Originally Posted by
Live Wire
I agree with everyhing you said except for:
It does have it's place and it can build into a super light, sweet riding frame...it will just have a finite lifespan if it's ridden by a strong and/or heavier (180#) rider.
Mitred for 54cm frame
Spirit 31.7 TT .5/.38.5 = 168 g
Spirit 38mm DT .5/.38/.5 = 220 g
Spirit 28.6 ST .6/.38/.5 = 166 g
Total main tubes = 554 g
(the original .5mm CS tubes were removed from sale, did not meet with success in the real world, failures etc)
Mitred for 54cm
Life 31.7 TT .65/.4/.65 = 206 g
Life 38 DT .65/.45/.65 = 264 g
Life 28.6 ST .75/.4/.6 = 189 g
Total main tubes = 668 g
You save 114 g.
Is that really making the frame "super light"?
Selection on three tubes alone does not make a frame light.
Select the other parts of the frame with a reliable reduction in grams is Ok to a point, but the three main tubes gain buggar all for a lot in the loss column.
An
empty 750mm plastic water bottle = 85 g
I see no value on making a frame with the three main tubes thinner than .65/.4/.65, no matter what diameter.
considering the consequences of some times simple crashes, not just TT dents fro handle bars but the main triangle crumple! (I have seen them)
I see no value in the reduction of 114 grams even if you believe or perceive it has some performance benefit, and this is only a perception as it can not be measured because it cannot be measured in the real world. (I worked for many years with the Australian Institute of sport .....................)
The value of light is in marketing brochure text.