Do you really like riding a lighter bike?
05-11-16, 04:11 AM
#76
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Stratocaster: i'm the same weight as you @ 150lbs. i'm a weightweenie and previously my 2011 Scott Addict R1 with Sram Red Compact Crank, 11/28t weighs 13.65lbs with farsport 38mm carbon clinchers, pedals, bottle cages, garmin out in front mount and a saddle bag with 1 CO2 inflater + CO2, 1 tire lever and Park's tire patch. but i was never fast enough on the hills and would get dropped like no tomorrow.
that being said.. i recently bought a 2015 BMC TM02 with 105 components (18.3lbs no pedal), stripped it, sold the 105 and converted to SRAM RED 22 group with Zipp SL70 Aero handlebar, Farsports 38mm carbon clinchers with Conti Ultra 700x25c + pedals and a profile design RM1, weight = 16.84lbs.
took her out on the a 29 miles test ride after building her up.. rode the same route as i had always done with my Scott Addict... on this particular stretch of a hill, broke my own PR that i set with my Addict back in 2014 (94 sec) and with BMC TMR02 (92 sec). and i'm not completely dialed in/ fitted in with her just yet.
so in short.. i've been to the dark side of weightweenie.. i love it, my wallet hates it.. but in the end it's all about the motor. i ride with guys that have 18+ lbs bikes and still drops me on climbs like nothing. so for me.. i don't mind having the extra weight.. in fact i find a little bit of weight makes the bike easier to ride and maintain momentum on the flats.. hence my Scott Addict is now a 14.65lbs with custom kinlin 22mm alloy clinchers. soon, i'll be adding a custom kinlin 31mm deep alloy clincher to my TMR02... which will only be about 150-200g heavier than now.
that being said.. i recently bought a 2015 BMC TM02 with 105 components (18.3lbs no pedal), stripped it, sold the 105 and converted to SRAM RED 22 group with Zipp SL70 Aero handlebar, Farsports 38mm carbon clinchers with Conti Ultra 700x25c + pedals and a profile design RM1, weight = 16.84lbs.
took her out on the a 29 miles test ride after building her up.. rode the same route as i had always done with my Scott Addict... on this particular stretch of a hill, broke my own PR that i set with my Addict back in 2014 (94 sec) and with BMC TMR02 (92 sec). and i'm not completely dialed in/ fitted in with her just yet.
so in short.. i've been to the dark side of weightweenie.. i love it, my wallet hates it.. but in the end it's all about the motor. i ride with guys that have 18+ lbs bikes and still drops me on climbs like nothing. so for me.. i don't mind having the extra weight.. in fact i find a little bit of weight makes the bike easier to ride and maintain momentum on the flats.. hence my Scott Addict is now a 14.65lbs with custom kinlin 22mm alloy clinchers. soon, i'll be adding a custom kinlin 31mm deep alloy clincher to my TMR02... which will only be about 150-200g heavier than now.
05-11-16, 05:00 AM
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Had an interesting experience this morning. Got a late start and took the FG, my heaviest, harshest-riding bike out for a quick spin. Turned out to be one of my fastest solo rides. A helium bike for climbing the hills and getting jump starts is one thing, but easy come, easy go. On the other hand, once you've got a heavy-feeling bike going fast, it's pretty cool being on a kind of speeding tank that will crush anything it encounters as it barrels relentlessly along.
Last edited by kbarch; 05-11-16 at 05:06 AM.
05-11-16, 05:26 AM
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Maybe you missed other peoples' points. Sure, one can expect to be disappointed using the wrong tool for the job, but maybe some people like the ride of a minivan regardless of how fast or slow they need to go. I've seen plenty of minivans racing down the highway, that's for sure.
Had an interesting experience this morning. Got a late start and took the FG, my heaviest, harshest-riding bike out for a quick spin. Turned out to be one of my fastest solo rides. A helium bike for climbing the hills and getting jump starts is one thing, but easy come, easy go. On the other hand, once you've got a heavy-feeling bike going fast, it's pretty cool being on a kind of speeding tank that will crush anything it encounters as it barrels relentlessly along.
Had an interesting experience this morning. Got a late start and took the FG, my heaviest, harshest-riding bike out for a quick spin. Turned out to be one of my fastest solo rides. A helium bike for climbing the hills and getting jump starts is one thing, but easy come, easy go. On the other hand, once you've got a heavy-feeling bike going fast, it's pretty cool being on a kind of speeding tank that will crush anything it encounters as it barrels relentlessly along.
No problem with riding a bike with a bit of mass. But for performance riding trying to keep up with my friends trying to drop me, I wants a light bike.
05-11-16, 05:38 AM
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Pardon my ignorance...but it's been mentioned a few times: What is an "FG" bike?
05-11-16, 05:43 AM
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05-11-16, 05:44 AM
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Maybe you missed other peoples' points. Sure, one can expect to be disappointed using the wrong tool for the job, but maybe some people like the ride of a minivan regardless of how fast or slow they need to go. I've seen plenty of minivans racing down the highway, that's for sure.
Had an interesting experience this morning. Got a late start and took the FG, my heaviest, harshest-riding bike out for a quick spin. Turned out to be one of my fastest solo rides. A helium bike for climbing the hills and getting jump starts is one thing, but easy come, easy go. On the other hand, once you've got a heavy-feeling bike going fast, it's pretty cool being on a kind of speeding tank that will crush anything it encounters as it barrels relentlessly along.
Had an interesting experience this morning. Got a late start and took the FG, my heaviest, harshest-riding bike out for a quick spin. Turned out to be one of my fastest solo rides. A helium bike for climbing the hills and getting jump starts is one thing, but easy come, easy go. On the other hand, once you've got a heavy-feeling bike going fast, it's pretty cool being on a kind of speeding tank that will crush anything it encounters as it barrels relentlessly along.
05-11-16, 06:10 AM
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05-11-16, 06:21 AM
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Or what if it's not a minivan but a Cadillac?
I know the "minivan" comment again took us off track, but the original premise was 2 fairly similar bikes, not a $10K race bike and a $300 Walmart special.
The thing is - I wasn't referring to performance. I was referring to FEEL...of 2 fairly similar bikes. I understand that the BMC is more race-oriented.
But the point was that I like a little heft under me when I'm riding. That's all.
I imagine if I was doing a particularly hilly fast paced 100 mile ride - I'd prefer the BMC by the end of it.
The other factor that plays into my perspective is that in my group rides I've seen a Giant TCR Advanced SL, a Cannondale CAAD 10, a Cannondale Super Six Evo, a Cervelo S series, etc.
So it would seem that some people prefer lighter "race" bikes for our 35 mile jaunts rather than a bike that's 5 lbs heavier. I guess I just don't. At least not yet.
I know the "minivan" comment again took us off track, but the original premise was 2 fairly similar bikes, not a $10K race bike and a $300 Walmart special.
The thing is - I wasn't referring to performance. I was referring to FEEL...of 2 fairly similar bikes. I understand that the BMC is more race-oriented.
But the point was that I like a little heft under me when I'm riding. That's all.
I imagine if I was doing a particularly hilly fast paced 100 mile ride - I'd prefer the BMC by the end of it.
The other factor that plays into my perspective is that in my group rides I've seen a Giant TCR Advanced SL, a Cannondale CAAD 10, a Cannondale Super Six Evo, a Cervelo S series, etc.
So it would seem that some people prefer lighter "race" bikes for our 35 mile jaunts rather than a bike that's 5 lbs heavier. I guess I just don't. At least not yet.
05-11-16, 06:25 AM
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Heh. Really like that one. It was on HBO last night.
Martin Weir: "How did it all slip away?"
Karen Flores: "It didn't slip away, Martin, you did when you went off to **** Nicki at my birthday party."
Martin Weir. "Oh. Right. That was a good party."
Martin Weir: "How did it all slip away?"
Karen Flores: "It didn't slip away, Martin, you did when you went off to **** Nicki at my birthday party."
Martin Weir. "Oh. Right. That was a good party."
05-11-16, 06:52 AM
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The other factor that plays into my perspective is that in my group rides I've seen a Giant TCR Advanced SL, a Cannondale CAAD 10, a Cannondale Super Six Evo, a Cervelo S series, etc.
So it would seem that some people prefer lighter "race" bikes for our 35 mile jaunts rather than a bike that's 5 lbs heavier. I guess I just don't. At least not yet.
So it would seem that some people prefer lighter "race" bikes for our 35 mile jaunts rather than a bike that's 5 lbs heavier. I guess I just don't. At least not yet.
05-11-16, 07:21 AM
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Also, if you are a weight weenie, why in the HELL would you put a saddle bag on your bike?! That's what jersey pockets are for . . . cognitive dissonance anyone?!
05-11-16, 07:23 AM
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This thread reminds me of a similar thing in the backpacking world - there are people who focus on ultralight backpacking. Very similar arguments - carrying heavier gear means you putting more energy to cover the same distance, you're less nimble, etc. And same sort of gear obsessions, just google "titanium spork" for their version of spending 2x to save a couple grams.
But the interesting difference between that crowd and this one is that in the backpacking world, it's pretty well acknowledged that going ultralight (by the standards of those who actually care about it) has obvious trade offs with comfort, durability, and usually cost. And if you've ever been on a multi-day trek, a few ounces of cushion or webbing in the right places can mean the difference between miserable or refreshed each day.
Of course some ultralight bikepacker is going to chime in now about how sleeping in a bivvy sack on a boulder field is like a feather bed, the rest of us just don't know how to appreciate it
But the interesting difference between that crowd and this one is that in the backpacking world, it's pretty well acknowledged that going ultralight (by the standards of those who actually care about it) has obvious trade offs with comfort, durability, and usually cost. And if you've ever been on a multi-day trek, a few ounces of cushion or webbing in the right places can mean the difference between miserable or refreshed each day.
Of course some ultralight bikepacker is going to chime in now about how sleeping in a bivvy sack on a boulder field is like a feather bed, the rest of us just don't know how to appreciate it
05-11-16, 07:55 AM
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Cognitive dissonance? Spare me your amateur psycho jumble.
05-11-16, 08:01 AM
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I was just reading through the thread, it is not directed at anyone in particular. I had my group ride last night and there are many thousands of dollars of high end bikes ridden by very very strong riders. And some of them, as some of you have indicated here, are seemingly obsessed with the weight of their bikes, but then strap on saddle bags and various other superfluous items to the frames. I don't really understand it.
Let me pose it this way: why only carry 1 tire lever but put it in a bag that weighs 10x what a tire lever weighs?
Let me pose it this way: why only carry 1 tire lever but put it in a bag that weighs 10x what a tire lever weighs?
05-11-16, 09:05 AM
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I carry the exact same thing except only 1 tube and 2 levers, and it all fits neatly in a small square old makeup bag I recycled from my GF, which in turn fits neatly in my jersey pocket. If it is a long unsupported ride out of range of an LBS or my GF, I carry 2 tubes AND a backup minipump, and it STILL fits in my jersey pockets, with food! I'm no weight weenie, and my bike is not the lightest thing around, and neither am I. I'm just sayin, if you are sweating the grams, why a saddle bag?!
05-11-16, 09:45 AM
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I own four bikes that range from ~17lbs to 24lbs. Except when I'm climbing the most ridiculously pitchy ascents, I cannot tell what any of those bikes weigh while riding them.
When I get home and have to lift them up to hang on the wall, sure, then I always prefer the lightest bike!
But for 99% of the riding I do, once I throw a leg over and start pedaling I can't feel those small weight differences, especially if I've got two full water bottles in the cages.
When I get home and have to lift them up to hang on the wall, sure, then I always prefer the lightest bike!
But for 99% of the riding I do, once I throw a leg over and start pedaling I can't feel those small weight differences, especially if I've got two full water bottles in the cages.
05-11-16, 10:13 AM
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When I go on my usual group ride, I carry a cell phone, small waterproof wallet, house keys, car keys, extra food, spare tire, 2 tubes, a patch kit, a boot kit, a multitool, and no tire levers (screw them. If they have stupid rims/tires that need levers they should have their own). I probably also have a jacket, vest, arm warmers, leg warmers, and a spare pair of gloves. Most of that goes in a saddle bag, duh.
That said, I much prefer a lighter bike if it's as comfy as a heavier bike. I don't care for a very light bike that beats up my hands and butt.
That said, I much prefer a lighter bike if it's as comfy as a heavier bike. I don't care for a very light bike that beats up my hands and butt.
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05-11-16, 10:28 AM
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When I go on my usual group ride, I carry a cell phone, small waterproof wallet, house keys, car keys, extra food, spare tire, 2 tubes, a patch kit, a boot kit, a multitool, and no tire levers (screw them. If they have stupid rims/tires that need levers they should have their own). I probably also have a jacket, vest, arm warmers, leg warmers, and a spare pair of gloves. Most of that goes in a saddle bag, duh.
05-11-16, 12:35 PM
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Or what if it's not a minivan but a Cadillac?
I know the "minivan" comment again took us off track, but the original premise was 2 fairly similar bikes, not a $10K race bike and a $300 Walmart special.
The thing is - I wasn't referring to performance. I was referring to FEEL...of 2 fairly similar bikes. I understand that the BMC is more race-oriented.
But the point was that I like a little heft under me when I'm riding. That's all.
I imagine if I was doing a particularly hilly fast paced 100 mile ride - I'd prefer the BMC by the end of it.
The other factor that plays into my perspective is that in my group rides I've seen a Giant TCR Advanced SL, a Cannondale CAAD 10, a Cannondale Super Six Evo, a Cervelo S series, etc.
So it would seem that some people prefer lighter "race" bikes for our 35 mile jaunts rather than a bike that's 5 lbs heavier. I guess I just don't. At least not yet.
I know the "minivan" comment again took us off track, but the original premise was 2 fairly similar bikes, not a $10K race bike and a $300 Walmart special.
The thing is - I wasn't referring to performance. I was referring to FEEL...of 2 fairly similar bikes. I understand that the BMC is more race-oriented.
But the point was that I like a little heft under me when I'm riding. That's all.
I imagine if I was doing a particularly hilly fast paced 100 mile ride - I'd prefer the BMC by the end of it.
The other factor that plays into my perspective is that in my group rides I've seen a Giant TCR Advanced SL, a Cannondale CAAD 10, a Cannondale Super Six Evo, a Cervelo S series, etc.
So it would seem that some people prefer lighter "race" bikes for our 35 mile jaunts rather than a bike that's 5 lbs heavier. I guess I just don't. At least not yet.
i haven't taken my TMR02 on hilly climbs just yet, but last time i took my Scott Addict R1 when she's 14# or so, going up a 18-20% grade hill was not fun. at one point i wish i had a heavier bike.. which was when i popped a wheelie while riding uphill on a misty day and laying on my back looking up in the sky. hopefully this weekend i'll have time to take her out for some climb.
05-11-16, 01:45 PM
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where do you put your spare fork, stems of various lengths, and replacement derailleurs and cables? I know it's easy enough to carry the unlaced spare rim over your shoulders, same with the extra set of trekking bars, but while we're on it, I've never found a saddle bag that fits my spare saddle.
You could easily carry your spare saddle in a Carradice. You just haven't looked around is all. I was on a ride with a fellow who broke his saddle rails. He tried to continue standing, but got too tired and had to bag it and wait for someone to some get him. I've also broken a stem in the middle of a ride. However I've never carried a spare saddle or stem. That's a little too much. The weight of the rest of my stuff is negligible. 5 seconds/1000' of climbing maybe? Hard to say - it seems to be too small an amount of weight change for the bike calculators to pick it up.
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