DFA123 said:
jmdirt said:
I already posted about this a few pages back: I have a five year old *MTB skin suit that was made by Champion during their early days (read: they weren't cutting edge), and its made using three types of material: mesh (most of the top), smooth (most of the bottom), dimpled (shoulders). Plus all of the seams are placed to control air flow. My point being that pro teams will all have access to similarly fast clothing. Hopefully someone is already testing so we can get some real numbers soon because my guess is that there isn't as much difference as was stated (especially in the rain).
*the MTB skin suit was just their TT suit with two tiny pockets sewn in the back (we used to be self supported).
I don't think they do have access to similarly fast clothing. Not if one big team has an exclusive contract with Endura and is pumping a lot of R&D into the technology, while another small team has to
buy something off the shelf.
Don't get me wrong, I don't believe for one minute that the differences are as big as Castelli were claiming for Sky. But even a saving of a few watts, which I think is realistic for the big budget teams, is a 'bought' saving and distorts the competition imo.
I don't think that any team at the TdF buys off the shelf. A quick look at sponsors: Craft, Assos, POC, Oakley, Vermarc, Shimano, Endura, Giordana, Castelli, Etxeondo, Sportful, Champion, Nalini...
The numbers were given by another DS who was complaining not by Castelli.