The Lightning has a carbon fork with steel steerer tube. I think a significiant amount of the 1 lb difference is the fork. Whether you like a steel fork v carbon fork ride better is a consideration. Lugs are classic or in this case "Special"! The Classic is less expensive than either of the other models, can use wider tires, has fender and rear rack eyelets-probably the better buy but to my eye the Special is the looker.