How Much Does The Bicycle Weigh?

How Much Does it Weigh?

by Kayceebikes

There is tremendous interest in road bikes right now. Many people think that the most important question is “How much does this bike weigh?” We feel that we need to comment on this aspect of road bike performance, a factor that we feel is important, but maybe overrated.

Lots of people are currently considering buying their first road bike ever, after years of mountain biking. Everyone has heard stories about the extremely lightweight road bikes that are currently being used by pro racers. Actually, the governing body of pro cycling, the UCI (International Cyclists Union) has set a minimum weight of 14.99 pounds for a race-legal road bike. We would wager that virtually all major bike manufacturers have the capability of building bikes that are even lighter than 15 pounds. Do you really want or need a bike that light?

Most road bikes sold in the U.S. cost less than $2,000. To mountain bikers accustomed to MTB price tags that are somewhat lower, sticker shock is the first reaction. It should be noted that both road and mountain bikes can exhibit incredible levels of engineering sophistication. Space-age materials and manufacturing methods yield wonderful performance enhancements, but this all comes at a price to the bike rider. On MTBs, we have seen improvements in suspension, frame designs and disc braking systems, and these improvements have trickled down into lower-priced bikes. On road bikes, the most obvious improvements are seen in better components, that are lighter in weight and that stay in adjustment; and in the creative use of carbon (even on entry-level bikes) for frames and forks, and every other part and component. (Carbon is light, stiff yet shock-absorbing, and very strong.) Finally, wheels are faster to accelerate and roll because of improved alloys, new aerodynamic construction designs, and fantastically efficient hubs.

When looking for your first road bike, try to be realistic. On average, a $600 to $900 bike will not weigh 15 pounds. It may weigh 19 to 23 pounds, but it will still be quite fast (certainly faster than your mountain bike), offer good handling, and be decked out with Shimano or Campagnolo components that will last years with proper care and maintenance. What is the difference between a $700 bike and a $3,000 bike? They may look the same, but there are many differences. On a high-end bike, expect to get components that are even lighter, stronger and more beautiful. The superior quality of the machining and finish of higher-end components make them worry-free. They work like a dream, and even require less effort to operate. There may be smatterings of carbon, titanium, magnesium or other exotic materials that enhance performance and extend the life of the components.

The bike frame will be lighter, and will probably have a more performance-oriented geometry. It will certainly have a more sophisticated construction. Features like triple butting on steel and aluminum frames, the combining of materials (such as a frame consisting of a high-grade aluminum main triangle bonded to a carbon rear triangle, with a carbon fork), sophisticated carbon lay-ups or monocoque (one-piece) carbon construction, versatile scandium alloys, or nearly-indestructible titanium tubes may be found on a high-end bike.

If you’re not racing, do you need such a bike? Of course not. All things being equal, will you enjoy owning and riding a $3,000 bike more than a $700 bike? Absolutely. Assuming you can afford it, wouldn’t you rather be driving a Porsche than a Kia? Both cars will probably get you down the road, at least for a while. One will be far more enjoyable to drive. Whether we’re talking about bikes or cars, performance considerations are important, but so are the intangible emotional elements that reflect pride of ownership, tradition and quality. We've never heard anyone complain that their bike is too good.

In relation to these factors, the weight of the bike alone should be less of a consideration. The overall “feel” of a certain bike may make it better for you than a model that is lighter in weight.

The best way to lose weight on a bike is to get out there and ride it. Soon, you’ll be putting less weight on your bike, and that’s what really matters!

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