It's an expensive lesson to learn.
These upgrades do work sometimes or on a very small level that's within some margin of error. But, they are never big.
Back in 2012, I wrote
this:
For best results (in my humble opinion) spend money in this general order:
- Track season pass (ride/race as much as possible)
- Road Bike
- *basic* equipment (chainrings, cogs, tools). Notice that I didn't say fancy carbon or aero gear.
- Race entry fees (but this should be covered in the season pass)
- Clinics
- Skinsuit, aero helmet, booties
- Diet for Athletes book. This will change your energy and fat levels.
- Gym membership (if you plan to be a sprinter)
- Coaching (optional really)
- Travel to other tracks for regional type events to broaden your horizions
- Aero front wheel
- Fancy carbon/custom frame
- Aero disc
The returns diminish as you go down the list.
I still believe that.
The mind is a weird thing. I think the concept is called "transference" or something like that where we subconsciously associate things with performance. This is the root of celebrity/athlete endorsements.
Joe Blow is the fastest athlete in the world.
I saw Joe Blow drinking Acme Co. beverages.
Acme Co. beverages must make people fast.
Liz Whiz is the best tennis player in the world.
Liz plays using Acme Co. shoes.
Acme Co. shoes must make people great tennis players.
We are watching this happen with BLS and their nylon straps. How many of us bought them thinking that they* would make us faster than the straps we had before?
*Straps make people faster, provided that they meet a minimum set of functional requirements. But, of the ones that meet the minimum functional requirements, there is little difference, if any at all.