Originally Posted by
terrymorse
I'm not seeing evidence that lightweight bikes are "fragile".
On the contrary, modern carbon parts and frames are often stronger and stiffer than the heavier stuff they replace.
The UCI weight limit of 6.9 kg was established in 2000 to prevent "stupid light" bikes and ensure that competitors raced on similar bikes.
Technology has improved greatly since 2000, and now a strong and sturdy bike can be built that's well below the UCI limit.
Indeed. I remember back in the 90s when the now-defunct 'Bicycle Guide' magazine put together a 16 lb bike, sparing no expense and paying attention only to the weight of components, and came up with a bike so noodly nobody over 150 lbs could reasonably ride it. It even had Modolo's plastic DT shifters that had a reputation for coming apart in the hand - a fact they even mentioned in the article!
Now, you have bikes like the Specialized Aethos that weighs 13 lbs but will carry a rider as heavy as 275 lbs, and won't crumble under them.