Since we are talking the weight of our road rides 😋... the 2016 Emonda SL 6 I bought from you' all last month comes in at 16 pounds 6 ounces (sans pedals) and man I am loving it! Not quite as fancy or high-tech as your two rides but it's Ultegra components are also definitely an improvement for me. At about 6 to 7 pounds lighter than my previous ride (2021 Trek Domane AL 2 Disc), I SWEAR I do feel faster. My post-upgrade Strava segments are proving that it is more than a feeling. 😎 Enjoyed the video ... thanks.
This is a very complex argument but basically it all depends on where the weight is located how it influences performance. Generally speaking lighter bikes are considerably faster and easier to pedal than heavier bikes but it's not the weight itself strictly speaking that makes that difference but things that are associated with the lighter weight. First off lighter bikes tend to be lighter because they are made of materials that are stiffer which means the more rigid the material, the thinner it can be for the same to greater strength and lighter in can be. So in essence a carbon>titanium>aluminum>steel all else being equal because the lighter the bike is, the stiffer it is and this increased rigidity of the bike transmits more power but people don't account for this they only look at the weight. Secondly lighter bikes tend to be more expensive all else being equal and more expensive bikes are generally better equipped with better hubs, bearings, lighter wheels and lower resistance groupsets/components. So there are other quality factors that are not necessarily weight related that have a relationship to a lighter (and more expensive thus better) bike. Thirdly weight matters most in rotating or reciprocating parts. So lighter wheels do make a difference above all, followed by hubs, good bearings, lighter gears/groupset, 1x vs 2x or 3x etc, pedals and cranks. That said try cycling in the winter or other seasons in muddy or swampy wet areas like powerline access roads with deep puddles wearing heavy, knee high insulated boots. Now go on a similar (But maybe not as wet!) ride with your flat pedal shoes. The difference those huge, heavy boots vs light weight flat pedal shoes is greater than any wheel or groupset choice for sure! Lastly the faster you go, harder you pedal or corner, rougher the road and in general "rougher" or more intense your riding style the more of a difference the nicer components will make say vs just a brief slow neighborhood or bikepath ride.
My gravel bike probably weighs 25+ pounds but it’s so much fun to ride. Just eats up anything you throw at it, such a beast, and still feels zippy around the city. I’d say weight is pretty overrated for most people who just want to ride and enjoy nature, if you’re racing then it does matter a bit more.
At 200lb, 6’4” and 57 I will be faster if I’d lose just 5 more pounds and eat less donuts ,but then the wind will blow me over and no cars will see me. My dogma F8 is 16 1/2 lbs. I’ve been using that as a bench mark for next road bike.
Height has no effect when riding a bicycle...so are you trying to brag? My husband is 6 foot 8 and 310 lbs...much larger than you His T is much higher and his ............hands are MUCH larger than yours.....So what is the point of your comment???? Just be quiet you old fart.
