General Cycling Discussion - Why is everyone so concerned with weight???

I could understand if you are a racer, or will be riding up incredibly steep, long hills, but all this talk I see on the web about the weight of a bike or certain components is just batty. People getting advised not to put fenders or a chain guard on their ride because of the "added weight", it's just silliness.

Bikes roll. If we were hiking and carrying our bikes, that would be different. But rolling things are good at bearing extra weight with minimum effort.

And besides, riding you bike will result in its engine losing weight! :D

I could understand if you are a racer, or will be riding up incredibly steep, long hills, but all this talk I see on the web about the weight of a bike or certain components is just batty. People getting advised not to put fenders or a chain guard on their ride because of the "added weight", it's just silliness.

Bikes roll. If we were hiking and carrying our bikes, that would be different. But rolling things are good at bearing extra weight with minimum effort.
It's because they have been suckered in to the common bicycle salesmanship method.

Among upright bicycles of the same basic type, there's generally not a great deal of actual difference. The basic shape of the parts is all the same. So the only argument for upgrading that bike companies can make is that a more expensive bike will weigh less, and therefore it will "work better".
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lol, so that's why those people around me laugh when I ride my black spray painted univega as I pass them. They laugh at themselves for being suckered into the hype!

With bikes and components there is a law of diminishing returns. Each step up increases the bling, but there is a decreasing return in function over the next lower level for the price. When the top of the line is reached, very few people have the potential to ride to that level.

For most people the bling factor is worth the money, even though it increases the chances of theft. I used to be like this too, until I figured out that Tiagra level is perfectly suitable to what I do and there's no point at all in me going past the 105 level.

I could understand if you are a racer, or will be riding up incredibly steep, long hills, but all this talk I see on the web about the weight of a bike or certain components is just batty. People getting advised not to put fenders or a chain guard on their ride because of the "added weight", it's just silliness.

Bikes roll. If we were hiking and carrying our bikes, that would be different. But rolling things are good at bearing extra weight with minimum effort.

And besides, riding you bike will result in its engine losing weight! :D
You've been over in the Road Cycling forum again haven't you. ;)

Conventional Wisdom; predicated on the assumption that speed and efficiency über alles is (or should be) the primary goal of any self respecting cyclist. As well as promotion of the bottom line at your friendly LBS or mail order outlet.

It's because they have been suckered in to the common bicycle salesmanship method.

Among upright bicycles of the same basic type, there's generally not a great deal of actual difference. The basic shape of the parts is all the same. So the only argument for upgrading that bike companies can make is that a more expensive bike will weigh less, and therefore it will "work better".
~

There is certainly truth in what you say but what is your objective?

If you have a finite objective (I want to bicycle to work) bicycle weight probably won't matter very much. If your objective is more subjective (I just want to have fun) a lighter bicycle will have a livlier feel because it will accelerate more quickly and consequently be more fun to ride. Even just thinking about owning or riding a nicer bike adds to the fun.

I have a couple of different road bikes - an early 90's steel frame Bridgestone that weighs around 24 pounds and a 2000 Klein that weighs around 19 pounds. Frankly, there isn't anything that I'm capable of doing on the Klein that I can't get done on the Bridgestone but I still find the Klein, in itls own way, to be more fun to ride. I think that fun is worthwhile. YMMV.

Bikes are a passion to many people....such as myself. Not just riding them but tinkering and loving the bike itself. A lighter bike is a better performing bike as long as you do not sacrifice strength for weight. So the question is .....why NOT be concerned with weight? If you need to upgrade or replace a component why not get a lighter part? This is assuming you have the money to do so. If not then the whole conversation is pointless.

My prior road bike started out at 20 lbs. I upgraded the wheelset and shaved a a little over half a pound off. I felt no difference (nor did I think I would). I built up a new bike in the last few weeks and it weighs 15.5 pounds. I can indeed tell you that ~5 pounds off a bike makes a huge difference. This summer it will be living in the Colorado Rockies and I (sort of) relish the thought of pedaling it up mountain passes that top out over 10k feet and even riding up a 14k mountain. I'm sure I'll still be slow (cuz I suck), but I will also no longer be able to blame the bike's weight on my slowness. Actually, I never really did. I'm fully at ease with my lack of ability.

If you ever have the chance to ride a noticably lighter bicycle you will know why people are concerned with weight. If you are commuting you have less weight to drag around, if you are racing, same thing. If there was no real difference we would see road racers riding bicycles with straight guage steel tubing.

The last two posts answer the question well in many people's views. Sure I could ride a 28 pound bike with 12 speeds, fenders, and a kickstand around town. But that's not what I like. I like to do occassional races, complete several centuries a year, do fast club rides, and just enjoy going fast and see how fast I can go and long long for a certain speed.

Cycling is a priority for me so I like shopping and don't mind spending money for the top end components. While the improvements might be marginal, they neverless are improvements. If anyone says weight doesn't matter, find a steep one mile climb and compare your times on a 28 versus 16 pound bikes. Believe me, when you're at 95% and have a long way to go, you can feel just about every ounce and the time difference shows.

But I buy higher end and lighter parts because I enjoy it

I think the obsession with weight is partially influenced by the notions of instant gratification and consumerism. We want what we want right now, if not sooner, and we think that if we pay big bucks, we can get anything. So by paying 2 or 3 times the price of an entry level racer, many people think that their performance whilst riding will improve.

But what really makes the big difference for recreational riders is fitness and weight loss. Both of those take training and work at losing weight. Both of those things are caused by a change in lifestyle and a long term committment. Americans just are not good at those things because our culture just does not like that sort of stuff.

I belong to a local club and for years, the guy who was the strongest rider rode the by far the cheapest bike in the peleton. But even with decisive evidence staring them in the face, many of the riders bought really expensive bikes thinking that a more expensive bike would make a significant difference in their performance (it almost never happens).

I think the obsession with weight is partially influenced by the notions of instant gratification and consumerism.

So by taking 4 years to build my bike to where I like it I am guilty of instant gratification?


many of the riders bought really expensive bikes thinking that a more expensive bike would make a significant difference in their performance (it almost never happens).

Pretty amazing mind reading skills there Pat. No chance these guys bought nicer newer bikes because.....they liked the nicer newer bikes? It really is that simple. It is the same reason we are all not driving around in identical 10 year old cars.

Cause I gotta carry my bike up and down four flights of stairs... And a 40 pound Rivendell is not a lot of fun to do that with.

Root cause: the human species is naturally lazy and if given the choice, will go to great lengths to minimize physical exertion. ;)

i'm not a weight-weenie but i do enjoy lightweight bikes more than 40-pounders!

A lighter weight bike normally means a faster more responsive bike.

Now simply telling people not to use something to save weight is wrong. The environment in which the bike is used should determine what is on the bike. For example, people in rainy areas actually benefit from fenders as it extends the life of the expensive drive train. Likewise, a person that rides over roads in poor shape would benefit more from using wider tire instead of a light weight skinny tire.

Root cause: the human species is naturally lazy and if given the choice, will go to great lengths to minimize physical exertion. ;)

And you're posting this observation on a bicycling bulletin board on which every single participant has chosen to persue a hobby that requires otherwise unnecessary physical exertion. Brilliant!

And you're posting this observation on a bicycling bulletin board on which every single participant has chosen to persue a hobby that requires otherwise unnecessary physical exertion. Brilliant!

Yet why do so many obsess over weight? Because they perceive it will allow them to to go faster/farther with the same or less effort, no? Hence 'root cause' - humans are always looking for ways to minimize the effort required to do things...ya freakin grouch. ;)

Yet why do so many obsess over weight? Because they perceive it will allow them to to go faster/farther with the same or less effort, no? Hence 'root cause' - humans are always looking for ways to minimize the effort required to do things...ya freakin grouch. ;)

You're projecting motivations onto other people. You may or may not be right but we've had several people who have indicated that's not their personal motivation. If you're accusing those posters of lying, maybe you're the grouchy one.

If you can afford it what's wrong with just having nice stuff? Do you have any pictures on your walls? Sometimes beauty is it's own excuse for being.

it's because i've got steep hills to go up, and i'd rather go up them at 20-25lbs fast rather than 30-35lbs fast. :p

You're projecting motivations onto other people. You may or may not be right but we've had several people who have indicated that's not their personal motivation. If you're accusing those posters of lying, maybe you're the grouchy one.

If you can afford it what's wrong with just having nice stuff? Do you have any pictures on your walls? Sometimes beauty is it's own excuse for being.

I ain't projecting anything, simply pointing out a root cause. Wanting nice stuff is another root cause.
Quit peeing in my Wheaties.

Saving weight in the right spot can make a big difference in feel* I just swapped out the stock wheels(Mavic Aksiums) on my Allez elite for a set of CK hubs with Open Pros, 28h and Revolution spokes(Off the wifes bike), just over a pound lighter. The difference accellerating was very noticeable. Then I flatted the rear, thetire had a cut so I decided to try the Serfas Seca folder(We just got some in) It was a 100grams lighter than the Fortezza it replaced. Again a noticeable difference. Losing weight from the flywheel improves acceleration and also lets the bike turn in easier.


*Feel is subjective, some people cannot tell when they have a low tire til the rim is scraping on the ground. They probably would not notice a weight change in the bike either.

If you want to save weight, you should go to the bathroom before you start your ride. For some people, that'd be an enormous weight reduction. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/deraltekluge/Avatars/whistling.gif

I ain't projecting anything, simply pointing out a root cause. Wanting nice stuff is another root cause.
Quit peeing in my Wheaties.

AHA! So now you're admitting there might be more than one possible motivation. That's all that I've been saying all along.

Sorry I spoiled your breakfast. :) :) :)

Guilty! Off with my head!

Saving weight in the right spot can make a big difference in feel* I just swapped out the stock wheels(Mavic Aksiums) on my Allez elite for a set of CK hubs with Open Pros, 28h and Revolution spokes(Off the wifes bike), just over a pound lighter. The difference accellerating was very noticeable. Then I flatted the rear, thetire had a cut so I decided to try the Serfas Seca folder(We just got some in) It was a 100grams lighter than the Fortezza it replaced. Again a noticeable difference. Losing weight from the flywheel improves acceleration and also lets the bike turn in easier.


*Feel is subjective, some people cannot tell when they have a low tire til the rim is scraping on the ground. They probably would not notice a weight change in the bike either.



Yes, I can feel the acceleration difference between my lightweight summer commuter vs my much heavier winter commuter, and getting up to speed quickly definitely decides which route I take on my commute.

Why are people who aren't concerned with weight, so concerned about putting down those who are?

What if the lighter of two bikes was from Walmart???

My theory is that people who make fun of lighter bikes do so because they can't afford them. As long as you don't compromise safety and can afford it, I say the lighter the better. In posts like this, someone always talks about losing five pounds from "the engine" and not worrying about losing 5 pounds off the bike. But think about it - - why not lose 5 pounds from both?

My theory is that people who make fun of lighter bikes do so because they can't afford them.

Now see - you're projecting motivations onto the people on the other side.

My theory is that people who make fun of lighter bikes do so because they can't afford them. As long as you don't compromise safety and can afford it, I say the lighter the better. In posts like this, someone always talks about losing five pounds from "the engine" and not worrying about losing 5 pounds off the bike. But think about it - - why not lose 5 pounds from both?

Wouldn't it be easier to lose weight from the "engine" if the bike is heavier? ;)

Once you get a multi-speed bicycle where everything works consistently, holds up well, handles well, etc., and you still want to improve it, there's not that many things you can do. Making the same bicycle lighter is one of them, so that's a major effort for the industry. Making the thing a lot more comfortable is another thing that can be done, and that's the recumbent industry.

Wouldn't it be easier to lose weight from the "engine" if the bike is heavier? ;)

Right. If you want to improve fitness, ride a heavier bike. This is a corollary to chipcom's Law of Minimal Exertion.

Maybe the people who appear to be overly worried about bike weight are the folk unfortunate enough to only have one bike?


Most of the riding I do is on a heavier hybrid, kitted out with suspension, wider tyres, lights, mudguards etc. etc. But then, most of the riding I do is cruising around enjoying the scenery, exploring trails, or just plain going some place. I'm a few kph slower on that bike, but still fast enough to get where I'm going, that bike is more robust, and it's more comfortable.

Other times I'll go riding just for the sake of the buzz of going fast, and for that I have a much lighter road bike.

Horses for courses :)

If you can afford it what's wrong with just having nice stuff? Do you have any pictures on your walls? Sometimes beauty is it's own excuse for being.

Yeah, you tell 'em, and my Rolex tells better time than some cheapskate ole grouch's Timex. It's more efficient too!:rolleyes:

Yeah, you tell 'em, and my Rolex tells better time than some cheapskate ole grouch's Timex. It's more efficient too!:rolleyes:

Coming from a man who's taste in women is decidedly less than utilitarian, and maybe a little weight conscious. ;)

Something I posted on another board about a different subject, but I think it fits here, too:

"...there's only one true way for everything, and if someone wants something different from your own choice, he's wrong, wrong, wrong!"

My engine cannot afford to lose weight and has gained some from doing a lot of riding on bikes that some folks would consider to be a little on the heavy side.

My lightest bike is probably my '73 Raleigh Carlton Gran Sports...with only steel and alloy it probably hits the curb at 22 pounds.

This makes me happy.

One of my favourite bikes... she hits the curb at 42 pounds and is the standard by which I rate all other comfort/cruiser bikes.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/78Superbe2.jpg

I have never made fun of lighter bikes. I am just incredulous when someone advises someone not to get mudguards "because of the added weight", or not to use a handlebar mirror "because of added weight". These kinds of things weigh mere ounces, and make no appreciable addition to weight.

And in the OP, I excluded racers and people climbing mountains.

From my experience, so far, I find that a lightweight bike is more fun to ride.
' hope my 35lb commuter bike don't mind me saying this... :o

Right. If you want to improve fitness, ride a heavier bike. This is a corollary to chipcom's Law of Minimal Exertion.

but if it's so heavy you avoid riding it this law is null.

Oh poop to all of the black/white distinctions statements! I just then got back from a 15km ride around town and its outskirts, on the heavy hybrid. Apart from some intersections and a short stretch where I cut through a kid's park area, I hardly got under 30kph for the entire trip. It was great fun!

And besides, riding you bike will result in its engine losing weight! :D

If I lose another pound on my body, I will look like an Olson twin. Not everyone on a bike is overweight, ya know.

Anyone that says, "It's not the bike, it's the rider" has never ridden a super high performance road bike. I bought a Specialized Tarmac Expert and 2 months later demoed a Specialized Tarmac SL2. That's a $3,000 bike vs. an $8,000 bike. You could feel the $5000 difference within 2 seconds. The bike felt like it would take off from under you if you weren't careful.

My MTB weighs in around 33lbs. I could care less about weight, it looks good (to me) and it rides nice (as far as I'm concerned). My road bike (first one and lightest bike I have ever owned) weighs in around 20lbs. I can feel a huge difference in weight. I can see if you prefer lighter bikes and your "whatever" breaks and you want to replace it with a lighter/better "whatever", fine; do so.

But at the same time if your ripping apart your perfectly good wheels because you want to swap out your brass spoke nipples for alloy because you think you will save 2 grams all together you could spend the time it will take you to do that to loose 5 grams of body fat by riding that same bike. So did you really do your self any good?

or will be riding up incredibly steep, long hills, :D

Maybe some of us live where there are lots of steep hills? I have 2 road bikes, geared about the same, one 16 pounds, one 24 pounds. There may beother factors involved (better wheels, less drivechain friction?), but the lighter bike makes the ride to and from downtown significantly more pleasant for me.

Could I loose some weight? Sure maybe 5-10 pounds, could I get stronger? Sure, working on both. But I can and did go out and loose 8 pounds off my bike instantly, and there is nothing wrong with that.

ANother thought; if you could go out and have the perfect body for $2000-$3000, wouldn't you? Well you can go out and have the perfect bike for your money.

So I currently struggle up a hill with my formerly state-of-the-art, now obsolete 18-pound bike, but if I go out and spend $5,000 I can get a 16-pound bike. So instead of struggling up a hill lugging a combined weight of 200 pounds (bike, water and me), I fly up because it's just 198. Yeah, that'll make all the difference.

So I currently struggle up a hill with my formerly state-of-the-art, now obsolete 18-pound bike, but if I go out and spend $5,000 I can get a 16-pound bike. So instead of struggling up a hill lugging a combined weight of 200 pounds (bike, water and me), I fly up because it's just 198. Yeah, that'll make all the difference.

A lot of people, me included ride MORE if they really lust over there bike. If I had an old heavy bike chances are I would not ride it nearly as much as I ride my 16pounder and in effect I would be lugging LOTS more weight up the hills. I also have a 20+ pound Benotto that I enjoy riding. I find very little performance difference between the two bikes but I do enjoy riding the lighter bike more. There is no specific reason that I can point my finger at as to why ....it just is.