Should racing be restricted to production bikes and components?

 I'm on the fence. I would want to know exactly what advantage a proto bike has over a production bike. Put some pros and some amateurs on two bikes - one with the goodies and one production - and let's see what difference it makes.

 Plain stupid restricting Gwin from getting XXXXXL frame.

 What do people make of Honda's involvement a few years ago? They were specifically not making production rigs, but definitely brought a little bit of attention and excitement to the sport from areas that may not usually get attention.

 Racing is about who is fastest, and if a component makes an athlete faster, the they should be permitted to use the component even if it is not in production. If they have the recourses and tech to do it, they they should go for it. But, if the component turns out to be a viable upgrade from what is already on the market, the the company that made the component should put it into production. So no, there should not be a regulation against custom components, but if the component is decent, the company should put it on sale.

 There are pros and cons to both side. One off race components push the envelope on technology, but race machines that are required to have X number made to be "production" push the level of what is available to average joe (with a not so average wallet).

Example: 1960 stock car racing (original NASCAR). It let to some seriously heavy hitting street cars, like the ZR1 engines that were available special order in Chevy's muscle cars. 600hp 427s, all aluminum, in their day, were absolute monsters.

However, race technology that isn't "production" does still find its way into production vehicles, like variable valve timing, carbon rotors on new ZR1 corvettes, Kashima coated suspension (originally developed through motocross and moto GP, etc.

However, I do feel demand powers the industry. 5 years ago, I started running 1x systems. A few years later, Sram responded with XX1. XX brought 2x systems after people started running those.

Offerings like the Surly Krampus and Instigator 2 where also demand driven, as racers sure didn't ask for it.

 I think that lower levels of racing, i.e., high school teams, should have some sort of restrictions on them, like no full out carbon frames, or no sponsorship, or something like the sort. High school ski racing here cannot use the top two fastest types of ski wax. So something like that, at the lowest levels of racing.

 its a skill based sport. skill not just in riding, but in designing and setting up the equipment. admittedly, I dont exactly race, but if I was on the leading edge, using production parts that anyone else could set up seems counter productive. being a production part doesnt make it better or worse, and people will get the new stuff eventually. racers and pro riders should be able to use their companies to set up a perfect bike for themselves instead of using production stuff.

 Some one want to clarify for me what non production components are actually in use? I mean look at Gee's Carbon fury, I see a carbon fury frame, some saint cranks, XT brakes, fox 40s, saint wheel set. Are they saying I couldn't buy all those parts from CRC?

 Proto stuff is proving new designs, etc. for production bikes-why would you want to stop that? Long term, it's good for the industry.

You could divide the classes as has been suggested but then you're back to a situation where you have a rider who should be classed as a professional competing in a class that would be full of amateurs and semi-pro riders.

 Why restriction? Forrest gump style.
I WANT to ride the best equipment in the world. why should I be restricted in that.
We should limit that only the cleanest swiss air should use only the professionals.
Its 21 st century, not middle ages.

 There should be no limits to how affordable races should be, but not only in MTB. This is one hell of a poll. Thing is, racing nowadays is too high-class for the average racer to compete in. The problem will be when it becomes too affordable. What issues do you guys think could come from racing being too affordable ?

 Racers should be able to help in prototypes and R&D without a doubt, this should be done outside of the actual race runs. Not to say race bikes can't have upgrades on them, but all race model bikes should have mods that are currently available for sale on the market. That way up and coming race teams or individuals will have an equal playing field when it comes to actual timed runs. IMO

 Before we get all riled up, lets stop and ponder this....

If it's mandated that a manufacturer make at least 250 or so copies available to the public, they will EASILY sell out, even if offered sans warranty. Release themselves from all liability and the public will STILL go apeshit for the items.

This approach will also speed up "proto" testing.... wayyyyy more feedback in a variety of conditions/climates.

Just my 2 cents.

 Hard one. There are lots of small manufacturers who use national and state races as a platform for thier products and testing. Or those few handy individuals who designed thier own bike. I think innovation needs to be around at the top. I'd say prototype parts that are purely for a proffesional and in now way will we ever see the product or ever recoeve the same product performance to consumers should be restricted to wc races only where riders are at the top and most are on custom prototype parts, with the other riders proving themselves worthy. On national and state level they should be restricted, its unfair for up and comers who are trying to make a name for themselves and only have this platform for exposure. I think wc riders need to come to these races but let the field be fair in that's its production and athlete. Prototype parts offer advantages that should only be seen at the wc level.

 I think there should be an open class and a stock class just like in auto racing.

 NO WAY!! the best racing is where people run what they brung!! it makes for far more exciting racing, and it's great to see new innovation in the sport!

 I have a canfield, which only came with a shock. how would that be fair? there's no such thing as a stock build because you can only buy frames. what would happen to me?

 no