Originally Posted by
bblair
While I wouldn't want a heavy ride made out of plumbing pipes, I have seen more than one big, heavy, strong guy mangle super light wheels and break rear dropouts. Might be less expensive, more predictable and faster to take a few pounds off the rider instead. 3 pounds off your bike might cost $5000, giving up a little pizza actually saves you money.
You are so right. Until You lose that extra 20 lbs., spending a lot of money on fragile, light weight stuff is not only a waste of money but could be dangerous. Many light weight items come with a weight limit. It's there for a reason. The same reasoning applies to aero shaped carbon bike frames; unless you have the physique of a pro racer, the aero effect of your bike frame and wheels is completely insignificant compared with your own bulk. There lies one of the great reasons to have a good steel bike that will last forever rather than this year's fad mass produced carbon stuff.