While I know this sounds like a silly question, and I know it does make a difference. My question is how drastic is this difference? I am a clydesdale whom is used to 40+ pound all steel bikes most cyclists can't lift with one arm. 
That's part of what I was wondering. I'm fine with my all steel "boat anchors" I ride now, but was wondering if the extra $500+ USD was worth the difference in the ride. As you may have guessed, I was expecting a response from "the common cyclist" whom typically favors a wormy guy with a head the size of my belly. ;-) That's not what I want for myself though.Volnix said:It's hard to "isolate" just the weight factor on bikes. Maybe a good way to do that is to ride a bike twice. Once as it is and once loaded with 2kg of water or something. But if you compare two different bikes with different weight there will be other factors involved too. For example, a heavier bike made of CF will probably (depends on tube shapes etc) be more rigid then a lighter bike also made out of CF. The same probably applies for Aluminium. But that is for the -same- grade of CF and Aluminium. But if you compare bikes of different materials then it's even more complicated. I did a test once. I Test-Rode a CF bike of similar intended use with mine, in the same course that I usually take when I am out doing some km's. The CF bike climbed better then the Alu bike, even with a smaller gear on the back. It also accelerated faster. On the descents I did not feel such a difference and as for "keeping speed" the carbon bike seemed that it was more susceptible to slow down due to road friction. Maybe even more important is how rigid the bike is. Then other things for consideration can be how true the wheels are, the ride position etc... Btw it's funny how fat-people always want a light bike. :big-smile:  They can probably save about 5000 euro by just losing 3 kg. :big-smile: Â
Extra 500? Maybe add another zero on that figure.Originally Posted by lectraplayer
That's part of what I was wondering. I'm fine with my all steel "boat anchors" I ride now, but was wondering if the extra $500+ USD was worth the difference in the ride.
As you may have guessed, I was expecting a response from "the common cyclist" whom typically favors a wormy guy with a head the size of my belly. ;-) That's not what I want for myself though.
Originally Posted by lectraplayer
If I borrow a buddy's similarly equipped aluminum or carbon bike and ride from Samford to The Zoo, and then to Bob's Bikes for a part, then return to Samford the same way, how will this translate to the ride experience as I go, assuming we both have similar gearing and solid frames?
Originally Posted by CAMPYBOB
...equipped with Campy Super Record EPS, of course.
If my buddy's bike weighs 20 pounds, that would put me at 245 pounds on the wheels vs. 265 pounds now. I'm not expecting all that much right now, but I do know a 20 pound weight sure does get heavy when I carry it across a football field. ...then again, am I carrying the bike or riding it?Volnix said:Dude... What kind of improvements do you expect from a new bike?Â
Originally Posted by lectraplayer
If my buddy's bike weighs 20 pounds, that would put me at 245 pounds on the wheels vs. 265 pounds now. I'm not expecting all that much right now, but I do know a 20 pound weight sure does get heavy when I carry it across a football field. ...then again, am I carrying the bike or riding it?
On flat ground, the wheels and tires are "carrying" the weight, not you. The only thing extra weight adds is extra rolling resistance, not that big a deal depending on your tires. The extra bodyweight will make it harder for you to accelerate, and also harder for you to shed the excess heat in hot weather, but it really won't slow you a lot....just a few extra watts output needed.Originally Posted by lectraplayer
If my buddy's bike weighs 20 pounds, that would put me at 245 pounds on the wheels vs. 265 pounds now. I'm not expecting all that much right now, but I do know a 20 pound weight sure does get heavy when I carry it across a football field. ...then again, am I carrying the bike or riding it?
Originally Posted by lectraplayer
For now, I'm more concerned with making my bike both a tool and a toy.
Originally Posted by dhk2
Volnix, I have that Bicycling Science book you picture. Agree it's a good one. It covers a wide range of subjects related to bike physics, engineering and riding. It's a bit dated now, but still would highly recommend it.
Originally Posted by lectraplayer
I am going to equip a "short frame" with a rack and aero bars as soon as I rebuild the rear wheel. It already has 26x2 inch tires. Brakes suck, but I can fix that.
Originally Posted by lectraplayer
That's sorta what I'm doing with my short frame Volnix. It came with 26x2 inch tires, but I will want to change the 5 speed Falcon to a 7 (or so) Shimano Megadrive.