Generally speaking its the bike not the rider, up to a point! I have a brand new 19 TRS Gold and the bike is truly sensational in every conceivable area but there is a lad from my area who has actually won the Scottish Pre 65 and I have seen him ride the pre65 bike, suffice to say his skill level is such no matter how good the modern bike most of my peer group cant hold a light to him. The equation probably alters slightly where technically the section suits the modern machine more and that aspect narrows the skill disparity but as said previously the machine matters less than the rider IMO. In relation to riding gear Gearne boots are hard to beat as well as jitsie carbon helmets and hebo or clice clothing.