Seattleblu

Is there a place on the Net that compares bike/frame weights? Weight Weenies does, but it seems out of date. Some manufacturers post them on their site, but not all. I'm looking at replacing my Klein for either a Cannondale, Specialized, Lightspeed or maybe Trek (or something).

I was helping a friend buy a Cannondale a few weeks ago and was stunned when I lifted the Synapse Aluminum bike she bought and it was MUCH lighter than what I have (Klein Stage comp, Ultegra and Mavic Elite). I bought it new eight years ago and it's been a great ride, but now seems like a good time to buy as many 06's will be on sale soon.

Any advice what you like/don't like about your new bikes.

Thanks!

531Aussie

hmmm, I wouldn't say the Weight Weenies site is out of date (I counted twenty-three 2005 model frames), but they have slacked off in recent months. New entries used to pop up every week, but they've only added about 10 frames this year!!

The difference between light and 'heavy' aluminium is often less than 300g.

It's more so (all) the components that make the big difference in bike weights, unless you're comparing some of the high-end carbon with older aluminium, where the difference could be ~700g. The differnece between new Dura-Ace and 8 yeard old Ultegra would be very noticeable -- 80g here and there adds up.
Then there's the wheels!! You can drop 1.5lbs on a pair of wheels just like 'that'. The old Mavic Elites ain't light

So, if you whack your old stuff on a new aluminium frame, i doubt you'll notice a dramatic difference

Thylacine

Do you want a bike to lift up at the coffee shop, or do you want one to ride?

It really helps if you let us know what your goals are so we can point you in the right direction. Otherwise (wait for it) 90% of people who reply after me are just going to reply "I have a Litespeed. It is the best bike I've ever owned. You can do no wrong buying a Litespeed, they are awesome" and of course what does that tell you?

Absolutely nothing.

If you want light for the sake of it, just get a carbon whatever from company whoever it is this week that has just released a 900g frame. Or is is 800g? 700g? I dunno. If however you want a bike to ride, let us know as much as you can about how you ride and where you intend on going with your riding, and maybe bike design nazis like me can help ya out.

Seattleblu

Thanks thus far. I figured more details would be needed but wanted to start w/o writing a lot. I ride a 150 mi a week, mostly hilly (Seattle area) and a lighter bike would be nice (than what I'm currently on). I do fast group rides and 50-60 mile solo rides with all sorts of grades. I do one or two races a year (usually the hill-climb variety that usually requires just a one day license).

I'm not hung up on brands nor materials, but am looking for the highest quality ride $2-2,200K can buy right now (would like to stay w/ Ultegra or Ult/DA mix).

Hope that helps. Like I said before, new bikes can be great, but sometimes you don't get exactly what you thought you were getting. I want to know what will get me there to narrow it down to ride 2-3 bikes.

Thank you.

Nims

If you're not hung up on brands, then this is my vote for the highest quality ride that $2k can buy.

/shameless plug

Feel free to post or PM with questions

Cypress

Take a look at LOOK frames. They build them to last, and it just so happens to be light.

Like Volvo Automobiles.

Minus the whole lesbian thing.

Seattleblu

Just to be clear, it doesn't have to be superlight, but lighter than what I have (btw, I weigh 155).

I thought it was Subaru's, but I'm more a VW person .

Cypress

You should find a frame suited to what you like to do (climb, sprint, abuse, ect), then go from there.