Gang,
I rarely comment but I've got to today. John Baron is right. Even one fraction of an inch at the finish line is significant in the mind of a racer. For those of us who raced you all know what I'm talking about. Honestly, it is all between the ears but even the slightest advantage of the physical transforms to the mental. I haven't raced in over 30 years but if I did I would get the newest, fastest new thing between my legs that I could afford. That's how it was for me, "back-in-the-day", and I'm sure if all you gray headed, (like me), steel obsessed, (like me), were transformed back to a time in your youth when you were strong and virile and we put you up to a race, you would want the same. You have to want that edge to win. If you can't admit that a competitive fire is not in you.
Having said all of that, my thirty year old sweetheart Moretti was the cats meow when I raced. She's a sweetheart to me because of our long history and I fit on her so, so well. I know a large part of this is in my mind but oh how steady and true a ride! Columbus steel baby!
Fit is it period. If it fits you and it feels right for the riding you do, that's it. Edge (or even the perception of it) is it if you want to win.
OMG (I have generation Y children!) Equipment I love from today: Clipless pedals (so easy to get in and out of less cramping on long rides); Gel - everything, handlebar tape, gloves, in my shorts, Hammer gel, the little CO2 pump, light weight clinchers (Vittoria Rubino Pro Slick are my current fave), the little powerful lights, VELCRO SHOES, Light, and cool helmets!
Ride ON!
James Doolittle
Spring, Texas