Originally Posted by
Hida Yanra
QFT- this was a big one when I was a multi-sport kid, thought I was pretty darn lean... numbers don't lie, and the majority of the weight-centric industry has grasped that it is easier to help people feel better about themselves than it is to help them fix the real problems.
dexa is also illuminating as it shows you were the fatty tissue resides.
Originally Posted by
Hida Yanra
I've heard of Recon cassettes shearing- but those were older ones, and used in an MTB context (yeah, don't do that)
I'd certainly use them myself without worry, but I think that my level of caring about this stuff is lower than yours.
Yes, the weight differences are NUTS- the first time I picked up a Recon cassette was a similar "WTH" sensation like the first time I picked up an 808 rim... doesn't seem like it should be possible.
Risk thresholds vary- I use Ultegra or Chorus everywhere, recently sold off my last carbon wheels, and alloy tubulars + Ultegra makes this stuff superfluous on my bikes. Mine won't break, but race bikes also weigh 16-17 lbs.
it only needs to last 6 miles.
seriously, though, if i get one it would only ever be used for a few timed hill climbs.
Originally Posted by
Hida Yanra
I'd say get on the narrow/wide bandwagon and do some testing. See if you can drop a chain, I didn't believe in Di2 when it first came out until a bike company that sponsors my team and is our main brand at the shop handed me a long-term loaner bike and said, "go ahead, try to make it mess up." I couldn't make it drop a chain, even when I legit tried- testing makes a believer out of me, and the narrow-wide stuff is similar for me.
Not having access to a clutch-style RD on the Di2 setup makes it a bit trickier- but I think it'd work for you pretty darn well. YMMV.
I'm just back from Bend, spent some time with a friend/ex-coworker who moved there a month or two ago. He's gone narrow-wide, scraped together all the parts, nothing fancy pretty well only the chainring and not a clutch style RD or anything else, using a XT double crankset (so not perfect chainline).... he hasn't dropped a chain yet, and he's a fast "DH-get-rowdy" kid.
had a similar experience when i got on di2 in late 2010.
only question is i may have a few shifts under load, but all other parts, chain, etc. will be clean. could shear off a tooth, i guess, but it's not like the whole cassette would fail.
Originally Posted by
Hida Yanra
Aerolites- worth looking into. Mercury/TriRig has gotten rights to use the patent (or something of the sort, it's legal at least), and they are claiming 35g per side, and they work with standard cleat mounting standards. Read the reviews, its frankly right up your alley on a project like this.
hadn't considered them as there was much unfavorable about them a year or so ago. maybe i'll look, but i'd prefer not to modify things that could affect my pedal stroke.
Originally Posted by
Hida Yanra
How about cables- are you using standard cables and housing? There are lighter weight options, some work better than others, but it'll free up a few grams.
nokon brake housing (which is lighter than other stuff--nokon shift housing is generally heavier, thought!), and otherwise di2. also, i'm only going to use a front brake.
Originally Posted by
Hida Yanra
Tyres- I assume you are running those fancy-euro-pro contis?
actually some tubular cronos.
Originally Posted by
Hida Yanra
Bar tape- given you are going with a bullhorn setup (nice thinking, I was going to suggest this after thinking about the theme- it's pretty standard for British hill-climb bikes), what tape are you using, and what weight are you at?
For a bullhorn setup, you shouldn't need to wrap the center section of the bars- and since it is a short event, have you considered skateboard deck tape or similar? Weighs just about nothing.
no tape. i do use grip tape on my TT bike, and may put a few cms of it for this case.
Originally Posted by
Hida Yanra
To save the grams from the mounting hardware, just put the head unit in your jersey pocket/leg band?
good point. garmin doesn't tend to record when in my jersey pocket. might mount it under the saddle.
Originally Posted by
Hida Yanra
how esoteric do you want to get?
you name a road and i've probably already gone down it. open to suggestions.
i've considered tires, built up light wheels, skewers, top cap, seat post collar, post, cassette, removal of FD, 1 brake, different bars, stem, using my lightest frame...and a few things i've ruled out.
Originally Posted by
save10
you could
-remove bar tape and just go with a few pieces of electrical tape to hold any wiring in place
-lighter cages (i'm sure you though of that)
-consider taking the cover off your saddle (or an old one). I know some guys that took the cover off their old SLRs and then drilled the body for more weight savings. the cover doesnt really effect comfort and wont be a factor over a shorter race. i have this chinese carbon thing on my bike and its fine.
Hylix Road Bike Carbon Saddle Seat Fit MTB Riding Ergonomics 91g Touple SL | eBay
-are you running clinchers? veloplugs are reported to be lighter than rim tape. I have them on one of oldest clincher sets....works fine
-i think some water bottles are lighter than others...you should look in to that
-finally my oakley half jackets are boat anchors compared to my smith pivlocks or no sunglasses at all
thanks! definitely no sunglasses, even though they're light. not taking any bottles or cages. don't need it for 30'. last year i took a hammer gel flask with some sips of water, but that is more comfort.
saddle cover is interesting, though my saddle happens to be a very light one with minimal cover/padding (it's what i happen to use regardless of weight). it's like 110g or something ridiculous--but the main point for me is comfort.
i appreciate the ideas.