seypat

This one certainly could:

livedarklions

You understand why the best experiments are double blinded?

I understand why you can't blind this experiment, but this is a single guy riding his own bike that he's used for 20 years vs. one he's never ridden before. Given that this is really a test in how well he's pedaling/piloting the two bikes, there's really no control whatsoever for tester bias. Indeed, it's the extreme case the other way. I don't think it's an accident that he's been riding this particular bike for 20 years, it's likely a function of his attitudes towards the two materials. There's probably any number of ways his bias may subconsciously affect how he's handling the bikes.

Truly a pointless exercise.

livedarklions

You're just asking questions? Classic conspiracy theory nonsense rhetoric.

Sarcasm was well-earned.

indyfabz

Expect a knock at the door from Big Carbon. Things are not going to go well for you.

pdlamb

But only if the crank and saddle were made in France?

GhostRider62

That must be my problem on my steel bike. I have the $300 Hojo fenders and $100 tires. My crank is a shined up one from Japan, Sugino. I have an old Stronglight in the attic, I think that was made in France. I'm off to the races now, baby.

nomadmax 

Awwwwww now ya did it ! The Lance reference didn't get it done but I am 100% this wil

Germany_chris

Ok I’ll add the final nail in the carbon v steel troll thread

What would Grant do?

mstateglfr 

Grant would build a bike with a bunch of components that are lower quality than what other comparable components cost, dress up in tweed full of seams, pack his hatchet and bar soap for an S24O, and then come back to the office and plead for people to buy giftcards so he can make it thru the lean times. All this would be done while apparently not recognizing much of what he 'curates' is why he is cash strapped.

rsbob 

For a subject which has been beaten to death we are up to 59 posts. Obviously the beatings will continue!

The next HOT topic, is a bent faster than a diamond frame of any type, or is it the devil’s spawn? Stay tuned for more exciting threads.

badger1

Just Ride.

livedarklions

Do you wave at dogs while riding?

rsbob 

Actually I stop quite often and talk to the owners and pet the dogs since you are so curious. Have met all sorts of wonderful people that way. Any other things I can fill you in on? (I am doing my very best to be courteous).

Broctoon

Carbon fiber construction of course makes it easy to shape a frame for better aero qualities. Otherwise, there is little difference between carbon and steel with regard to a bike's speed--maybe differences in ride quality can affect a rider's performance in small ways. Weight is certainly a factor, but its importance varies widely across scenarios, such as hilly vs. flat courses, rider's weight as percentage of rider + bike total, and other factors.


Even in a competitive time trial, where aerodynamics rule, I think this is the order of importance (for increasing speed):

1) Rider fitness/conditioning
2) Rider's position on the bike, which is largely a function of frame geometry and component design
3) Tire rolling resistance
4) Aero qualities of helmet, clothing, etc.
5) Aero qualities of wheels
6) Aero qualities of the frame itself

In other racing formats (drafting allowed), 1) is even more important relative to the others.

I'll accept anyone's challenges to the order I've assigned. I'm by no means an expert, just a careful observer. My point in all of this is that frame material choice can be an important consideration, but choosing carbon over steel is one of the least effective ways to increase your speed. Many riders will gain more by choosing the right handlebar, better tires, or even wearing a tight fitting jersey.

3alarmer 

...I'm really surprised no one has brought up Superman yet. That guy was faster than a speeding bullet (multiple references here).
But you don't ever hear anyone calling him "The Man of Carbon Fiber", now do you ? It's always "The Man of Steel".

I shall now rest my argument, confident in victory.

Eric F 

When passing dog-walkers while riding my MTB, I've found that complimenting the appearance of their dog tends to make people less irritated with my presence on the trail. "Cute pup! Have a nice day." said with a smile tends to be quite effective. Since my MTB is built from superextrafast carbon fiber, I have to say it very quickly.

nomadmax 

All I wanna know is, how come Superman could calmly take 6 bullets to the chest and then had to duck when the guy threw the empty gun at him?

Broctoon

Right? And how come Donald Duck wraps a towel around his waist when he gets out of the bath, yet he goes out in public wearing a sailor suit and no pants?

indyfabz

I rarely stop while riding, but i often toss a "Cute pup!" or something. I often pause while walking to greet pups.

badger1

Crabon fibré chest protector. His steel head was always left unprotected.

3alarmer 

...that's good for an explanation. I was thinking it must have something to do with aero positioning, but yours makes more sense. Still, in terms of speed, steel is the clear preference. I'm not picking a bike frame so people can shoot at it. I'm picking a bike frame because I want to be faster than everyone else, and look stylish while doing so.

Lombard

If one of these is indeed faster, by how much? Maybe by 0.1 mph? In the immortal words of Kerry Irons , how long is a piece of string?

One thing is certain though, if one of those bikes is red, that one will be waaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy faster.

badger1

.

Atlas Shrugged

What is clear within the great Steel vs Carbon debate is that it's a great foundation for the troll poster. It may lack creativity and is rather worn-out but throw in a Big Bike Conspiracy component, and off to the races it goes. I would expect more imagination, considering the OP has been a member for 12 years.

3alarmer 

.
...all of my bicycles are old. I need the Big Bike Conspiracy to feel like my life has meaning.