Originally Posted by
Spoonrobot
Word is the TA fittings and OS headtubes are behind the weight increase but I'm not sure that's all. I think butting profiles are being changed as well to account for disc brakes and collateral ISO testing. Either way most gravel bikes are now in a weird grey area where they a lot heavier than road bikes, not much less than mountain frames but without the capability. A divergence for another thread maybe, it's my personal windmill this season. Bike weights for off-road road bikes are too high!
100% agree.
One thing about the Black Mountain is that like many Somas, it isnt a 44mm head tube. That alone saves some weight and with a steel fork a huge head tube isnt needed. I haven't found a modern 1 1/8 steel steerer to flex too much at all.
I would be fascinated to listed to bike insiders explain the fatigue and safety testing that goes into frame certification. The amount of beefing up frames is significant.