Originally Posted by cyclinfool

I have a light weight racing bike hanging on the hook in the garage where it spends most of it's life. Light wheels, tires, components etc. It is not much fun to ride for more than about and hour or two. I ride my old steel bike most of the time, it is several pounds heavier. IMHO the best way to go faster and have more fun and even stay in a pack on a group ride is to improve the engine. But improving the engine to the extent needed may not bring you joy either - because the routine is hard and it takes a lot of commitment. You can work yourself up to a fine shape, be pretty fast and a strong climber but unless you stay at it all the time your ability will decline. Find a happy place between fitness and lifestyle and just enjoy the ride.