Bike Weights

The only time that weight is truly critical is to serious racers. I read somewhere that with a 7% grade climbed continuously, each lb would add about 3 seconds per minute with the same person pushing the pedals, and that isn't restricted to bicycle weight but rider weight as well. I know the feeling of wanting a really light and fast bike, and if you have the means, go for it. I had to settle on a hybrid, but I did get a higher performance one so that I won't outgrow it too quickly.

If you are new to cycling, chances are you have some weight to lose. Work on achievng better fitness before you invest relatively large amounts of $$ in your bicycle equipment (unless you have lots of money burning a hole in your pocket, then by all means get the latest, greatest and lightest!).

Boyzie said:

Hello, I Am New To The Sport Of Cycling And New To Posting So Please Be Patient. Can You Advise Why Weight Of Road/racing Bikes Is So Critical To Performance, It Seems The Lighter The Bike The More Expensive It Is. Losing A Few Lbs/kgs Off The Body Would Be Cheaper .

As well as weight there's also frame rigidity which improves with the more expensive bikes too. When I went from an entry level frame (giant ocr type) to a carbon frame (scott cr1pro) there was definitely a small perceptible difference in climbing ability .. though it's definitely not proportional to cost!

I'm pretty sure rider power:weigth ratio remains by far the most important factor. Look at the weight saving on a bike compared to weight of rider+bike..