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Urban Legend? Bikes under 15lbs last 2yrs max???

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Urban Legend? Bikes under 15lbs last 2yrs max???

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Old 07-11-07, 08:48 PM
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Urban Legend? Bikes under 15lbs last 2yrs max???

While helping a newer rider pick out a bike, the shop guy said "Well you wouldn't want to go TOO light cuz, bikes that weigh under 15lbs only last 2yrs max..then the carbon frames give out...you'll crash!

'Scuze me? I questioned him further about TDF racers. He said "Well those bikes only have to last for several hours and then the racer swaps it out for another light bike.

So what's the scoopage? His info seemed dated...Can ultralight carbon frame bikes (2007-2008) do 20K miles?
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Old 07-11-07, 08:49 PM
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no, thats bull****. done.
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Old 07-11-07, 08:51 PM
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...adding same question toward Ti frames (since he tossed that into the mix)...? How come a light weight ti frame can't last?
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Old 07-11-07, 08:58 PM
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Me thinks it's definitely time to find a different bike shop.
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Old 07-11-07, 09:02 PM
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That is one of the most incompetent things I've ever heard, that man needs to learn some more about bicycles.
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Old 07-11-07, 09:07 PM
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It's not how light your bike is, it's the frame quality. I could take a carbon frame and a dremel, and make it a lot lighter. Then it would be less strong. A Cervelo R3 could weight 14.9lb, or 17lb.
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Old 07-11-07, 09:30 PM
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Since lighter bikes are much more expensive, why would the sales guy want to discourage someone from buying one? (unless he thinks he'll come back every 2 years)
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Old 07-11-07, 09:33 PM
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Unfortunately, true. My bike will be two years old next week, so I've started looking for a new one in preparation for the inevitable spontaneous combustion of the old one.

c'est la vie







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Old 07-11-07, 09:56 PM
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Originally Posted by rooftest
Since lighter bikes are much more expensive, why would the sales guy want to discourage someone from buying one? (unless he thinks he'll come back every 2 years)
Trying to sell a 25lb bike...the lighter ones were out of the price range.
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Old 07-11-07, 10:12 PM
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My 15 and a half pound Merlin (91) has made it this long. It must be the half pound! (lighted wheels can make it under 15lbs.)

MV
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Old 07-11-07, 10:12 PM
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Originally Posted by vrkelley
Trying to sell a 25lb bike...the lighter ones were out of the price range.
"What story can I make up to sell you a bike today!?"
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Old 07-11-07, 10:13 PM
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One word: Cervelo
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Joe

Veho difficilis, ago facilis
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Old 07-11-07, 11:29 PM
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How many bikes are truly 15 lbs at rideable weight in a framesize that a normal adult can ride? Are these internet weights?
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Old 07-11-07, 11:36 PM
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Go to another bike shop. Seriously.
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Old 09-25-07, 06:05 AM
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Originally Posted by filtersweep
How many bikes are truly 15 lbs at rideable weight in a framesize that a normal adult can ride? Are these internet weights?
14.21 lbs measured.

To the OP: wow, what a moron that LBS employee is. If it were true, there would be post after post after post here of people crying about the disintegration of their sweet lightweight ride. There aren't.
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Old 09-25-07, 07:12 AM
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I once had a similar experience with a bike shop salesman when I inquired about Mavic Ksyrium SL wheels. He basically said the lighter you go the more fragile the wheel and recommended Ksyrium Elite or Equipe over the SL. He said he only recommends high end wheels to those with disposable incomes that can afford to replace them frequently in order to enjoy the extra weight savings. I decided to go elsewhere after he became irritated over me questioning his statement.
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