And I mentioned wheel not tire weight. I agree completely about running light weight casinged tires. Trek chose tires that are pretty rugged and flat resistant because of the anticipated buyer's view.

I'll add that I've had dozens of customers who start thinking like you are. They have a recreational bike and begin to "upgrade" it bit by bit. In time they have spent as much as the kind of bike they really wanted yet only have one bike and a pile of parts with little value. I usually suggest they get that second bike and at least end up with two bikes, both working well. At the least there's a back up bike and at best the old bike can be sold off to help offset the new bike's cost.

BTW the Trek 7.2 is our most popular bike we sell. I know it well. Andy.