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Will a lighter bike make a difference?
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 2009-09-15 11:15 AM |
Member 10 |  Subject: Will a lighter bike make a difference?I have recently began triathlon training and have my first race in 2 weeks (sprint distance). I am really struggling with bike ride on my 14 speed old Mercian 653 road bike, which weighs 26lb. I am considering buying a Specialized Ruby Comp (2009), which has a carbon frame and weighs under 18lb. I have never really enjoyed cycling but am really starting to enjoy it but find the hills such hard work. Will buying a new bike make a diference to my time on the bike section? |
| 2009-09-15 11:29 AM in reply to: #2407300 |
Veteran 244  | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? there are several courses of action that can be taken from this point. you could switch from a standard to a compact crank set(front chain rings attached to pedals), change gearing on the cassette (the gears attached to the rear wheel), you could also increase the number of gears from 14 to say 18, 20 which would give you 2 or 3 more gears in the rear. That is assuming you want to keep the double up front you could even get 27 or 30 gears if you run a triple. this would give you a even lower set of gears to make the hills that much easier. you would have to talk to your bike shop to find out which is the most economical route for you. Edited by LycraCladChamp 2009-09-15 11:30 AM |
| 2009-09-15 11:34 AM in reply to: #2407338 |
Champion 10021  , Minnesota Bronze member | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? |
| 2009-09-15 11:38 AM in reply to: #2407300 |
Extreme Veteran 397 | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? yes a new bike will be faster and more important it will make riding more enjoyable. not only will it be lighter but the shifting will be smoother and you will have more range of gears. just be sure to get fitted and get the right size or it will all be a waste of time and money. |
 2009-09-15 11:42 AM in reply to: #2407300 |
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| 2009-09-15 12:19 PM in reply to: #2407300 |
Expert 721 Chenequa WI | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? Yes, weight matters on hills, but maybe it shouldn’t be too important for you right now. There are charts in the roadie community that give the performance gained from increasingly lighter weights. Roadies are notorious weight-weenies, and sometimes take it too far, but many of them are serious racers that can't afford to give up even a few seconds and a 8 lb difference as you described could be huge when climbing hills. Here's just one example from a study 5 or 6 years ago that was done at the University of Utah. A PhD named Martin speculated that a 160 lb rider who can push 250 watts will take 19 minutes and 21 seconds to get up a 5 kilometer climb with a stiff 7% grade. For every 5 lbs added to the bike/rider, add 30 seconds to the trip up the hill. Basically, one extra lb adds 6 seconds to the time it takes to get up his hill. So, given your roughly 8-pound weight difference in bikes, the time savings up this hill would be 48 seconds over nearly 20 minutes. (This can also be used to calculate how much time can be saved from the rider losing some weight - only to a point, though). So, is this important to you or not? Maybe it is. Would be to me, but … …let’s play devils’ advocate for a moment. The price of that new bike could also go into coaching, race fees, etc. I almost always think that improved performance comes first from practice, proper technique (acquired through coaching) and racing more. Especially in the beginning stages for a new triathlete (end of sermon – sorry). |
| 2009-09-15 12:34 PM in reply to: #2407300 |
| Member 10 | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? Thank you for your advice. I have looked at the options of upgrading my current bike and economically it would be better to buy new as I would need new shifters at over £200 + other stuff totalling over £400. Also the top tube on my current bike it too long and I get neck and back ache on a long run. I have been offered this bike at a really good price so I thought that by buying it now I get a bargain and benefit on the race day, I have tried a specialized ladies bike this size and it is a great fit. I haven't tried this specific bike yet but can do so on Thursday but don't want to try it out if it isn't going to help my training and racing. I have heard that the bike doesn't make much difference as it's the ability of the rider that is most important but surely if that was true everyone would be buying cheap bikes. I am only 8 stone (5ft 1) so dropping body weight is not really an option. My legs feel really heavy on hills to the point that they really hurt. The bike ride for the race is only 16.5 miles but quite hilly (the second half is mostly downhill/flat). |
| 2009-09-15 12:35 PM in reply to: #2407300 |
Expert 1116 Thornton, CO | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? Simple answer: yes, All other things staying equal a lighter bike will make you faster up hills. The better answer: Going from an older bike that weighs that much to a newer bike is going to give you a lot more than just 8lbs of weight savings. The entire drive train is going to be better basically. From lighter smoother spinning cranks, to more gearing options, to smoother shifting, to faster shifting, to the resistance to rolling from the hubs on the wheel. All of these things will make the power transfer from your legs to forward movement more efficient and therefore you'll be faster. Just the difference going to a lighter/better wheelset alone will make you that much faster, let alone the added efficiency you'll gain elsewhere. Because of the efficiency gains of the bike itself you could throw 8lbs of lead weights in your saddlebag and you'll still be faster than on the old bike. So weight is not as big of a factor as what the big companies are trying to tell everyone... a bottle cage that's 50g lighter isn't going to make a measurable bit of performance difference to anyone not at the upper echelon of cycling or tri.... but then there's always the cool factor of a good looking bike ;-) |
| 2009-09-15 12:43 PM in reply to: #2407300 |
| Master 1790 Tyler, TX | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? All things equal (including similar tires, similar fit, etc) an eight pound weight loss (either by losing weight or getting a new bike) will help some, more noticeable on hills, but doesn't do miracles. A heavy bike will make you a stronger rider! For new riders its sometimes best to ride what you have for now. The more you ride and the more people you meet who ride, the better you'll be able to choose a new bike that's best for you. Maybe train for a few more months on what you have, then spring for a new bike sometime before next year's triathlons. Then you'll feel much faster! Brian |
| 2009-09-15 12:44 PM in reply to: #2407483 |
| Expert 1116 Thornton, CO | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? Gritty - 2009-09-15 11:19 AM For every 5 lbs added to the bike/rider, add 30 seconds to the trip up the hill. Basically, one extra lb adds 6 seconds to the time it takes to get up his hill. So, given your roughly 8-pound weight difference in bikes, the time savings up this hill would be 48 seconds over nearly 20 minutes. (This can also be used to calculate how much time can be saved from the rider losing some weight - only to a point, though). I agree with you on this, but there's one major factor to take into consideration. Those numbers are based on maintaining an identical bike that simply weighs more... basically strapping lead weights to the top tube or seat post. But with the OP many many more factors come into play because of the technology advancements over the years and being a completely different bike. Yes, the OP will still gain from the lighter bike, but just as big, if not bigger gains will be made because the wheelset is likely to have less rotational weight and blah blah blah (see previous post). The OP can expect larger improvements than just the saved seconds because of 8lbs. |
| 2009-09-15 1:11 PM in reply to: #2407559 |
| Expert 721 Chenequa WI | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? zionvier - 2009-09-15 12:44 PM Gritty - 2009-09-15 11:19 AM For every 5 lbs added to the bike/rider, add 30 seconds to the trip up the hill. Basically, one extra lb adds 6 seconds to the time it takes to get up his hill. So, given your roughly 8-pound weight difference in bikes, the time savings up this hill would be 48 seconds over nearly 20 minutes. (This can also be used to calculate how much time can be saved from the rider losing some weight - only to a point, though). I agree with you on this, but there's one major factor to take into consideration. Those numbers are based on maintaining an identical bike that simply weighs more... basically strapping lead weights to the top tube or seat post. But with the OP many many more factors come into play because of the technology advancements over the years and being a completely different bike. Yes, the OP will still gain from the lighter bike, but just as big, if not bigger gains will be made because the wheelset is likely to have less rotational weight and blah blah blah (see previous post). The OP can expect larger improvements than just the saved seconds because of 8lbs. True. Just difficult to quantify as I have not seen data to show the improvements of better components over old or stock componetry (is that a word?). Except for that piece about aero wheels and an aero helmet and the time saved, of course. That's it - the OP needs to keep the current ride and invest in race wheels and an aero helmet  |
| 2009-09-15 1:35 PM in reply to: #2407529 |
| Expert 937 Traverse Cityish | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? zionvier - 2009-09-15 1:35 PM Simple answer: yes, All other things staying equal a lighter bike will make you faster up hills. The better answer: Going from an older bike that weighs that much to a newer bike is going to give you a lot more than just 8lbs of weight savings. The entire drive train is going to be better basically. From lighter smoother spinning cranks, to more gearing options, to smoother shifting, to faster shifting, to the resistance to rolling from the hubs on the wheel. All of these things will make the power transfer from your legs to forward movement more efficient and therefore you'll be faster. Just the difference going to a lighter/better wheelset alone will make you that much faster, let alone the added efficiency you'll gain elsewhere. Because of the efficiency gains of the bike itself you could throw 8lbs of lead weights in your saddlebag and you'll still be faster than on the old bike. So weight is not as big of a factor as what the big companies are trying to tell everyone... a bottle cage that's 50g lighter isn't going to make a measurable bit of performance difference to anyone not at the upper echelon of cycling or tri.... but then there's always the cool factor of a good looking bike ;-) Best post so far. I'd also add that if your old bike fit is poor and your new bike fits well, then you'll get a performance gain from that as well. |
| 2009-09-15 1:53 PM in reply to: #2407300 |
| Member 53 Nor Cal - Bay Area | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? I really think you should get the new bike. The wight difference for you (your weight plus weight of bike) is ~6%, which I do believe you will notice - particularly on the hills. As has been pointed out, there are efficiency savings well beyond the weight issue. The pride of ownership issues/emotional lift will make a difference IMO. You will never regret it. John |
| 2009-09-15 2:29 PM in reply to: #2407300 |
| Member 10 | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? I am leaning towards the new bike as it will probably make me want to ride more and be more comfortable, if nothing else. I am a bit worried about looking like someone with 'all the gear and no idea' though. People may expect me to go fast!! My gears on my current bike are not smooth at all but I never considered this an issue to affect performance. I do have to climb over 1200 metres (some of this quite steep) from the nearest town (5 miles away) to my house and have never wanted to do this before. Maybe I will be inspired to do this regularly if it is going to be a little easier. Also, what is the general opinion on double v triple. With my size and weight (5'1, 112lb) would I be better with a triple (lack of leg power). Thanks |
| 2009-09-15 2:48 PM in reply to: #2407300 |
| Veteran 585 Kenosha, WI | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? Weight certainly matters. But you'll find everything matters. The most important is probably fit geometry and ride position matters. Components/Drivetrain matter(s). Wheels make a big difference, tires make a difference. Then weight jumps into play. Point is you'll run out of money before the cycling industry runs out of stuff to sell you to get faster. Its fun to upgrade, just know what your upgrading too, from what, and why. You don't just wanna get a lighter bike and then turn around and start bike shopping for something with better geometry, then a new bike with better components. In general i'd say, when your new get something you can live with long enough and learn about cycling so your knowlegable enough to buy once. The Specialized bike sounds like a nice upgrade... Goodluck |
| 2009-09-15 3:52 PM in reply to: #2407823 |
| Member 53 Nor Cal - Bay Area | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? 1200 Meters over 5 miles is fairly steep, so I 'm not surprised you have avoided this  As to the triple vs double, you have one other option. A "compact crank", which means there are fewer teeth (lower gear) on the crank. This would be my first choice, but I suggest you talk to your local bike shop for their advice. In general, you might be able to get the compact crank for little or no extra cost, but I'm not sure what they would say about the triple. The triple will give you a wider range of gears, but with a compact crank, and the proper rear cassette you may not need them. John |
| 2009-09-15 3:56 PM in reply to: #2407823 |
| Expert 1116 Thornton, CO | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? Lynnee - 2009-09-15 1:29 PM I am leaning towards the new bike as it will probably make me want to ride more and be more comfortable, if nothing else. I am a bit worried about looking like someone with 'all the gear and no idea' though. People may expect me to go fast!! My gears on my current bike are not smooth at all but I never considered this an issue to affect performance. I do have to climb over 1200 metres (some of this quite steep) from the nearest town (5 miles away) to my house and have never wanted to do this before. Maybe I will be inspired to do this regularly if it is going to be a little easier. Also, what is the general opinion on double v triple. With my size and weight (5'1, 112lb) would I be better with a triple (lack of leg power). Thanks Wow... 1200m in 5M? That's an average of 15% grade (1200m is nearly 4k feet for those not versed in metric) It puts my climbs up mountains here in Colorado to complete shame. I'd definitely recommend a triple if that's the kind of terrain you'll be riding as a beginner. Edited to add: I agree with johnrsims though. I personally prefer a compact, but I used to ride a triple when I first started out. If that one climb isn't your 'normal' kind of ride, then I'd go compact as well... I'd avoid the standard double as a beginner either way though. Edited by zionvier 2009-09-15 3:59 PM |
| 2009-09-15 7:21 PM in reply to: #2408025 |
| Master 1651 Breckenridge, CO | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? johnrsims - 2009-09-15 2:52 PM 1200 Meters over 5 miles is fairly steep, "Fairly steep" as in, I don't think a paved climb like that exists in the US. Tour de France climbs are generally 7-9% average grade. Edited by breckview 2009-09-15 7:22 PM |
| 2009-09-15 9:51 PM in reply to: #2408407 |
| Master 1404 Eagle Mountain, Utah | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? breckview - 2009-09-15 6:21 PM johnrsims - 2009-09-15 2:52 PM 1200 Meters over 5 miles is fairly steep, "Fairly steep" as in, I don't think a paved climb like that exists in the US. Tour de France climbs are generally 7-9% average grade.Yep, that works out to about a 14.9% grade. |
| 2009-09-16 5:49 AM in reply to: #2407300 |
| Member 10 | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? Whoops, sorry, silly me! I meant feet!! I'm English and am still getting my metres and feet mixed up so not really that steep at all then! There is no way I would manage 1200m. Maybe, I shouldn't have admitted my mistake as it did sound quite impressive! Just checked with the bike shop and it comes with a compact. Edited by Lynnee 2009-09-16 5:58 AM |
| 2009-09-16 6:12 AM in reply to: #2407300 |
| Extreme Veteran 439 | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? yes, and i am the same weight as you i am 5ft2 and i have the specialized dolce comp, it is a great bike i got it when i had the same dilema as you and just love the bike i got LBS to fit me and went with the XS size you will love the change it makes good luck. |
| 2009-09-16 7:00 AM in reply to: #2407300 |
| Member 10 | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? Hi Wee Scotty Thanks. I was considering getting the 48cm but I think the 44cm will be better. Did you find a big difference in comfort when you started riding it? They say that women have longer legs and shorter bodies when compared with men. My female LBS who is 5ft 2 said that this doesn't seem to be the case for those of us who are petite (under 5ft 3) and therefore the smaller size will be better. What do you think? They have tried a Dolce comp and it is really lovely to ride but are giving me a great deal on the Ruby (as it's 2009) so thought I would try it. Edited by Lynnee 2009-09-16 7:09 AM |
| 2009-09-16 10:55 AM in reply to: #2408995 |
| Master 1651 Breckenridge, CO | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? Lynnee - 2009-09-16 4:49 AM Maybe, I shouldn't have admitted my mistake as it did sound quite impressive! To me it sounded impossible. Not impossible to ride as that's just a matter of gearing but impossible to exist. 1200 feet over 5 miles is still a difficult climb for most people at ~4.6% average grade. |
| 2009-09-16 9:09 PM in reply to: #2409053 |
| Member 53 Nor Cal - Bay Area | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? Hi Lynnee, Please let us know how big a difference the new bike makes (provided you do spring for the new bike) John |
| 2009-09-17 9:43 AM in reply to: #2407300 |
| Member 10 | Subject: RE: Will a lighter bike make a difference? Hi there Just taken the bike round the 16.4 mile triathlon route and at the top of the hill about 3/5 of the way round I was 2.5 minutes faster but then rest of the way my left knee started to hurt (this leg is slightly shorter than the other). Could it be that the seat is too high? I was very pleased as it was my first time on the bike and I was just getting used to the gearing which seems a little stiff (maybe because it's never been used). I think I may have to buy it!! |
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