A
properly fitting, adequately stiff steel bike with:
- Modern bars
- Quality cranks
- Quality pedals
- "808"-style wheels or disc + "808"
Would be "fast enough" to take any rider right up to the Elite National ranks. Seriously.
Aerodynamic qualities of frames are the lowest bang-for-the-buck on the $/gains scale in cycling. Fit is most important.
What does a modern, fast, steel frame look like?
I was just as fast on that as I was on this:
(LOOK 496 with Mavic Io/Comete)
Or this:
(Felt TK FRD)
Don't get me wrong, frames can be sexy has hell and great to admire...but it's the size, geometry, and stiffness (relative to you) that matters...assuming that there aren't any malfunctions like slipping aero seatposts or tilting seat binders.
This is why people are saying that a steel or aluminum frame that fits is the best way to go. Carbon fancy frames are a luxry, not a requirement to go fast.