I don't buy it either. Although, elite racers are ultra-fit people in their teens to twenties and are quite a different demographic than the typical high-end b

I don't buy it either. Although, elite racers are ultra-fit people in their teens to twenties and are quite a different demographic than the typical high-end bicycle consumer-- which is males in their 40's and older with some disposable income and a bit of a mid-life crisis going on (I'm one). The wooden bike idea comes around every once in a while, the last one I remember was bamboo. I think it makes a viable frame material but they're very much "a look" rather than some kind special material that provides any specific "ride quality". It is totally possible to have a "quality ride" with any frame material you want: steel, carbon-fiber, titanium, aluminum or wood. When it comes to a "quality ride" people underestimate the importance of three things: 1. Their own fitness, 2. The fit/geometry of the bike and 3. The most simple thing of all, tire selection.