Originally Posted by Eric F

You don't need a $10k+, carbon fiber, disc brake, e-shift bike to race. Thousands of amateurs race - and win - every weekend on bikes worth a fraction of that. Top racers aren't top racers because of the bike they ride. Top racers get to ride top bikes because they are top racers. Yes, some amateurs are fortunate to be able to spend a lot of money on their racing equipment. Some make do with what they can afford on more limited budgets.

You're guessing.



The UCI imposed a minimum weight limit when bikes under that limit were considered unsafe. Not long after that, pro teams were adding things like power meters to bring the bikes up to the weight limit, because top-level, standard-production bikes were easily and safely built to be under the limit.

Top level racers aren't buying their own bikes. As noted above, amateur racing can be done very successfully on less-than-premium equipment.

You're guessing.



You're making assumptions and speculations that aren't based on facts or experience.

You're guessing.



You said before...

This isn't just about competitive cyclists. In your own words, this is ANYONE who rides a CF bike. I know of dozens of examples from my own friends and acquaintances, as well as my personal experience, that provide contrary examples to your assumption.

One more time...you're guessing.