Weight! Does it really matter?

[knapdog]

I'm wondering what real difference it makes to our riding when we lose weight, put it on or sweat over buying a much lighter bike! We scratch our heads in irritation if we put on a new saddle that may weigh 100g more than the original, or smile with glee about saving a few grams in weight for carbon pedals. Perhaps, I shouldn't have had that extra sausage for breakfast as I had to carry that around in side me on this morning's ride! Does it really matter? I've just swopped my original saddle on my new Spesh Secteur for a heavier Brooks Swift. I've been out for a ride and I can't feel any difference (i.e.due to the extra weight). So, for the average rider, like myself, does weight really matter, which leads me further to think, that in cycling, does the bike carry us around ( in which case our weight matters as the heavier we are the harder it could be) or do we drive forward what is beneath us (i.e.the actual weight of the bike, making lighter bikes easier)?

 

[Banjo]

I use my bike for all sorts of journeys,if I cram 10 or 15 kgs of shopping into the panniers its noticeably harder up hill .but that is doubling the weight of the bike ,I think for most of us a pound or two isnt going to notice.

 

[MajorMantra]

In real term small weight differences shouldn't really matter unless you're racing. That said, lighter bikes feel livelier and are IMO just a little bit more fun to ride. It's nicer to go slightly faster on a light bike than a bit slower on a heavier bike.

Matthew

 

[darkstar]

Well i suppose for the average rider body weight only makes a difference if at the extremes, just a few extra kg's would make minimal difference.
As for racers body weight makes a HUGE difference, a good example is the fairly recent weight loss Brad Wiggins has gone though, he is now about 2% body fat which is average for tour riders. It means you don't have to carry around access, useless weight i suppose.

 

[JtB]

Always makes me smile that you can pays loads of £££ just to save a few grams of weight. My ancient Carlton weighs over 15kg and when I returned to cycling 16 months ago it was an absolute 'battle laden tank' to drag up the hills. But since then, I've lost about 16kg in weight (effective weight of my bike is now -1kg ), changed the bottom bracket bearings, cleaned and re-greased the wheel bearings, changed the rear block, renewed the chain and it goes like an absolute dream now (even up the hills).

 

[Steve Austin]

simply put, yes it does matter.

a 40lb bike is harder to propel than a 15lb bike. its as simple as that.
of course if the rider is 300lb, they might be better off trying remove some of their weight than spending thousands trimming a lb off their bike, but then even a large rider will benefit from a lighter bike.

 

[Alan Frame]

But, presumably, a heavier bike/rider descends faster, making up some of the time they lost going up the hill in the first place.

 

[Steve Austin]

lol very true Alan

 

[aJohnson]

But, presumably, a heavier bike/rider descends faster, making up some of the time they lost going up the hill in the first place.

It may save seconds on the descent but how much longer would it add onto the ascent?

 

[andrew_s]

As a rough handle, 5kg less weight would save me about 2 minutes on a moderate Alp of 8km at 6%, out of about 45 minutes (with my fitness levels as they were last time I paid attention to time up passes).
The fitter you are, the less time difference it makes, so a TDF rider would lose maybe 50sec for carrying an extra 5kg
It doesn't make any difference whether the weight comes off your waist, out of your panniers or off the bike.
5kg is about the difference between a touring bike and an average sportif's bike. If you entered an event like the Marmotte (Croix de Fer, Telegraphe, Galibier, Alpe d'Huez), you'd probably take 25-30 minutes off your time by swapping a Galaxy for the latest carbon fibre bling, no training required.

Descents will depend on what the limiting factor is. If it's your nerve, you won't gain any time from a heavier bike.

 

[Dayvo]

It may save seconds on the descent but how much longer would it add onto the ascent?

Ride on the flat, or just on routes with downhills!

 

[JtB]

of course if the rider is 300lb, they might be better off trying remove some of their weight than spending thousands trimming a lb off their bike, but then even a large rider will benefit from a lighter bike.

Agreed, but I think the fact my bike was heavier was what helped me to lose those lbs faster.

But, presumably, a heavier bike/rider descends faster, making up some of the time they lost going up the hill in the first place.

That's not necessarily a good thing if your brakes aren't brilliant.

 

[g00se]

Did you realise that once you've got going, heavier bikes are better when cycling against the wind. Momentum and all that.

 

[jimboalee]

I can't be bothered to repeat all what I've already said months ago, so here's a link to a site that explains all.

http://www.analyticcycling.com/ForcesPower_Page.html

 

[Garz]

It's not like you to not be bothered jimbo...