-=> Quoting Richard Glazer to John O'neill <=-
 
 RG> Hi Neil . You mentioned how front suspensions on road bikes are not
 RG> common  because the professionals don't use them. Not wanting to look
 RG> like wimps is how you put it. Well if the pros are not using them, it
 RG> is because they do not help win races at this time (more advance
 RG> technology may change that in the future).  Helmets are another issue
 RG> since they have only proved useful in time trials  cutting drag. The
 RG> helmet as a protective device is not an issue to pros since  it is not
 RG> a winning factor. Perhaps if a racer fell and the helmet protected 
 RG> their head and they went on to win the race would the helmet gain more
 RG> respect. Still I will never agree that a road bike needs front
 RG> suspension. If the road  is so bad that shocks are needed, switch to a
 RG> ATB instead. 
 RG> Richard
 RG> 
 RG> -!- Maximus/2 3.01
 RG>  ! Origin: Juxtaposition BBS. Montreal, Qc, Canada (1:167/133)
 
 Your right, if it became clear that a suspension fork made it any
 easier to win races everyone would have them.  Clearly the top road
 racers are the europeans.  From what I have read and seen in race 
 coverage they are more resistant to change and care more about image
 then Americans or Austrailians (sp?).  USA & Austrailia have both
 tried using super high tech bikes only to find riders on Superbikes 
 being beaten by Europeans on traditional designs.  As far as Helmets
 go, even if they don't admit it, those who do not wear one do it
 because they would rather not be seen wearing one.  I have heared
 race commentators on tv say that and it seems to be true.  
 
 I have been thinking about buying a carbon fork for or with my
 next road bike.  I am told they cut down on road vibration quite
 alot.  Also they can cut 1/2 to 3/4 of a pound over a steel fork. 
 Have you ever used a carbon fork?  Is there a down side to using
 one?
 
 John O'Neill
 
... Confusion is the only true road to understanding.
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