training vs. bike

runner_guy2381 said:

At what level of racing does the equipment become more or just as important as the hard work and sweet of training? I'm just starting to get into racing and am wondering how many guys in the lowers CATs ride entry level bikes or the kind of money they spend on their stuff.

Two years ago, one of my teammates Tom won on an impossibly tough course. ~120 meters climb at 10% on every lap. Huge attrition rate. I didn't even finish. What was he riding? An 80's vintage Pinarello with 7-speed friction Campy.

I'd recommend keeping whatever gear you have in good shape. Buy the stuff you want. And remember what Enzo Ferrari once said: "...aerodynamics is for those who can't build engines". A rider with determination and a bazillion miles in his legs will find a way to win no matter what he's riding.

Of course, the scientist in me says that there are some real and objective benefits to choosing the right gear.

John Swanson
www.bikephysics.com

ScienceIsCool said:

Two years ago, one of my teammates Tom won on an impossibly tough course. ~120 meters climb at 10% on every lap. Huge attrition rate. I didn't even finish. What was he riding? An 80's vintage Pinarello with 7-speed friction Campy.

I'd recommend keeping whatever gear you have in good shape. Buy the stuff you want. And remember what Enzo Ferrari once said: "...aerodynamics is for those who can't build engines". A rider with determination and a bazillion miles in his legs will find a way to win no matter what he's riding.

Of course, the scientist in me says that there are some real and objective benefits to choosing the right gear.

John Swanson
www.bikephysics.com

I've seen that quote from Enzo Ferrari a number of times, and I agree that it's somewhat romantic , but.....we know its not true. Given the same engine, aerodinamics will do a huge difference.

A rider with determination and a bazillion miles will find the way to win no matter what he's riding, but....what happens with TWO riders with determination and bazillion miles on their legs, one with a 80's vintage 7-speed pinarello and another with a 2007 - carbon fiber 10 speed pinarello?. My guess is that better gear will somewhat improve riding.

As to the original question, WHEN does gear start to matter more than training?. I'm not an expert, but my guess is that only at the very very top end.