Difference between 20 and 16.5 pounds
06-25-10 | 07:45 PM
#77
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Hopkinton, Ma
Bikes: 2005 Trek 1000
The difference between a 20lb bike and a 16lb bike is much more than weight. Everything on the lighter and more expensive bike is designed for better performance. Is it necessary? No. Is it nice? Yes. More reliable and responsive equipment certainly helps, perhaps more so with confidence than even in actual race day applications. That's just on the flats though. I lamented riding a rear 404 last week on a mountain climb due to a flat. That was only 5 ounces heavier than the wheel I wanted to ride.
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06-25-10 | 09:21 PM
#80
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT
06-25-10 | 09:24 PM
#81
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
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FWIW, a 0.5 MPH change in average speed is a pretty significant difference to me, on any ride with hills. Going from say, 16.5 to 17.0 on average means I was either flying up the hills or was 'hammering' (by my lowly standards) the flats the whole time.
06-25-10 | 11:06 PM
#82
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I recently purchased a Trek 1.2 bike and it's spec'd at 20lbs I believe. I see bikes that are double in price and they can be down to 16.5 lbs.
How much difference does that make on a ride? If you've make a similar jump of dropping 3-4lbs of bike weight did it make a huge difference increasing you average speeds?
Thanks
OB
How much difference does that make on a ride? If you've make a similar jump of dropping 3-4lbs of bike weight did it make a huge difference increasing you average speeds?
Thanks
OB
06-26-10 | 02:42 AM
#84
Peloton Shelter Dog
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Chester, NY
Bikes: 2017 Scott Foil, 2016 Scott Addict SL, 2018 Santa Cruz Blur CC MTB
06-28-10 | 11:36 PM
#85
Here to Learn
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: SoCal, USA
Bikes: 2008 Specialized S-works Tarmac SL & Specialized Hybrid
It is the relative technological gains as overall bike weight plummets that yields both real and perceived differences. With respect to comparing a 22 pound bike with a 15 pound bike, the meaningful differences are not so much related to weight savings as to the efficiencies resulting from the technological advantages and efficiencies inherent with successively lighter bikes. These efficiencies make a real difference in energy expenditure and endurance particularly with respect to climbs, which is why although speed gains are minimal, performance gains are often meaningful. The accompanying perceived gains of such technology, while perhaps not strictly quantifiable on a case-by-case basis, likely result in varying degrees of improvement in attitude and confidence.
However, if it was simply a matter of weight reduction, we could build a bike frame of any number of materials that would yield a 9 pound bike but it likely wouldn't remotely perform as well as one of the current crop of high tech 12 pound super bikes. So, nope, these gains are not solely due to weight loss ... unless you are talking about the rider.
06-28-10 | 11:58 PM
#86
Has coddling tendencies.
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,360
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From: Topanga Canyon
Bikes: 2008 Blue RC8 w/ '09 Rival
I've found the weight of a bike to be a very small difference, but the stiffness of a bike to be a HUGE difference, especially on climbs out of the saddle. An aluminum bike has a lot of flex (for example) but ride one of the top carbon fiber bikes and it'll literally leap forward on every pedal stroke - zero wasted watts.
06-29-10 | 08:40 AM
#87
Senior Member
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From: Australia
Bikes: I hate bikes.
Please. Under no circumstance will there ever be zero wasted watts. There are so many factors that add up to wasted energy. Body position (fit) and pedal stroke being two. A serious road cyclist can take years to develop an efficient pedal stroke. A "top carbon fiber" bike isn't going to magically cure the shoulder heaving Fred out there pedaling squares.
06-29-10 | 08:56 AM
#88
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Redlands, CA
I used to have a 19.5 lb bike and a now I have a 16 lb bike. I'm about 2 mph faster on it than my old bike.
Never mind the 20 lb weight loss and the fact I've doubled my mileage; its either the bike or the LIVESTRONG jersey!
Never mind the 20 lb weight loss and the fact I've doubled my mileage; its either the bike or the LIVESTRONG jersey!
07-01-10 | 11:47 PM
#90
Has coddling tendencies.
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,360
Likes: 59
From: Topanga Canyon
Bikes: 2008 Blue RC8 w/ '09 Rival
Every single joint in your leg, connection to you bike (shoes, pedals, hands, seat), and many parts of the bike (chain, cranks, pedals and pedal axles, bearings, wheel stiffness, frame stiffness, frame geometry, chainrings, cassettes, hubs and associated mechanisms, you name it) can each represent potentially wasted wattage.
Seriously, looking at that list, it's remarkable how people question why a more expensive bike can help you go faster given that the materials and construction of each component were designed to lessen as much forward resistance as possible.
07-02-10 | 01:01 AM
#92
It's ALL base...
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 6,716
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From: Los Angeles
Always!
But tell me this isn't true about some of the things people say in these discussions:
"When you believe in things
That you don't understand,
Then you suffer,
Superstition aint the way."
Besides, it's my favorite song of all time, and the Sesame St. reference is just too apropros for BF, n'cest pas?
and
But tell me this isn't true about some of the things people say in these discussions:
"When you believe in things
That you don't understand,
Then you suffer,
Superstition aint the way."
Besides, it's my favorite song of all time, and the Sesame St. reference is just too apropros for BF, n'cest pas?
and
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