Originally Posted by
fogrider
if you go slow on a lightweight racing bike, its like driving a sports car slow, you will feel it wanting to go fast. if you drive a slow car fast, you know it won't go fast...same with a slow bike, you know it won't go fast. light is not everything, but there is a lot to be said about a bike that is light enough to climb the big mountains and stand on for the sprint.
But the thing is, an old steel racing bike is barely slower than a new high end racing bike, and both are limited to the riders ability, just as cars on the street are limited to laws and safety factors.
Point being, unless you're in a timed competition, it generally makes sense to make compromises. I don't drive a prepped track car to work, but I could. Which goes back to the original post, where I agree that for a casual rider the need for a super light racing bike is not really there.