Originally Posted by 69chevy

We want lighter because it saves us seconds on climbs that are higher grades and 10x longer than we ever ride. Why? To be faster in certain, yet rare situations, while at our current level of fitness. Cost... A lot of $$$$

We want more aero to make us faster (while at our current level of fitness), while we ride in groups, draft, and negate the aero all but when we are on the front pulling. Cost... A lot of $$$$ P.S. the most aero position is the one you rarely see anyone riding in.

Meanwhile riding a heavier, less aero bike would technically make us more fit (for the same speed) as we were forced to squeeze out those few extra watts to keep pace with our group rides.

So the only time any of our "upgrades" make sense is if we are riding solo and want to be faster (presumably for strava that almost no one analyzes), or racing.

All that being said, I cant help but want a bike that's lighter and more aero.