Originally Posted by
pixelharmony
I have a tendency to usually get very immersed in my hobbies. I love to mod and spend money. What's interesting with cycling though is it's such an expansive sport that it feels like a black hole of modifications and custom builds.
In the end though I bought a bike for fitness/commuting, and though I want to go faster and further, for me more than a mechanical limit I think reducing my mid section (I probably need to lose more in weight than my bike weighs) and working on my strength, endurance, and technique can do so much more from me than a new hub, crank, or carbon frame.
I do agree that if you can stand to lose some pounds than lighter components are a waste of money, but I also see the other side of the coin too. A new or new to you lighter bike can be very inspirational and lead you to reduce that mid section easier if you find your current bike is less than inspiring. If the lighter/new bike is more fun to ride than your current one, then you'll ride more and get all the goodness that comes with more exercise and that in itself could be well worth the extra cost.
BTW the weight difference needs to be sorta significant to make a difference. Like about 2lbs-3lb difference like say going from a 20lb bike to 17lb or 18 to 15lb. 1lb lighter isn't all to much.
-Brought to you by the council to sell weight weenie bikes to overweight riders