Easton Components does test. Because of the massive liability involved with something like a handlebar or post cracking they can't afford to have a careless mistake cause a lawsuit. I do beleive I had a magazine article (Mountain Bike Action?) from a few years back that showed all thier torture tests. Nonetheless like he said, you have to ask yourself is the reward within reason for your use. its not for freeriders or most douwnhillers, but for those who take care to inspect and maintain carefully, it can reward you with much longer service lives and lighter, corrosion free performance. Personally, if I had the budget I would have a carbon frame. But, I don't have the money so I am stuck with metal, which for lack of a better term is cheap, and fixable with normal means.