design? Mmmmmaybe... so is Lamborghini but I don't think I'd want one as a daily commuter.
Great commuting machines? No. See above.
I used to be a roadie. Then I started commuting and woke up.
I still have a road bike but I only ride it once in a blue moon if I happen to ride with someone else that has one and I want to match their "pedaling efficiency". Lots of people commute on them which is cool it's just not my cup of tea. I just thought some of your reasoning was a bit out of whack.