So my bike is something of a heifer. I think it weighs about 27lbs. I recently took off my Brooks Flyer for a little proofide maintenance for the first time since I got it and I realized how heavy it is compared to my synthetic saddles. That got me thinking about where I could shed some weight. I could shave about 50 grams off the seat-post for about $70 and the Brooks B17 instead of the sprung Flyer could take off 170 grams, but is it worth it? What difference does having a lighter bike make? I've heard that it makes a difference when climbing hills, when accelerating from a stop and I would think it would reduce rolling resistance. OTOH, would a heavier bike act like a flywheel and keep on rolling and rolling good once it got going?

Instead of taking mere grams of your bike, [B]wouldn't losing 5lbs or roughly 2,250 grams,[B/] losing fat and gaining muscle mass make more of a difference in your speed?

Personally, I stand to lose 20 lbs at 174 and 5'11. What's your opinion? If you watch your own weight carefully, why and how do you do it? I want to lose weight, not only for appearance's sake, but I also want to be a stronger, faster rider with more stamina and endurance. IMO, maintaining and building your own athlete's body is a more cost-effective way of improving your speed and bike handling skills. Maybe I'm just missing something about the benefits of being a weight weenie. I totally understand if you're into competitive events, but as a commuter, maybe the costs outweigh the benefits. This a classic indian or the arrow argument. Begin!