A riding acquaintance and I are having a friendly debate over just how much bicycle weight, and other bicycle factors, play in overall performance at the “enthusiast” level.

I ride a 2004 Trek 5500. It was pretty sweet out of the box, and I have made some upgrades such as carbon bars and stem, better tires. It is 100% Dura-Ace. I think the overall weight would be just about 15.8 lbs. The other rider is on a quality brand bike, aluminum frame and Ultegra group. I’m pretty sure it would come in at maybe slightly better than 17 lbs.

He stands about 6 foot and weights 162 pounds. I am at 5’6” with a weight of 160. So the total weights are just about the same. I think the thing that gets him stirred up is that I am 20 years older than he, (can you say 62?) but can out pace him on just about any length ride. I even beat him on sprints. He insists that it’s the bike. I am willing to concede that the 5500 with all its precision, might give me a minute over 50 miles.

It’s no big deal between us – just fun - but what’s the thinking amongst you pros? I happen to think that I am just a better rider than my buddy – better pedaling technique, better bike position, etc. By the way, the gearing on the bikes is now identical since his upgrade to a 10 speed cassette.