[CR]Spec Weight vs. Reality

(Example: Production Builders:Frejus)

From: "P.C. Kohler" <kohl57@starpower.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <20050130071359.3645.qmail@web30510.mail.mud.yahoo.com> <003001c506c8$e0ababa0$0100000a@home> <006501c506dc$18799480$c75f0e44@ownerejujeippx>
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 10:54:11 -0500
Subject: [CR]Spec Weight vs. Reality

What relation to reality do spec weights (those quoted in the brochure) assume? And how are they usually determined? I presume with some arbitrary frame size.

My '75 Raleigh Team Pro is finally "done" (well mostly) with a new 32-hole Mavic Monthlery Legere wheelset with Campy l/f hubs, Veloflex Criterium tyres, the correct Super Record derailleur, seatpost, headset etc. Everything in the '74-75 brochure except the titanium bottom bracket axle. So pretty much "spec". 59 cm frame so "average" size. Or is it?

She weighs exactly 22 lbs. The specs say 20. Is this about average or do you guys have better things to do on cold, snowy days than to weigh your bikes and sweat such things? 20 lbs. is the spec weight, by the way, for the Raleigh Pro Mark IV of the same year.

Then again, my pocketbook has been so much lightened doing all of this (ever get the feeling you actually just bought a frameset instead of a complete bike?), maybe the extra two pounds can come from that???

Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA