My father is looking at getting a new rig and steel, ti, and carbon are the options. Because he can afford a much better bike than I can, this bike will be much nicer than mine. If I were to ride his bike in a race, would a steel frame put me at a disadvantage?

-dM

Only if you are a catagory 2 rider, or above.........Maybe.

My father is looking at getting a new rig and steel, ti, and carbon are the options. Because he can afford a much better bike than I can, this bike will be much nicer than mine. If I were to ride his bike in a race, would a steel frame put me at a disadvantage?

-dM
Frame material no difference, but what about fit. An improper fit will be a huge disadvantage

Only if you are a catagory 2 rider, or above.........Maybe.

As a Cat 2 I can say, no, it's not a disadvantage. Any 'advantage' over steel is placebo. Go to analytic cycling and check it out, no rotating weight, really doesn't matter.

My father is looking at getting a new rig and steel, ti, and carbon are the options. Because he can afford a much better bike than I can, this bike will be much nicer than mine. If I were to ride his bike in a race, would a steel frame put me at a disadvantage?

-dM

Riding someone else's bike in a race will put you at a disadvantage, for sure. Even assuming that you and your dad are close enough in proportions to allow his bike to fit you, it won't handle the same as your bike. Your reflexes have been shaped by the way your bike handles. Those same reflexes may well be "wrong" on another bike.

Looked at another way, if the bike makes ANY real difference in your race results, you won't have to pay for it. Your sponsors will take care of that. I'll be watching on TV. Good luck.

--Shannon

Alright, makes enough sense. I guess i'll just ride my bike.

-dM