Originally Posted by
Dellphinus
Where the weight is located is irrelevant, with a caveat-
Wheels and crankset- more weight in the rotating parts means more power is needed to change speeds, due to rotating mass.
The effects are small though, and for 99% of us make little to no difference. Crit racers, bike couriers, etc (lots of starts stops, lots of accelerations) would notice the difference in heavier vs lighter wheels.
This is an interesting idea. I'm trying to determine where I will see the greatest gains in weight reduction on a 25lb bike. Aside from my own weight I think I will - thanks to some of the info here - look into a lighter crankset, rear cassette and derailleur.