Originally Posted by
TVS_SS
Being on BF i have realized one thing, many like to voice their opinions, yet there is typically a lack of proof or data to back up claims.
Unfortunately, there just isn't a lot of data out there. Or at least, there isn't some sort of established methodology to which a manufacturer or 3rd party adheres. I.e. it seems that the scientific data just isn't there.
Originally Posted by TVS_SS
The long held debate between the vast selection of frame materials and ride comfort could easily be "tested" yet i have not seen hard facts surrounding this.
1) Precise, repeatable, credible, consistent methods -- particularly ones that work in the field, rather than in a testing environment -- are not particularly easy or cheap.
2) You'd have to test specific frame
sets, not frame materials. A given frame material can be stiff or compliant -- especially CF, which has a huge possible range of characteristics, which will be determined in actual use by the designer's goals (and skill with the material).
3) You'd have to test a pretty large sample of frames. Again, not easy or cheap.
So in the absence of published scientific tests, unfortunately it seems like your only options are to a) trust the manufacturer's descriptions and/or b) trust the expertise of anyone who has time to review the specific bike you're interested in and/or c) hope your subjective judgments aren't overwhelmed by your expectations.