Hi all -
As some may know from my previous posts, I have been/am struggling with the decision to (1) get a new bike, (2) upgrade and lighten parts on my current bike, or (3) just keep my current bike. My purpose is mainly racing...lots of flat crits and road races here in Florida, with occasional races with a few inclines/roller type hills. Cat 4 / Masters 35+ racer. My bike fits right and components are in fine working order (though could use an overhaul).
Finally weighed my race set up the other day, and the bike I am racing on (2005 LeMond Zurich with Ultegra 6600) came out of 19.2 pounds!! This is with Bontrager Race Lite wheels and Race X Lite tires. A little heavier than I thought. Definitely heavier than the 15-16 pounds machines many are racing on. I could probably shave another 300-400 grams with another set of wheels, getting it down to 18.5 pounds or so.
So, is this too much of a handicap in our races where hills aren't as important, but speed, power, and that elusive "snap" for the final sprint at 32+ MPH is? Should I plunk down the $3000 for a new bike to save 2+ pounds? Or, any more ways to shave a few grams off inexpensively?
Thanks to all
As some may know from my previous posts, I have been/am struggling with the decision to (1) get a new bike, (2) upgrade and lighten parts on my current bike, or (3) just keep my current bike. My purpose is mainly racing...lots of flat crits and road races here in Florida, with occasional races with a few inclines/roller type hills. Cat 4 / Masters 35+ racer. My bike fits right and components are in fine working order (though could use an overhaul).
Finally weighed my race set up the other day, and the bike I am racing on (2005 LeMond Zurich with Ultegra 6600) came out of 19.2 pounds!! This is with Bontrager Race Lite wheels and Race X Lite tires. A little heavier than I thought. Definitely heavier than the 15-16 pounds machines many are racing on. I could probably shave another 300-400 grams with another set of wheels, getting it down to 18.5 pounds or so.
So, is this too much of a handicap in our races where hills aren't as important, but speed, power, and that elusive "snap" for the final sprint at 32+ MPH is? Should I plunk down the $3000 for a new bike to save 2+ pounds? Or, any more ways to shave a few grams off inexpensively?
Thanks to all