Originally Posted by EventServices
One had better components on it.
The point is, regardless of whether you pay for it or not, you race on the best thing you got.
I can't imagine putting all that time into training only to short yourself with lesser equipment.
Another point that seems to be lost here is bike fit. What you spend many hours training on will be what your body adapts to, what you will be most comfortable and efficient on. Why throw that away?? If you are going racing buy a decent mid level Bike, a set of wheels to train on, two or three sets to race (need something in the pit). Save the rest for travel, ect.