I think I'd go for carbon in all of it's guises, particularly frames. Aluminium is unbelievably good value, probably has an equal, or greater usable life and can be very nearly as light.
So on a cost versus utility basis, yes, I give carbon the title of biggest gimmick out. It can look nice though, but terrible value.
My local shop gave me some because they can't sell it. It looks as though it might be durable, but it's a bit slippery, as reminds me of the cheap plastic stuff I had when I was a kid
Ceramic bearings, for sure. People are convinced that they can perceive gains where there are nearly none at all. Best of all is that they are hideously expensive. Gimmick.
Ceramic bearings, for sure. People are convinced that they can perceive gains where there are nearly none at all. Best of all is that they are hideously expensive. Gimmick.
HED said they can find no quantifiable difference on loaded wheels, but they still offer them
"There was a measurable drag difference between ceramic bearings and steel bearings when we tested unloaded wheels, but the difference was small enough that we could not measure it on a loaded wheel." http://www.hedcycling.com/wheels/ceramicbearings.php