$75 to Lighten My CX Bike

[jpearl]

My wife rules!!!

She got me a nice $75 gift certificate to the LBS for a birthday present. So, who can reccomend some nice ways to trim some weight off of my 2005 Cannondale Optimo 'Cross (it's stock 'xcept for a new 105 front derailleur, Ritchey Speedmax Pro tires, and Shimano M520 SPD pedals).

Thanks to everybody in advance for your feedback, and thanks to my wife for being a kick-ass, super supportive spouse of a cycling junkie.

[jfmckenna]

One of those super lite saddles perhaps? (I wouldn't do carbon rails for cross though)
Single ring kit (But then I see you just got the 105).
Tubular wheel set.


BTW nice location jpearl ;)

[Kalrog]

Are you looking to stay near the $75 price point or is that just a starting point? A seatpost and/or stem could be a good way to stay near that price point and drop some weight. But don't forget things like new grip tape - it might not save you weight but it might make the ride much better. And a saddle is never a bad idea.

[alreadyblue]

Well, $75 bucks won't get it too much lighter. I'd say put it towards a new wheelset. You'll see your biggest weight savings there. Beyond that, anything you replace is only going to shave a little bit. I'm sure the handlebars, seatpost, stem, and maybe the saddle are all a little on the portly side. But replacing all that will probably not save you nearly as much weight as a good, light, and stiff wheelset.

[jpearl]

This money won't be going to wheels, those will come from performance (Mavic Open Pros on Ultegra hubs to be used on the road for the summer, then as CX race wheels in the fall). I'm just gonna use the $75 at my LBS, and keep it at that, maybe toss in up to $25 of my own cash. I've been thinking about a new stem, but the saddle and seatpost I'm keeping since they're positioned perfectly and I don't want to move them at all.

I've also been thinking about new brakes.

[barba]

I would spend $75 on clothes, gloves or shoes. It won't buy you much weight savings, but it will buy you some comfort.

[ridethecliche]

You gots to have the hippest lookin' accessories ya know.
I have a feeling that getting good brakes is never a bad thing.

[thatguy]

In cross racing, the bike is even less important than road or mtn bike racing. It's really all about the engine. I agree with the above post, buy some clothes or a new helmet or something or just save it towards something big. I wouldn't bother with the stem unless the bike just doesn't fit right. How much weight could you possibly save there? 50 grams?

[ronbridal]

If your bike has extra brake levers on the handlebar tops you can remove those and save some weight. Then spend the money on a jersey or something. Beer is always a good choice as well :)

[kemmer]

Beer FTW. Nothing makes you care less about how much your bike weighs than a few beers.

[bitterken]

You could sell your 105 FD, inline brake levers, and your left (front) STI. With that $ and the $75, go single ring and buy a light brake lever for your front brakes. Prob. about 1/2 pound right there :-)

Or things that you will consume (chain, brake pads, etc.)

Or different tires, cassette, etc. for different types of cross courses

[chipcom]

Gimme the 75 bucks and I'll lop of your head - instant elimination of 8 useless pounds. :D

[spunkyruss]

A good bowel movement on the morning of the race will cut more weight than seventy-five bucks worth of parts.

I would save the money for race entry fees, replacing crash-damaged parts, or medical insurance deductables/co-payments.

[jpearl]

OK, I'm not cutting my head off, I will, er, clean out my insides before a race, and I have medical insurance. I've decided to use the money on clothing instead, so I'll either be grabbing a new pair of cold weather riding pants or a cold weather riding jersey. My other thought now is to just use the money towards tires and a cassette for a new wheelset I'll be picking up thanks to another bike shop gift certificate.

You guys are sick!!!

[i_r_beej]

Fr $75 I'd recommend that you check out On-One's "Midge" handlebar.

Not a weight thing, but most definitely a comfort and control thing! They have been described as "dirt drops". Well, maybe, but they put WTB's "Dirt Drop" handlebar to shame!

Midge handlebar from www.on-one.co.uk (http://www.on-one.co.uk/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=7&MMN_position=7:7)

You can order through On-One, but they are also available in the US at some local shops but you can also find them online at pricepoint.com

I can't recommend the handlebar highly enough-- the feeling of security and control when in the drops is astounding. The brake levers are also well within reach. (This is a big plus for me because i've always had to stretch for the brake lever on standard drops.)

Everyone who has asked me about the Midge bars is always impressed after giving my bike a spin.