Pantani's bike.........

[zealot66]

The design looks like the lower end models of today. Have to wonder how much of the new technology and geometry really plays into performance. Unless you got fenders and cast iron steel for a frame, looks like the rider makes the difference. Obviously time trialing is a bit different.

 

[djconnel]

The design looks like the lower end models of today. Have to wonder how much of the new technology and geometry really plays into performance. Unless you got fenders and cast iron steel for a frame, looks like the rider makes the difference. Obviously time trialing is a bit different.

That frame is likely still lighter than a Pinarello carbon frame (the Pinarello would be stiffer). The drivetrain is likely much smoother than anything with external bearings unless the seals have been removed. With lighter wheels than the bike had in the test, for example with alloy instead of brass nipples, the bike would be right up against the UCI limit, so weight isn't too much an issue. Typical entry level bikes today, even for example a Cannondale CAAD-9 (not entry level), would be substantially heavier.

The primary performance factor is the wheels: there's been nice advances in wheel aerodyamics. But given the choice between swapping wheels between that, and for example, Lance's bike, and swapping everything else, I'd take Lance's wheels (fitting issues aside).

 

[ImmaculateKadence]

This is third or fourth thread dedicated to the Pirate's bike.