This is an excerpt from Seven’s white paper about the broken promises of carbon fiber, aerodynamics, and ever-improving bike technology.
The most common carbon bike misconception is that frame technology and ever-improving aerodynamics are making racing faster and faster. The figure below illustrates the simplest reason the Tour de France is faster: there are far fewer hard climbs.
Media proclaim that races are getting faster every year, and the speed is primarily due to technological advances (aerodynamics, lighter weight, rider position, shorter cranks). However, the Tour de France exemplifies increasing speeds that are well explained by fewer major ascents and shorter distances. The number of Category 1 and HC climbs tracks race speeds inversely and perfectly.
To see the figure’s references and sources, visit the Carbon Frame Downfall page.