IcySmooth52

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).

NathanC

Facepalm.

caloso

Some people have more disposeable income than time to train.

ancker

I don't understand something. Therefore it is dumb.

jamesdak 

Your kidding right? As long as there have been motors there have been folks dropping them into lighter weight bodies not to mention all the factory built "hot rods".

jmX

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.

AEO

it's a hobby.

some hobbies are costly.
motor sports being one of them.

OldPilot

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.

Smallguy

Also some people just like nice things


a 5 dollar watch tells time but people still like Swiss watches

IcySmooth52

I said MOSTLY upgrade engine power. I know they try to cut weight as well, but the engine power is a priority. That is the point I'm trying to make. Power is priority, not weight.

ChucklesKY

I'm confused. . . .

ChucklesKY

It's an obsessive hobby. Nothing logical about it. . .completely. This is coming from me, a guy who owns an aluminum frame bike with 105 components. But someday I hope to have a bike that weighs 13.7lbs.! One can dream. . .

ct-vt-trekker

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.

azshtr

They are helping the economy... now go find a few grams to loose.

jamesdak 

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.

M_FactorX19

^^^ 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

JTGraphics

I'd say on top of this comes traction with out hooking up to the ground all the HP does you no good at all if you can't get it to the ground.

"Fred"

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!!

IcySmooth52

I ride a whole carbon bike of a decent weight (just under 18 lbs) and don't think upgrading parts is bad, just what people upgrade them for is wrong. I think BB30 is great, it stiffens your drivetrain. People want it because it's lighter. I miss the stems with only two screws because they distribute the pressure evenly, unlike the four screw stems everywhere.

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.

Santaria

Why does everybody keep buying Porsches when OBVSLY my Volkswagen is tits. Jeez

kwakster928

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.

WhyFi

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?

kleinboogie

It's people like us that make it possible for people like you to buy used stuff on Ebay. Well us and wrenches selling their employee discount stuff. GL

bike_boy

Is OP saying WW = OCD ?

WhyFi

I think that the OP is shaking his fist and telling people to get off his lawn.