I was curious how people are liking this new breed of plastic bikes for cross racing? What is the advantage over a good thin wall aluminium bike, if any? I'm concerned about the durability and stuff like chain slap damaging the tubes. I'd like to hear people's first hand experiences with these as race bikes.

Do a search and you will seek Sven's trusty Italian steed snapped at the top tube and down tube. I am sure this is not indicative of all CF frames but it is a possibility.

yes I saw that, but mostly I was interested in how they hold up for normal racing, not ramming spectators.

I hear you, I figure that they ride and hold up just fine. I see a ton of older Alans out there every year.

4th year Alan here. Ride it more on the road (despite high BB) because its such a fun bike to ride. Crashed once hard , in the dirt, no problems. Now my Ti bike is on his tenth hard season for that matter.

I've got a C50 Cross.
I did about 25 races on it last season.
Gave it a good going over before I put it away and it looks fine....and I did take a few diggers on it.

Pros: It's light . It rides great . It handles great. It makes people stare.

Cons: It leaves no excuses.

I've owned a bunch of cross bikes...and broken a bunch,too. Right now I have the C50 and a custom Stevens/SpinArts. I've had the Stevens since 2001...and amazingly...the 2 bikes handle very simular.

If you have the money...buy one.
Here's a photo taken by that careing nuturer, Eye-Bob