kwhord
12-29-07, 07:22 AM
As a little experiment, I put together a spreadsheet comparing different bike parts and their cost/weight ratios. The first surprise for me was the discovery that tires would be the most effective part change. I can lose 22 ounces (about 3 rolls of quarters) by switching to KHE folding tires for around $66. (Thats a cost/weight ratio of 0.34) Buying a new lighter frame would shave 28 ounces (about 4 rolls of quarters). But at $400, the cost/weight ratio of the frame swap is only 0.07.
Another interesting find...Switching to a lightweight chain would cost $18 and only shave about 0.8 ounces, which is close to the weight of 4 quarters!
The absolute worst replacement part are profile lightweight crank arms w/ a titanium spindle. This will shave 4.4 ounces (about a half roll of quarters) but would cost almost $200, giving this upgrade the worst cost/weight ratio of 0.02
My build spreadsheet is attached below. I have the potential replacement parts sorted by their cost/weight ratio.
If you want a copy of the spreadsheet to plug in your build, and look for ways to save weight just PM me I'll send it to you.
Another interesting find...Switching to a lightweight chain would cost $18 and only shave about 0.8 ounces, which is close to the weight of 4 quarters!
The absolute worst replacement part are profile lightweight crank arms w/ a titanium spindle. This will shave 4.4 ounces (about a half roll of quarters) but would cost almost $200, giving this upgrade the worst cost/weight ratio of 0.02
My build spreadsheet is attached below. I have the potential replacement parts sorted by their cost/weight ratio.
If you want a copy of the spreadsheet to plug in your build, and look for ways to save weight just PM me I'll send it to you.