Originally Posted by
Piff
Also, there's no need to apologize for steel frames and rim brakes. They worked for over 100 hundred years, they'll continue to. Especially rim brakes. Pros only went to disc because their sponsors forced them to. But that's another topic!
Agreed, good grief, who teaches that mantra, "steel is heavy, rim brakes suck"? It is bogus.
Buy some new brake pads!
If you are worried about weight -
Get rid of the brifters and use down tube shifters and simpler brake levers; .
Get rid of that bag and rack.
Get rid of the fenders.
Get rid of the cyclometer and wiring.
Get some light weight wheels and tires.
Why did you buy a bike that looks to be 3" to 6" too small? It means a super-long seat post and the short top tube means you added a long stem and bar extenders? Actually, I like the stem but it does not look light in weight.
I just read about your accident. OUCH! Here's hoping all are recovering from the trauma.