You know it seems like a pound may not seem like much but truly if you are carrying it all day long it does add up. I am not a small guy but at the end of the day I notice the difference between a 5 and 6 pound laptop.

I can say that on the road I don’t notice the difference as much between a 24 and 26 pound bike unless there is a big difference in the wheel weight. There weight is much more detrimental.

If I am constantly picking the bike up and moving it then I definitely like to go lighter. That is why most of my accessories are quick release. I can quickly and easily fit my bike up for its intended purpose (specifically I am talking about my Swift more than my Merc here).

Also keep in mind that a one pound increase on a 25lb bike is a much greater percentage increase on a bike that weighs 30lbs. I prefer to determine the weight how I want to build it out rather than start with a pig of a bike and figure out how to put it on a diet to save some weight.

Of course the smaller you are the more the weight will be a factor in general. I am not going to obsess about grams but I’ve traveled enough to definitely take notice when there is a pound or more difference in the weight and to see if I am getting something for that pound that I actually value like a light, better seat or fenders. This is especially true when I am on a plane. Every pound in overweight luggage charges can add up in a hurry.