No one else picked up on this, so i'll give it go....
As many list members debated in earlier posts on weight, and on if 3oz makes any difference, lets not forget that the most 70's and early 80's bikes were lighter than late 80's and early 90's race bikes. Lance Armstrong's bike probably weighed 23lbs in 1994. Contrary to what has been said, Lance is very conservative about his bikes. He rides a 10 year old san marco saddle, non anatomic bars, and until this year, 10 year old shimano/look pedals. Shimano has designed a new larger platform pedal, basically at his request.
Yes, for those of you familiar with the 90's innovations, like STI/Ergo levers, dual pivot brakes, Columbus MAX, aero wheels, clipless pedals, all these made bikes heavy. Is this good or bad, I don't know.... But this is no longer true.
Yes, a GEL 280 and a record lowflange set is light, (hubs 240 front 325gr rear 600grams for rims 360gr for butted spokes = 1525 grams 3.9pounds, NO freewheel) but a Campagnolo Hyperion front wheel weighs 525grams and rear weighs 715 grams including a record ti 10sp cassette which weighs 156 grams for a total 1,396 grams or 3.44 pounds with 10 cogs, and they only come in tubular!!! Fact is more pro's rode tubulars in 2002 because of all the new "carbon rim" wheels then in a very long time. This is good!!
The fact that 'modern' race bikes weigh as much as 16 or 17 lbs is only because the UCI has a minimum weight limit. It's possible to build a 12 or 13 lb bike from parts that are readily available.
Does any of this matter? Choose for yourself...
Grant McLean