Originally Posted by
Stucky
Wheels, mainly when it comes to accelerating and climbing, is where weight reduction makes the biggest difference. Rotating mass.... A one pound reduction in wheel weight probably has a more noticeable effect than losing 5 lbs. off of the rest of the bike.
One pound in motion works the same whether on the frame or wheel, on flat ground or hills.
One pound where the rubber meets the road does work like 2 pounds when it comes to acceleration purposes, with the difference dropping to zero as you reach the axle center - 100g lighter spokes have less impact than loosing 150g on the frame.
This is basic physics.