Originally Posted by
SurlyLaika
...Maybe it's a placebo effect but I really think that the bike accelerates faster, is more responsive to my hip steering (as opposed to handlebar steering), and is just a lot easier to haul up the stairs. I'm now only using my
Wingnut backpack.
Thoughts? Could removing 3lbs really make that much of a difference?...
...
So what's the heaviest component on your bikes? Is it worth it to you?
I certainly like a nice, light bike, but I don't mind riding a heavy bike for commuting. When I do really long rides on the weekend (300+km) when I need extra room for carrying layers, food, etc., I will sometimes put a seatpost rack with a trunk bag (about 10lbs) on my bike, and I absolutely hate how it makes the bike handle. It's not really noticeable 98% of the time, which is why I tolerate it, but that other 2% (climbing, accelerating) is really annoying.
For commuting, I keep my light bike light, and use a backpack to maintain good handling characteristics. My all-weather commuter is heavy, so I just don't expect as much from it.