Tom Adams wrote:
>
> (snip)
> the question remains, if identical twins start at the top of the mountain at
> the same time, one on a steel bike and one on an early generation titanium,
> who gets to the bottom of the hill first?
Actually the whole point of the British Speedwell ti bike that Ocana was on was climbing, not descending. A flexible bike takes a smooth riding style to get the most out of it. Ocana won races on it, but you'll note that the Speedwell didn't sweep the peloton in the early-1970s.
As an example, the Vitus 979 KAS team bike (aluminum) I have does not inspire confidence in steep, fast descents (plenty in the mountains that surround L.A.), but I never felt it was any slower than my other bikes. It just took more nerve and concentration on being smooth to get the most out of it.
I don't remember Sean Kelley crying about how he could not win sprints or get down the Poggio faster than anyone else because his frame was too flexible!
Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, California