whitemax

So just how does a much lighter bike feel on the road? Mine weighs in at just under 18 lbs. What would I really notice by dropping down to say 15 1/2 lbs. Is is really worth it or is it just something we roadies become obsessed with. Just wondering, there is so much talk about losing bike weight.

substructure

I think to a person who is at an ideal racing weight it would feel pretty significant. For me; I need to lose 10-15 pounds of congealed belly fat before I even think about changing out bottle cages.

EURO

I jumped from 6 months on my 12 kilo winter beater to my brand new 8 kilo race bike and it felt like a world of difference.

Whitemax - I'd certainly notice a drop from 18-15.5, but I weight 147lbs, so the proportional difference of total weight is greater.

webist

I'm certainly not obsessed with the weight of my bike and equipment. I agree with substructure that there is much more potential for weight loss by the operator of my bike.

In a way, I think that a bit of extra weight, rolling resistance or other stressful impediments like wind actually adds to the effectiveness of trimming wieght from the "motor."

55/Rad

Going from 18 to 15.5 can feel semi-substantlal, particularly if the loss is in the area of rotational weight - wheels, tires, cranks, pedals etc. The biggest gain is in pure acceleration, particulary from a stop or a very low speed.

That said, it won't necessarily make you "faster" overall. I'd rather be cruising on an 18 pounder at 20-25 mph than on a 15. I'd also prefer the heavier bike on descents. But I'd rather have the 15 on a hillclimb, starting from a light or coming out of a turn.

The key is to finding a good balance. 18 is not heavy by any means and for me, is in the range being ideal.

55/Rad

johnny99

Losing 3 pounds off your bike might save you 1 second in a sprint. On a long mountain climb (maybe 5000 vertical feet), 3 pounds might save you 1 minute. To recreational riders, these numbers are insignificant. To a pro racer, they could be the difference between first place and middle-of-the-pack.

2Rodies

What Rad said. I just dropped 14oz off my race wheel tire combo and yes I can really tell the difference. Bottom line is to lose 3+ lbs off your bike isn't going to be cheap, upwards of $1k for the same money you could probably hire a coach for most of 1 year and that will make you a much faster rider.

whitemax

You got that right. My IF ti frame weighs 3 1/2 pounds and I use Kysyrium wheels and Zero Gravity brakes and Im still only down to just under 18 pounds. The rest is Dura Ace with Easton EC90 seatpost. Losing more will be expensive for sure.

whitemax

That makes sense to me. So, could it be said that a heavier bike will help one keep up speed once it is attained? I don't do crits so gettyupandgo is less important to me. I do climb quite a bit which is a concern. Thanks

scarpi41

Im fond of this post. I agree about a happy medium. When I was in vermont on a tour, there was some heavy hill climbing when we were forced to take our penniers and all the stuff we were carrying on our bike, a good 20-30 pounds we were acustomed to. It was wierd, but a good wierd, especially when were doin 10%-12% climbing. But, I have to say, it was hell the next day when we put it all back on.