staplemachine

Im not fat but could probobly lose 5 - 10 lbs of body fat if I had to.It would cost less than getting a lighter bike.
My question is does rider wieght vs bicycle weight make a difference in effeciency or would I even notice the improvement over the period in which I dropped the weight vs the instant drop of weight in a new bicycle?
Thanks
Rob

vpiuva

You'll probably lose some rotational weight if you drop 5# off the bike, so there is some added benefit there, but conversely losing 5# off of you will probably make you more fit. I'd go for taking it off you.

Snicklefritz

+1 to the above. You will probably improve the engine significantly by trying to shed 5 lbs from it.

staplemachine

So l should get down to ideal wieght before worrying about trading in the 1000 for the madone

FlashBazbo

Losing rider weight is better -- up to the point where it starts impairing performance. Once that happens, you would have been better off a little chunky. (I have seen it happen. It's not pretty. And it messes with the person's mind.)

Of course, what's best? Losing both.

Bohh

Granted, much more than 5 pounds, but I've lost 30 pounds. At any rate I've been using the same bike the whole time and I can ride faster and longer than I could have when I started. I vote for 5-10lbs off of you.

-Mike

patentcad

You should do both.

You have your assignment. Now get to work.

ri_us

It's not total weight (you+bike) that counts. The weights of the parts that move is more important than those that don't. Also, it depends on the course. I'm a little old, a little fat and I have decent handling skills. I can sprint competitively - downhill.

benbaconlewis

Reminds me of a mate's comment. He worked in a bike shop and saw guys who weren't the slimmest dropping big bucks for a new stem to save a few ounces. He thought about telling them to save their money by just having a dump before their ride, but kept his mouth shut.

spdrcr5

The more weight you lose the better you'll feel riding as the easier the riding will become. So far I've lost 21#'s since February and have another 15-20 that I want/need to drop. There isn't anything that I could have done to lighten up the bike that would have given me such an improvement in hill climbing. Even if I dropped 3-4lbs from the bike weight dropping body weight would still be better, it's less mass you're carry.

Get the engine into the best shape and the lightest you can before tackling the machine.

staplemachine

good for you losing the weight.
Nothing beats doing something you like and getting health benifits as a bi product
there is no way I could be as in shape on a treadmill ect
too @#%#*&# boring

kiteboarder

Yeah! This is absolutely true! It's like a girl who spends thousands of dollars on clothes, makeup, jewelry and beauty salon, when all she needs to do is some exercise!

Phantoj

I generally defecate before a big ride. Can I have nice stuff now?

zacster

5 pounds of body weight you won't notice, 5 pounds of bike you will.

You will notice 30 pounds of body weight, and you'll be getting more fit in the process probably.

I've lost 5-10 pounds over the last month and I feel better, but I only ride faster because I'm out there riding more. My bike is already a lightweight at around 17lbs, I doubt I would feel anything different if it were 16 pounds. The water bottles weigh more than the pound anyway when they're full.

bitterken

Lose the fat, then reward yourself with a lighter bike with bling wheels. Done.

bpohl

+1 to that. I was 152 lbs. at my absolute lowest. I lost weight rather quickly, and I can say that I never felt right when I was that light. Maybe it's just my body type, but 152 was way too skinny for me.

Psimet2001 

+1 - Lose the weight....

....then the week of your event drop the dough....

BlastRadius

Lose body weight. Then you're cardiovascular system won't have to supply blood and oxygen to body mass that won't help your performance.

within

My riding weight was the same when I switched from a 19-20lbs (Specialized Allez Elite) to a 15lbs (Scott CR1 SL). It was easy to notice a difference in accelerations and steeper climbs, however, I can't be sure how much is directly attributed to weight as fit, geometry, stiffness, are not the same.

As long as you maintain power, weight loss is always ideal and always cheaper. Good luck!

SDRider

I was wondering how long before someone posted this.

At least your friend was smart enough to keep his mouth shut.

merlinextraligh

"Lose the weight", "Take a dump" make zero sense as answers to the question of whether you should get a lighter bike.

They are simply not competitive, Losing weight, and getting a lighter bike are not mutually exclusive.

Apparently some of you find it difficult to comprehend (based on the 597 threads on this subject) it is possible to lose weight, take a dump, and get a lighter bike.

JPradun

Lose the 10lbs and reward yourself with a new bike.

webist

If done by purchasing less food and drink and increased exercise, losing personal weight should be more economical that purchasing machinery upgrades.