Comments below: In a message dated 7/1/02 9:30:51 PM, bill_bryant@prodigy.net writes:
<< on 7/1/02 5:41 PM, David Feldman at feldmanbike@yahoo.com wrote:
> I'm less inclined to be a weight skeptic regarding
> these bikes when considering the extra bulk in a lot
> of modern components; think of STI controls, dual
> pivot brakes, 30mm deep aero rims--and still most
> contemporary steel race bikes are under 20 lbs.
Agreed...
Or at least they aren't much above 20 lbs. ;-)
> I don't have much trouble believing a 16 lb trials
> rando bike.
>
But with racks, fenders, bags, lights, and other stuff, too?
I worked on a few 16-17 lb steel-framed "climbing" bikes for small/lightweight riders during the mid-1970s (KL frame tubes, 10 speeds on 5 alloy rear cogs, drilled dropouts and cut-out lugs, bored out or drilled seat posts, lightest sew-up rims, 28 spokes, shaved saddles, Ti axles, wimpy Weinmann 500 sidepull brakes, etc). Those bikes were reasonably reliable and not *too* lethal on fast, twisty mountain descents for a skilled rider. So, it can be done... but adding on all that other touring equipment is what makes me skeptical about the French bikes in question.
Bill Bryant Santa Cruz, CA >>
Hello,
I have similar experience to Bill on lightweight bikes above. However I am very skeptical of a 16 Lb weight even on a small frame but on the parts.
That said, My Rene Herse fenders and racks as big as there are, seem to weight nothing. The small front carrier is almost the same as a bottle cage!
I read somewhere the weights may have been calculated without wheels there by allowing (this is my speculation) taking out an extreme variable. A heavy rider with heavy reliable wheels could therefore score points(?) against a small rider who could naturally get away with lighter equipment to even the playing field.
On a related classic note (timeframe 1980ish) I have seen a picture in Tony Hadlands (author of the Sturmey Archer Story), Spaceframe Moulton book of a Reynolds touring frame with wheels and mudguards being weighed side by side with a spaceframe Moulton with it's wee little wheels, Reynolds 531 frame and wee little mudguards. They weighed the same but the Moulton had a virtually maintenance free full suspension and frame that separated into section in a few seconds for instant transport.
Also on a related note; but about slightly more modern materials, I brought some stainless steel carriers constructed by the Moulton factory to the cirque I showed around compared to older Reynold 531 carries built in the early 80's. They are constructed in almost a French style (Moo---tan) with graceful curves and fillet brazed with silver for a stunning almost chrome appearance. Oh yes the weight, a carrier platform 14 x say 22 inches seems to weigh about as much as an old steel bottle cage; amazing.
What are Jan's thoughts on the wheel included thing?
Gilbert Anderson
The North Road Bicycle Company
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