Weight is more a mental thing than a real physical factor for the
recreational/touring rider. Even for racers, aerodynamics are probably more
important than weight. (Wind resistance increases with the square of the
velocity increase, hence the extra terrestrial looking outfits worn by Time
Trialers)
This past weekend, I rode my Ram on our local Alabama Bike MS ride, with
"heavy" acorn canvas seat bag, frame pump, steel rails and leather Selle
Anatomica saddle and 37mm Pasela tires, and carried a full rain suit (decent
quality, maybe 1 1/2 lbs?) to boot, after an early AM glance at the radar.
My bike was maybe 10 lbs heavier than the Scott and Orbea carbon rigs on 23 mm
150 psi rubber, with saddle envelopes that could barely hold a tube and a CO2
dispenser. You'd expect that my rig would have me trailing the pack, right?
Actually no. At mile 30 when the heavens opened up ( I mean flash flood warning
deluge levels) I pulled over and put on rain gear and was one of the less than
1/2 who finished the next 45 miles in relative comfort. The fat tires were
surefooted at all times on wet roads, and handled the occasional chuck hole
with aplomb.
I ended the 75 miles at exactly my usual average pace (14.6 mph I am not fast,
no matter what.) and dropped most of the fancy folks on the "hills" (I live in
a hilly area, they don't. Hills get easier the more you ride them, as most
folks here know.) I say "hills" because nothing was over an 8% grade on either
day.
For comparison, on Sunday, we had gorgeous weather and I rode the same average
pace for 80 miles with a bit more climbing, without the rain suit.
I spent most of the 2d day with a group who all noticed that I spent more time
on my saddle and less standing up to relieve pain than they did. They ALL
wanted to know about the Selle Anatomica. I explained that it was a lot heavier
than what they were using. They replied they were now long past concern on bike
weight and a lot more focused on being comfortable. Which is where this
rambling post is trying to get to. As GP has noted, some weight comes along
with building a capable. comfortable ride.
As a footnote, let me mention that I've dropped almost 30 lbs since mid June,
and THAT makes a huge difference in my riding.
Tailwinds
________________________________
From: "Bryan @ Renaissance Bicycles" <renaissancebicyc...@gmail.com>
is there a "weight limit" that would keep a potential
buyer from owning one?
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