Originally Posted by stronglight

I'd be very curious to hear of any fully modernized vintage steel racing bikes. I would think that 19 or even 18 pounds would not be entirely impossible if lightness were the absolute goal and cost not a consideration.

I have a late 1980s titanium frameset. Built up with full period correct Dura-Ace which was still recognizably old school (pre-STI, steel quick release skewers, d/t shifters, and 8-speed cassette on the heavy side) and a brooks saddle Swift saddle at 350 grams, along with heavy training tires and conventionally spoked wheels (32 + 32), it weighs under 20 pounds. I suspect if re-fitted with more modern components with lightness as the goal I could easily drop another 2 or even 3 pounds. No reason not to do so, and it would surely ride just as nicely, but I just like the look of the last of those older style components on that bike.

That frame and fork combined weighs 4.5 pounds. A comparable steel frameset I own from the 1970s, and in the same size (59 cm) weighs under 6 pounds. So, I imagine this too could conceiveably be set up in full modern dress to weigh perhaps 19 to 20 pounds, complete.

I think there is a lot which can be done with a conventional veteran frameset to make it surprisingly light - something which Eddy Mecckx would have sold his soul to race on 35 years ago. The decision not to completely modernize a veteran bike is often a matter of aesthetics for the owner. And, as for cost, the rare vintage parts I've seen on some old bikes could easily pay for a complete new Ultegra or Chorus gruppo. Interesting considerations.