Originally Posted by
prj71
The progress is more than just weight. Better geometry, better tires, better suspension, better brakes (rim brakes suck). The 30 lbs isn't a thing.
Geometry depends on the trail and riding style. Some of the new bikes handle slow and clumsy to me. Better tires? LOL. I'm not riding on 25 year old tires. You know they still make 26" tires, right? Better suspension - agree. Better brakes? Nope. V-brakes are better than any disc I have ever used.
The >30lbs is absolutely "a thing." I weigh 140lbs. I won't claim I can tell a pound or two but 8 or 9 pounds is hugely noticeable. 40% more bike weight is a LOT.
If money were no object I might be able to find one of those carbon wonder bikes I would enjoy. And throw it away every year to buy the new model because the old one is either broken or too "obsolete" to be serviced. But for me, spending less than ten grand on a bike, an old 26" hardtail is better than anything else available.