Funny, back in the day (late 1960's) when I was riding Raleigh, I never thought of them as heavy at all. 26 lbs ... Then I moved to Peugeot and found myself on something 3 lbs lighter. Felt quite quick and fun.
Now days a 23 lb bike is nothing. The hybrid I just assembled for my wife with front suspension fork is only 24 lbs and I didn't think it was anything special ...
I guess there are plenty of 14 lb road bikes ...