As I was looking over our survey the equipment American riders used in PBP, I realized that many KOF and CR timeline bikes still see hard use in long-distance events.
Consider these results:
Steel frames were used by 42%. Traditional leather saddles: 50% Wool jerseys: 28%
Furthermore, the survey found that overall, riders on carbon bikes, narrower tires, etc., were no faster than those on more traditional equipment.
Check out the entire article at:
http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com/
Jan Heine
Editor
Bicycle Quarterly
http://www.bikequarterly.com