On Sep 29, 2009, at 11:03 AM, John McMurry wrote:
> On Sep 29, 10:57 am, Tim McNamara <tim...@bitstream.net> wrote: >> On Sep 29, 2009, at 9:19 AM, John McMurry wrote: >> >>> On Sep 29, 9:46 am, Bruce <fullylug...@yahoo.com> wrote: >>>> Weight is more a mental thing than a real physical factor for the >>>> recreational/touring rider. >> >>> I disagree. For a recreational/touring rider who may stop and start >>> quite often, and doesn't push for high speeds; weight matters and >>> is a >>> real, measurable, physical factor. >> >>> I'm not suggesting gram shaving a commuter at the expense of >>> durability. But if you're carrying around unnecessary extra pounds; >>> they generally won't add to the enjoyment of riding a bicycle unless >>> your ride is all downhill. >> >> I don't know about that. I have a 21 lb bike (my old race bike, with >> a heavier and more comfortable saddle than I used to use plus having >> swapped out the Campy Ergo stuff for more "sensible" components) and >> my All-Rounder which weighs in around 28 lbs with fenders, front >> rack, handlebar bag, generator and lights, 30+ year old Brooks Pro, >> etc. My speeds on the A/R aren't any slower and I enjoy riding it >> much more on hilly or flat rides. > > When comparing those two bikes, you introduce too many variables to > accurately isolate only one. Not so many, really just weight. My position is the same between the bikes and arguably the Riv should be the aerodynamically worse bike. The local hills are about 350-400 feet in altitude gain, though, so it's not like I'm riding up l'Alpe-d'Huez (which I have done, and there I think the weight difference would be noticeable). > Though, when your A/R handlebar bag is full with a commute load it > will be slower than without it (all else equal). That's not been my experience. I should note that the bar bag is a Berthoud Mini 86, so it's about the size of the Lil Loafer just sideways on the rack. Doesn't hold that much, just enough for a brevet or century. My commuter has a Carradice Longflap and is a 3 speed, so it is a bit slower than my other bikes if for no other reason than the limited gearing choices. It weighs less than the A/R. > Not that speed is your goal, and not that a minute off your commute is > a big deal; my point being is that weight makes a real, measurable, > physical difference. Whether that matters to you or not is a personal > decision. Back when I raced speed was the primary goal on most rides. It remains a goal on brevets to a degree. But, as I get older (turned 50 today), I find I am less concerned with miles per hour than I am with smiles per hour. > FYI, I'm perfectly happy, comfortable, and attain enjoyable speeds on > an AHH with 42mm tires, 36 spoked wheels, fenders, bags, dynamo, etc. > (even though I'm measurably faster on my 32 hole White Ind. wheelset > with 30mm tires on the same bike). > > -not _intentionally_ poking a bee's nest Ah but when we talk within the Church of the Bicycle, there are bee's nests abounding! ;-) --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
