nelson4568

ok so heres my dilemma my road bike currently weighs 26.1 pounds and is somewhat of a lead weight to get up the hills if I upgrade the group set i'll save a total of 3.7 pounds and the wheel set 1.9 pounds...do you guys think it's worth upgrading spending the 1300 to save just 5.6 pounds, i currently ride 30 miles 3 to 4 times a week I live in a really hilly area i maintain 15.5 mph up from 14.2 from last year, i really want to see the difference in the hills but do you think it would be minuscule?
thanks a lot

2011 Masi speciale corsa by nelson4568, on Flickr

IthaDan 

For 1300 you could just buy a new [to you if you want to go that route], lighter bike. You might even be able to buy a bike that fits.

What's the frame made out of? You can only polish a turd (don't get all huffy on me, just saying) so much.

hamster

+1

He has a steel frame and a steel fork. But even starting with a steel frame and 2300/Sora drivetrain, I think one has to work hard to make a road bike as heavy as 26 lbs. I wonder what other components are there.

I concur with IthaDan, if that's the cheapest upgrade option you see, you might as well buy a new 20 lb bike for that money. I suggest that you start taking the bike apart and weighing each piece. You might find that you have better upgrade options.

Juan Foote

You didn't weigh it with the water bottles on did you? :wink:

patentcad

I think it's oath it.

nelson4568

my question is if its worth spending 1300 to save 5.6 pounds regardless the bike, if i wanted a new bike i could get one, I love this bike I've gotten into more accidents and mishaps that would render any frame regarding material useless lol for some reason this thing is a tank, it also weighs a tank with the 105 pedals armadillo tires sora drivetrain fsa cranks yada yada.... i personally know the owner of my local bike shop he can get me a 2012 specialized tarmac sl4 pro with sram red for $3200 the asking price is $5300 he only pays $2750 for it would i like that bike? hell yes but do i need it? no i currently ride a 60cm but to be honest I'm really happy with this bike, i was thinking about putting dura ace on it since performance bike is having a sale the group set is only $1800 but if i was to spend that much I would just buy a new bike like many of you suggest
but my main question regardless of frame material size weight... is it justifiable to spend over $1000 to save 5 and a half pounds?

LAriverRat

Only if you weigh 135 pounds.

MikeyBoyAz

The weight savings isn't as significant as the joy of having a nice groupset... I went from 105 to Ultegra with negligible weight savings and I am happy with it... why wouldn't you be happy with upgrades on your bike?

Durockrolly

What matters, is it worth it to you. If you can justify it then yes. I really doesn't matter what we think!

gabba

Would it help if you lost 5.6 lbs instead? Just asking ... (not sure what your situation is, but it always funny to see folks worried about shaving extra ounces from the components)

hamster

$1300 to save 5.6 pounds is about 50 cents per gram. It's not bad (assuming that you're done cutting the weight above the saddle). Once you get the bike below 20 lbs, you have to pay $1/gram or more to realize further savings.

But you really need to check your numbers. I don't see how you can possibly realize 3.7 pounds (1700 g) of savings by upgrading the groupset. My road bike came with Tiagra/Sora components, a heavy triple crankset, and, by my best reckoning, the groupset (shifters, brakes, derailleurs, crankset, BB, cassette, chain, cables) came out to about 2700 g. Current top-of-the-line Shimano Dura Ace mechanical groupset (MSRP $2700) weighs 2087 g.

IthaDan 

Depends on what you call "justifiable", but there is an entire forum that would kill to pay $1300 to save 5.6 OUNCES. The difference is where they are vs. where you are in the bell curve of bike weights/money ratios.

TrojanHorse

Are you familiar with the philosophy of N+1?

nelson4568

i currently weigh 212 pounds I'm 6'4" my required weight for my height is 206 so I'm working on losing the extra 6 pounds
for the bike 2 pounds would come off the wheels the rest would be the group set its that or buy this which I've had my eye on the past year and pocket the rest, https://www.flickr.com/photos/hutte8to8/7265403446/

I could use the upgrade in components though the bike only has about 800 miles on it but after every 75 to 100 miles i have to re-tweak the front derailleur I'm just thankful i used to work as a mechanic at a bike store so i know how to do my own work, plus i can get the components i need for a good price

nelson4568

haha just noticed the title


whats n+1

Fox Farm

Keep that old bike as it is and buy the Specialized with Sram as your second bike.

nelson4568

i have 4 other road bikes already haha

WHOOOSSHHH...

haha you trickster

rpenmanparker 

I am a pseudo-weight weenie, but I say no. This bike is what it is. Let it keep its identity and character. If you need better components for better functionality, buy them. If you want better wheels for a better ride, buy them. But on a truly heavy bike, a little lighter isn't a valid end in itself. You want lighter, buy something altogether lighter.

As for the question of lighter bike or lighter rider, those are two entirely different issues. Of course the effective weight of the package is the body weight plus the bike weight. But that is not the point. The joy realized from proper body weight and the joy of light bike weight are totally distinct. Folks who don't accept Weight Weeniedom just don't understand. It is not about total weight of bike and rider climbing a hill. That is surely important, but it is another topic. It is about the pleasure derived from the hobby-like project of paring weight from a historically bloated class of machinery. The total reduction which can be achieved and the lowest cost for which the reduction can be accomplished are the two things which provide satisfaction and pleasure. The enhanced riding and climbing characteristics are important too, but more like a bonus.

But it is interesting, no matter what you weigh personally, you can feel the difference between a 22 lb bike and a 14 lb bike on the flats and on the hills. And let me tell you, the lighter one really feels good. Ask anyone who has experienced the difference. So I ask the naysayers: if the total weight of rider and bike is all that matters, why is that true?

slushlover2

What parts are on this Masi now? My steel Colnago Super from the same era weighs 21 lbs. You do know that to fit a modern wheelset, you'll have to spread the rear triangle? I'd leave the Masi as is and buy another bike.

JustinNY

For 1300 + what you could get for that bike on the used market, you could get a brand new carbon or alu bike with 105 or possibly ultegra and save even more weight

OldsCOOL

That is a beautiful bike. Go N+1 (N=your current bike, +1=your extra bike).....Masi is a great name in vintage bikes. Take that up to the Classic and Vintage forums and tell them what you have if you dont believe me. That thing has a stellar rep.

If it were mine and I wanted to trim weight, wheels would be my first stop. Then go for the lightest, racing/training tire you can stand (unless your area of riding is too rough or littered with debris).

By all means, keep the bike.

In regard to the weight and hill riding, both of my main bikes are in the 21lb range. When they came out of the factory they were a touch heavier. I love to do hills on both of them. Make sure you have gearing to fit your riding style and area.

gsteinb

where exactly is it really hilly on long island?

Vlaam4ever

I'd spend the money to cut the weight and improve the components. I'd go with some wheels first.


I dont think the you have turd here at all.

ravenmore

Lot of places to lose some weight on this. Get an all carbon fork (if you can find one that will fit that bike) and wheels for starters.