New bike question

[Dombo]

Possibly a dumb question but bear with me. I'm considering getting a new bike, all carbon, singing and dancing etc tipping the scales at around 15.5lbs. I notice when moving some of the sparklier steeds at the cafe how light some of them are, particularly Specialized and Felts - rather like when you pick up an empty kettle expecting it to be full of water - compared to my Lemond.

Cutting to the chase, mine weighs about 18.75lbs, four years old, very comfortable, climbs well (though that may be down to my own skinny 150lb frame), handles well etc.

I'm guessing many Agreeables have made a similar change and even bigger weight drop, so my question is would I be likely to notice much of a difference on a significantly lighter bike? On the flats? In the hills?

Cheers for any advice

[Jon H]

[quote="Dombo"]I notice when moving some of the sparklier steeds at the cafe how light some of them are, particularly Specialized and Felts - rather like when you pick up an empty kettle expecting it to be full of water - compared to my Lemond.

[Amy]

Just buy the s*dding thing

You'll never know what it's like if you don't try it

[Dombo]

[quote="Amy"]Just buy the s*dding thing

You'll never know what it's like if you don't try it

[Phil H]

Well, when I went from a 26lb 531 bike to a 16lb carbon bike, I noticed a difference.

Hope that helps.

Although the steel bike does descend better and is more comfortable on the rough.

[Brian Nolan]

you will definitely notice the reduced weight on a hilly route or sportive, and it should accelerate quicker too... Over a set distance on the flat you prob will not be a lot quicker though..
Dombo - not sure what size bike you ride, but I have a Specialized Roubaix 54cm with some nice bits on it - I spent £600 quid on it at Pearsons and have hardly ridden it since as I got a Felt soon after. It rides like a new bike and has ; brand new Ksyrium SSC wheels, new fork,headset,b bracket, chain , cassette and chainrings.. It already had ; 3T Ergo carbon bars, Thomson s/post, Shimano Flight Deck, Zero Gravity brakes, Fizik Arione saddle, TUNE carbon cage x2.. It has mixture of Ultegra rear & front mech , and 105 10 speed shifters ( these are newer than the Ultegra bits... Whole bike is v clean and well looked after
Not as super light as my Felt F1 but no heavyweight thats for sure - looking for £600 for it ... I should have sold it last summer really but did not get round to it..
sorry for the sales pitch but thought I would suggest it to you, I should stick in the ads section or on Bike Radar...
cheers Bry

[Dombo]

Cheers Bry, mine's a 55cm Buenos Aires with Ultegra, Flightdeck, Easton ec90 Bars and Ea90SLx wheels, Spesh knob-saver saddle, so similar spec and weight I imagine to yours. I was hoping to see some difference on Dragon Ride, etapes and other hilly sportives so you've answered that part for me.

[Brian Nolan]

no worries Dombo... Treat yourself to a super duper lightweight then anything that gets you out more will be good ...

[Dan_K]

I'd love a super lightweight bike but I could probably do with losing 28lbs myself first!

[Andrew G]

[quote="Dombo"]Cheers Bry, mine's a 55cm Buenos Aires with Ultegra, Flightdeck, Easton ec90 Bars and Ea90SLx wheels, Spesh knob-saver saddle, so similar spec and weight I imagine to yours. I was hoping to see some difference on Dragon Ride, etapes and other hilly sportives so you've answered that part for me.

[Paul H]

My TG bike weight is about the same as yours and my racing bike is just under 16lbs.

This bike would be ideal for you

[url]http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_264635_langId_-1_categoryId_165630[/url]

[quote="Andrew G"][quote="Dombo"]Cheers Bry, mine's a 55cm Buenos Aires with Ultegra, Flightdeck, Easton ec90 Bars and Ea90SLx wheels, Spesh knob-saver saddle, so similar spec and weight I imagine to yours. I was hoping to see some difference on Dragon Ride, etapes and other hilly sportives so you've answered that part for me.

[Snoop Doug]

carbon bikes suck. that is all

[Dombo]

[quote="Snoop Doug"]carbon bikes suck. that is all

[Dan_K]

Sure carbon may not be as repairable as steel but realistically, how long does anyone keep a bike for? 10 years?
And yes, you could probably upgrade your legs or ride with less water or drop a few lbs but everyone loves a shiny new bike so go for it!
All I would say is that if you're dropping serious money, make sure you get properly measured so the bike fits, buy from a reputable company and choose a manufacturer that will stand by it's frame warranty.
You'll notice the difference. I bought an all carbon Viner which turned out to be too small and I sold it to get a Spesh Allez Elite which actually fit me! The new bike felt heavier but i'm used to it now.
Have you got anything in mind? What you looking to spend?