Anybody who has some extra body fat to lose should not be spending extra money on a lightweight bike. That just doesn't make sense.

Once you mount your machine, you and the machine are united as one in weight. Oh, I suppose the lighter you make the wheel, the faster the exceleration, but the energy to move the mass is the same whether the weight is in the rider or on the bike itself and that energy comes from the rider.

How about these techies who have ti component bikes and then put 3 lbs of water in a Camelback backpack! Function or fashion? I say they are more interested in the fashion of the gear than the need for performance.

I know I'm looking at a weekend warrior when I see a 190 - 210 pound rider on an expensively lighted bike.

I like the concept of telemark skiing as it relates to all sports - rely less on gear and more on strength & skill.