upgrading a Klein Stage Comp

In article
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ackfugue said:

My one and only road bike is a Klein "Stage Comp" I'm looking for a
way to get the weight down on it. Actually, it rings in at 20lbs,
which to me, isn't bad, but I'd like to find away to get the weight
down as much as possible.
The bicycle originally came with a quill stem, and the bike is all
gradient aluminum along with the forks. However, would it be possible
to change to a threadless headset with carbon stem and carbon forks? I
wonder how much this will set me back. Also, I was thinking of
upgrading to a carbon crankset and get a carbon seat post.
When I add up all these factors, I wonder if it would be just as well
to buy an entirely new bicycle that already contains all these
components and weighs much less than my Klein.
I do love this bike, but I'd also like to think that the addition of
some carbon will make it more comfortable to ride. It seems to handle
very well, though.

After the frame, the most weigh savings are to be had in
the wheels. After that the best way to get a lighter bike
is to design one from the ground up. For reliable
component weights see

<http://weightweenies.starbike.com/>

--
Michael Press

ackfugue said:

My one and only road bike is a Klein "Stage Comp" I'm looking for a
way to get the weight down on it. Actually, it rings in at 20lbs,
which to me, isn't bad, but I'd like to find away to get the weight
down as much as possible.
The bicycle originally came with a quill stem, and the bike is all
gradient aluminum along with the forks. However, would it be possible
to change to a threadless headset with carbon stem and carbon forks? I
wonder how much this will set me back. Also, I was thinking of
upgrading to a carbon crankset and get a carbon seat post.
When I add up all these factors, I wonder if it would be just as well
to buy an entirely new bicycle that already contains all these
components and weighs much less than my Klein.
I do love this bike, but I'd also like to think that the addition of
some carbon will make it more comfortable to ride. It seems to handle
very well, though.

It is possible to convert to a threadless headset and fork, stem and bars.

You can also add any other bits that you fancy.

It is arguable whether these are improvements, but certain that some amount of
weight can be saved.

If the Klein is 20 pounds then nothing "weighs much less." Not for less than
$4000 anyway. But cash and selective part replacement can save some weight.
These guys have the weights of various components for your shopping convenience.
http://weightweenies.starbike.com/listings.php

Ron

ackfugue said:

My one and only road bike is a Klein "Stage Comp" I'm looking for a
way to get the weight down on it. Actually, it rings in at 20lbs,
which to me, isn't bad, but I'd like to find away to get the weight
down as much as possible.

If you need to lighten your wallet, email me directly and save the
hassle of having to work on the bike. :-D Otherwise, get a threaded
carbon fork, and some faster tires, and get on with life.

ackfugue said:

My one and only road bike is a Klein "Stage Comp" I'm looking for a
way to get the weight down on it. Actually, it rings in at 20lbs,
which to me, isn't bad, but I'd like to find away to get the weight
down as much as possible.

It's a good frame, and ~ 20lbs isn't bad for a bike that has good
reliable components. I wouldn't advise going crazy with carbon. You
could save some weight with a carbon fork, but I'd stick with aluminum
for the post, stem, and bars... and they won't be any heavier.

Weightweenies forum is the place to learn about individual parts...
especially if you are really concerned about weight and don't care what
it costs.

My Stage Comp had a factory carbon fork painted to match the frame. Are
you sure yours is aluminum?

ackfugue said:

My one and only road bike is a Klein "Stage Comp" I'm looking for a
way to get the weight down on it. Actually, it rings in at 20lbs,
which to me, isn't bad, but I'd like to find away to get the weight
down as much as possible.
The bicycle originally came with a quill stem, and the bike is all
gradient aluminum along with the forks. However, would it be possible
to change to a threadless headset with carbon stem and carbon forks? I
wonder how much this will set me back. Also, I was thinking of
upgrading to a carbon crankset and get a carbon seat post.
When I add up all these factors, I wonder if it would be just as well
to buy an entirely new bicycle that already contains all these
components and weighs much less than my Klein.
I do love this bike, but I'd also like to think that the addition of
some carbon will make it more comfortable to ride. It seems to handle
very well, though.