Does anyone know how much difference better equipment makes? I am starting playing with a Continental team and I'd like to keep costs to a minimum. Is it a worthwhile investment or can it be left until there's some spare cash?

I don't think so.. You just need to be a good player, equipment doesn't have much influence on your performance

As far as I know, it has pretty much zero influence.

only time i use equipment is when i want to make good pictures to post on the forum. (for instance wilier cadre for lampre)

Thanks for the responses which confirmed what I thought.

So what is with all the stars for the various equipment? The implication is that they have an affect on the way the riders perform - if not, I don't understand the point!!

Are you guys saying it is waste of money to buy equipment?

pretty much, yes. Unless you are a woeful continental team and need all the help you can get.

I always buy my favourite equipment though, just because I like it

Yah, like me.. I just end up always buying the equupment
But yeah it doesn't have any impact on your riders performance

With ProTour-teams I always buy the best equipment. But with Continental teams I never do. I don't think it's worth the little difference.

I think it makes a difference when you sim.

Does it not even make a difference in time trials?

OK, no need for me to buy more in my Auber93 carrer then... every € counts :-)

It doesn't neither (i guess), but it looks much cooler

I think it does matter, only in timetrails. I'm not sure, but why do they other make equipment in the game..

I used the advanced editor and made the cost to upgrade all equipment 0 so now I have everything anyway

Problem solved...

I find it rather peculiar that it has no significance on racing - what's the point then?

Anyway, hi everyone, first post here

if you play in a harder difficulty the equipment has a greater effect, but in easy or even normal it doesn't have much effect

In PCM07 I made some tests. I selected the best material then simmed 10 times the same mountain and 10 times the same time trial stage, then selected the worst material and simmed again 10 times both stages. The result was shocking, on the same stage I lost or gained minutes no matter which material. So I figured that simulating is pure luck and material will not be calculated at all.

Maybe it might help in 3D. I did not test it because it takes to long to test. The Alp d'Huez TT in this forum might be a good test. Select different material but always select same % at the start.

Me too, I use the best material if I can afford it. Just to feel "safe".

Welcome

The point? Well, you can't have a cycling game without equipment