you answered your own question here. i.e., you can't be competitive in 05 unless you're using 05 technology, whatever that is. now - i don't mean "material" or method of consruction...". i mean moving parts, multiple gears, wind-cheating shapes, a good doctor, etcetera. e-RICHIE chester, ct
Man, I think I may be able to add something here. My humble opinion is that "competitive" and '05 largely depends on what type of bicycle racing you intend to do. At the track World Cup at ADT Event Ctr this last December, the sprinter's weapon of choice was definately carbon (BT, Corima, Look, etc). However, Roger Young showed us Curt Harnett's record breaking bicycle, that set the now existing fastest flying 200M in Columbia. By definition, this might be considered THE fastest bicycle, ever. It was/is a steel bicycle, very classic in design.
The best thing about this new track in Los Angeles is that the local, new roadies are seeing toe straps, toe clips, sew-ups and steel. And they are seeing riders ride really fast and skillfully.
Wes Oishi
Los Angeles