Originally Posted by
svtmike
You've been given examples of OEM bikes that are lighter than yours and some that are less than 13 lbs. Do you expect all OEM bikes to be lighter than yours? All you have to do is spec something other than SRAM Red and you're going to be heavier all else being equal. But you might be cheaper. Or more durable. Or have better shifting. Or preferred ergonomics. Weight is not the only quality of a bike that people consider. It's certainly objective and measurable, but it's not the be-all and end-all.
As for folks paying the big bucks and getting lighter bikes, that's generally how it works as you work your way up every OEM's product line. Top line Madone's weigh less than the bottom of the line. The weight savings occurs from higher end components and higher end frame construction (usually higher modulus carbon fiber in a carbon fiber frame).
So what really is your question?
Your points are well stated and convincing. And other recent posts have addressed my question well also such as the comments about having to appeal to a broad market of variou weight riders. Let's just say I was reading reviews in the magazine whose name may not be mentioned. I had an emotional response to the prices and weights I saw. Kind of like, "Is that the best you can do for that much money?". I just thought it would be fun to kick around here. Buried among all the different kinds of answers i received there were some that really hit home, like yours. I hope that explains it.