Originally Posted by
gsteinb
The difference between a 20lb bike and a 16lb bike is much more than weight. Everything on the lighter and more expensive bike is designed for better performance. Is it necessary? No. Is it nice? Yes. More reliable and responsive equipment certainly helps, perhaps more so with confidence than even in actual race day applications. That's just on the flats though. I lamented riding a rear 404 last week on a mountain climb due to a flat. That was only 5 ounces heavier than the wheel I wanted to ride.
Agree 100% Higher end components = lighter, stiffer, smoother. Like most other say..ride it for a while then upgrade saddle for comfort, wheels for performance. Going from Bontrager Races to Neuvation M28s was like night and day (the neuvations are only slightly lighter, but are super stiff). Cheap stuff for the meantime that makes a noticable difference = good tires, fit, correct tire pressure for your weight, proper hydration/nutrition on long rides.