Originally Posted by
69chevy
I'm not sure I understand your thought process.
A 20 pound bike will require less than 1 watt more than a 17 pound bike to maintain 20mph on a flat grade.
The max speed difference for a 300 watt effort on a 5% grade is less than 1/10th of a MPH.
It the rider on the 20lb bike weighs 3lbs less, there is no difference.
How does that mean a 20# Claris bike is a Geo Metro, but a 17lb bike is far superior?
Context is king. We're talking value curve here.
You could extrapolate your example to a 25# 400$ basement special and say it will allow you to ride just as fast. And I actually wouldnt argue against it, at all.
If such a bike serves you well, enjoy it.