It takes less energy to accelerate a 40/13 gear ratio from 0 to 120r.p.m. than it does a 52/17 ratio, that's an undisputed fact. Personally I believe it made a difference, but like previously implied I'm open minded.
What if the rotating mass of the 52t chainring is less than that of the 40t chainring?
What if the rotating mass of the 52t chainring is less than that of the 40t chainring?