Yeah, the in game physics are affected by the bike - the Tron bike is apparently more aero but a bit heavier. They should all be on equal bikes (or bikes with equal game physics but different logos if necessary) for BC events though - the idea that BC is incentivising people to train on Zwift is wrong IMO.
It's ridiculous. I've got a Tron bike (yay, go me) that I 'earned' by virtual climbing. The first ride I did after 'earning' it was a Zwift Academy Group Ride (NB- ride= non competitive) where all the participants were on the same bike. The Tron bike (I think you'll find that's a Zwift Concept Bike, to be accurate) is faster under almost all conditions. Wheels make a difference too- but it's a bit like modding your weapons in Ratchet & Clank. As you level up, killing things gets easier. No shit. That's how computer games keep you hooked.
Competitive gaming is fine- No1 Son used to watch DOTA tourneys (no, I don't know what that means but he learnt a bit of Korean from the commentary) but claiming that's anything like doing it in the real world is a bit, erm, delusional.
It's all about income, isn't it? Zwift wants UCI/BC rubber stamping so that the Mamils can compare themselves with the pros. I really don't see that what he did justifies an outdoor ban (he defs should be banned from Zwift racing) unless they're going with the whole 'dishonourable conduct' 'bringing the sport into disrepute' angle.
pfft. TL;DR. i like the game, but it's a game....