AlaskaStinson

Guess my point was... for just riding the weight really doesn't matter. I would never want to race with my tank, and agreed that the acceleration of the lightweight is way better. Just the light weight wheel set probably makes the biggest difference. It also seems faster since I'm in a much more aerodynamic position instead of the upright grandpa posture on the Surly. So drilling out your tire levers is pointless, unless it makes you feel faster.

I was a USCF CAT I/II racer in the late 70s, so I have some experience in road racing. The heavy bike has no jump, but the ride of the big bike on crappy roads is nice.

I'll still ride the race bike when I want to go out and be a stretchy suit commando, but for just going for a ride the tank is just as fast.

A few weeks ago I came to an intersection an found myself in the middle of a bike race. My competitive gene kicked in and I passed 8 or 9 fat guys on carbon bikes. I got some great looks as this guy on an LHT with racks and fenders blew past. Fortunately I turned off in a few miles, totally spent and feeling like I was going to puke. Unfortunately I still had 40 miles to go to get home. Then I hurt for the next week.. but it was fun.

It's all fun.

fietsbob

touring spec is heavier to cope with the weight carried.. But we see people towing a BoB trailer behind race bikes, touring.. Here.

knobster

I've been on this forum since 2006 and it's always been understood that what you want is the most expensive, lightest bike you can afford. Because of that thinking, I always feel weird when I prefer taking my Soma over the Orbea. I'm hearing more and more people saying this very same thing. It's an interesting conversation and makes me wonder if I should sell the Orbea. I just love a bike that versatile and can ride on multiple surfaces such as a touring/sport touring/cyclocross bike.

Phil_gretz

Don't know how much you weigh, but this still a pretty strong effort.

knobster

195lbs. Hill was very short and I'm guestimating the speed. I don't run a computer on my bike. More to just add a figure for example than anything.

rebel1916

People are notoriously bad at guestimating both speed and grade.

Phil_gretz

Right. 220 lbs of bike+rider up 10% at 6 mph is pushing ~300 watts sustained. Isn't it? That's good work if for several miles.

knobster

Agreed, but this data was more anecdotal than anything.

Phil_gretz

Maybe I'm the contrarian here, but I wouldn't write off the lighter road bike yet.
But, it depends on the gearing in your build. If it's 53/39 and 11-25T, maybe it's not set up well for long days of climbing...


But for me, I'd pick my tourer if the riding day is long and the terrain is varied or flat, or if I want to haul a lock or considerable food or gear, etc. The tourer has very low climbing gears, for sure, but it's heavy and doesn't descend or handle particularly well. It's really plush and comfortable, though.

I'd pick the road bike if there will be a shorter or faster day OR a day where there will be significant climbing and descending, where I don't need to carry much besides myself and basic staple items. The road bike climbs well, is geared just low enough (34 inner with 28T) to tackle anything, and I feel that it takes less out of me over a longish effort.

Maybe you pick the right tool for each particular job...

rebel1916

Just like my old man used to say. Also measure once cut twice, but that's neither here nor there.