I have allways had a theory that,if I can lift it,I can ride it!!! Never really paid much as to the weight, moore interested in the specs, angles wheelbase,rear triangle, size etc, I do know that my 1951 Bates BAR with 531 Cantifelx etc, seemed to be the lightest of my vintage frames, BUT then my 1950s?? Italian Vittoria is the heavy one, BUT built up it rides as good is NOTbetter that all the others including the Bates!!! So my advice is dont pay to much attention to the weight, My 1938-39 Claud Butler Catalouge shows the DH Champmodel track bike with BSA equip and sprints at from 18lbs complete bike, a Tour D'Angeleterre with full equip and gears at 23lbs, This is prewar!!! my 1937 Intl path is about 19lbs with BSA and sprints, Now to what I call EYE CANDY the fancy schamcy lugs chrome etc, is this not just marketing?? as several have pointed out, another way to attract buyers, same I think,is partly true in the Curly stays and Gate, twin tubes, Cantiflex etc, EYE CANDY you like the look that is different, you buy it, Chuck is right different strokes for different folks, what appeals to YOU what is important to YOU, RIDE EM !!! thats the key, Cheers John Crump Oldbrit, Parker Co USA