What's with the Weight Weenies?
#1
What's with the Weight Weenies?
Remember when a bike that was less than 20 lbs was great? These days that's easy to get at $2k. Now less than 15 lbs is the new goal it seems, but you have to spend exponentially more to save more weight. Have you noticed these people could save money and more weight by loosing it from their body? From what I see on the road these weight weenies are ridiculous. Anyone else noticing this fad going to a new level? 
P.S. Remember that with motor sports they mostly upgrade for engine power instead of weight savings. We can upgrade engine power by spending time on our bikes (and not money).

P.S. Remember that with motor sports they mostly upgrade for engine power instead of weight savings. We can upgrade engine power by spending time on our bikes (and not money).
#5
Senior Member




Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 10,335
Likes: 9,923
From: Utah
Bikes: Paletti,Pinarello Monviso,Duell Vienna,Giordana XL Super,Lemond Maillot Juane.& custom,PDG Paramount,Fuji Opus III,Davidson Impulse,Pashley Guv'nor,Evans,Fishlips,Y-Foil,Softride, Tetra Pro, CAAD8 Optimo,
Remember when a bike that was less than 20 lbs was great? These days that's easy to get at $2k. Now less than 15 lbs is the new goal it seems, but you have to spend exponentially more to save more weight. Have you noticed these people could save money and more weight by loosing it from their body? From what I see on the road these weight weenies are ridiculous. Anyone else noticing this fad going to a new level? 
P.S. Remember that with motor sports they mostly upgrade for engine power instead of weight savings. We can upgrade engine power by spending time on our bikes (and not money).

P.S. Remember that with motor sports they mostly upgrade for engine power instead of weight savings. We can upgrade engine power by spending time on our bikes (and not money).
__________________
Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
#6
Anyway, most bikers with nice bikes here look pretty fit and lean. Makes perfect sense to upgrade the bike, plus for some it adds extra incentive to go out and train even harder.
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,257
Likes: 5
From: A Coffin Called Earth. or Toronto, ON
Bikes: Bianchi, Miyata, Dahon, Rossin
it's a hobby.
some hobbies are costly.
motor sports being one of them.
some hobbies are costly.
motor sports being one of them.
__________________
Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Newport News, VA
Bikes: 2007 Giant OCR C3, 1991 Specialized Sirrus Triple & 2002 Diamondback Response
Personally I have more weight to lose before the bike needs it...
...but for those lucky people at 6% or less body fat losing weight on the bike makes sense.
I don't begrudge those lucky people that can use that advantage...I'm a little jealous...okay a lot jealous, but if they need and/or can use the advantage go for it.
For me, I need to still work on the engine before I put the bike on a weight loss program.
...but for those lucky people at 6% or less body fat losing weight on the bike makes sense.
For me, I need to still work on the engine before I put the bike on a weight loss program.
#10
Are you serious? Most motorsports have engine limitations, such as a certain diameter of opening for air intake that they must use. Weight is a huge factor. Maybe nascar doesn't care, I dont know. Hopefully that isnt what you're talking about.
Anyway, most bikers with nice bikes here look pretty fit and lean. Makes perfect sense to upgrade the bike, plus for some it adds extra incentive to go out and train even harder.
Anyway, most bikers with nice bikes here look pretty fit and lean. Makes perfect sense to upgrade the bike, plus for some it adds extra incentive to go out and train even harder.
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Sucking wind in the Bluegrass countryside
Bikes: 2010 Trek 2.3
#13
Full Member

Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 385
Likes: 6
From: CT
Bikes: Lots
When I used to teach autocrossing many newbies would ask quesions about which modifications they should make or what tires to buy. Seldom did they ask about precision driving classes or car control classes. I usually answered "work on the driver first". I guess it's the same thing with bikes.
#15
Senior Member




Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 10,335
Likes: 9,923
From: Utah
Bikes: Paletti,Pinarello Monviso,Duell Vienna,Giordana XL Super,Lemond Maillot Juane.& custom,PDG Paramount,Fuji Opus III,Davidson Impulse,Pashley Guv'nor,Evans,Fishlips,Y-Foil,Softride, Tetra Pro, CAAD8 Optimo,
And I say you are misguided. Plenty of super-light low horsepower cars that can really move. Come on, free up your mind and accept that the truth is no where near as simple as you are trying to make it.
__________________
Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
#16
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 0
From: Northeast TN
^^^ the above it right. its really about power to weight ratio
i weigh 120lb on a good day so yeah to me it is worth it to save weight on my bike. not only does it give me slight performance increases but also it gives me a lot of enjoyment to build up my bikes and make them lighter. i do work on my "engine" too though as i ride almost everyday
i weigh 120lb on a good day so yeah to me it is worth it to save weight on my bike. not only does it give me slight performance increases but also it gives me a lot of enjoyment to build up my bikes and make them lighter. i do work on my "engine" too though as i ride almost everyday
Last edited by M_FactorX19; 03-16-11 at 07:47 PM.
#17
__________________
It may not be fancy but it gets me were I need to go.
https://www.jtgraphics.net/cyclist_bicycles.htm
It may not be fancy but it gets me were I need to go.
https://www.jtgraphics.net/cyclist_bicycles.htm
#18
Got Hills, I do!
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 765
Likes: 9
From: Northern Michigan
Bikes: Trek Domane SLR 9.9 - Trek Supercaliber 9.9.
I think the OP is jealous as most people who complain about WW are. Yes it does cost some money (a lot in some cases) but some people have that money.
I am 42 I own my own business and yes I ride a $12,000 11 pound bike. Does that make me wrong well that is a matter of opinion. I can afford it so what is the problem. As a matter of fact I can ride as well. I am 5' 10' 145 pounds I have done a sub 4 hour century and I love to ride. does a ww bike make me faster well maybe a very very little on the climbs but that is not why I do it. I do it because I enjoy it, so get over it and go ride your 20 lbs bike and be happy with it. Quit complaining about what others like and do what you like. If we were all the same than this would be one boring world.
Just my opinion!!
I am 42 I own my own business and yes I ride a $12,000 11 pound bike. Does that make me wrong well that is a matter of opinion. I can afford it so what is the problem. As a matter of fact I can ride as well. I am 5' 10' 145 pounds I have done a sub 4 hour century and I love to ride. does a ww bike make me faster well maybe a very very little on the climbs but that is not why I do it. I do it because I enjoy it, so get over it and go ride your 20 lbs bike and be happy with it. Quit complaining about what others like and do what you like. If we were all the same than this would be one boring world.
Just my opinion!!
#19
I think the OP is jealous as most people who complain about WW are. Yes it does cost some money (a lot in some cases) but some people have that money.
I am 42 I own my own business and yes I ride a $12,000 11 pound bike. Does that make me wrong well that is a matter of opinion. I can afford it so what is the problem. As a matter of fact I can ride as well. I am 5' 10' 145 pounds I have done a sub 4 hour century and I love to ride. does a ww bike make me faster well maybe a very very little on the climbs but that is not why I do it. I do it because I enjoy it, so get over it and go ride your 20 lbs bike and be happy with it. Quit complaining about what others like and do what you like. If we were all the same than this would be one boring world.
Just my opinion!!
I am 42 I own my own business and yes I ride a $12,000 11 pound bike. Does that make me wrong well that is a matter of opinion. I can afford it so what is the problem. As a matter of fact I can ride as well. I am 5' 10' 145 pounds I have done a sub 4 hour century and I love to ride. does a ww bike make me faster well maybe a very very little on the climbs but that is not why I do it. I do it because I enjoy it, so get over it and go ride your 20 lbs bike and be happy with it. Quit complaining about what others like and do what you like. If we were all the same than this would be one boring world.
Just my opinion!!
Upgrade your headset for nicer bearings.
Upgrade your drivetrain for smoother shifting, not because it's cooler and carbon
Upgrade your 'cockpit parts' (stems, handlebars, seatposts, etc.) for what fits you. Stem length, handlebar shape and width.
Upgrade your saddle because it's more comfy in the personal spots.
Upgrade your wheels because they roll faster through rim weight (where weight DOES matter the most), enclosed bearings, and aerodynamics.
It gets to a point when you're only being excessive and the sport is just a hobby of having the lightest bike.
#21
who gives a s**t. backed up by their legs or not, how people spend their money is none of my business. they can have a $15,000, 10 pound bike but slow as hell. just shut up and ride. just pedal faster on your 20 pounder.
#22
People have different values than you - so what? Does it negatively impact your life in some way? No, I'd wager.
BTW, I'm not a two-star chef, but I have Japanese carbon steel knives and a nice collection of cookware - is that okay?
BTW, I'm not a two-star chef, but I have Japanese carbon steel knives and a nice collection of cookware - is that okay?





