I believe that the newer tubing is about a pound lighter than the older light steel tubing sets. The way that they get the build up of the 953 tubing to have such a low final weight is not just because the 953 is inherently lighter but also because you save about a pound ( I am told) using the threadless headsets of the newer design. Take the initial weight of a light older steel bike .. 20 lbs. Deduct one pound for the newer steel tubing ... deduct one pound for the threadless headset ..... deduct one pound because the new bikes are quoted without the pedals (deceptive practice) .... deduct a half pound for a rediculously light new style saddle and you have a total of 16.5 pounds. If you then quote the weight of the 52 cm bike instead of the 54 add in a little mendacity and wishful thinking and there's your 15.5 pound final bike. Personally I can't feel the difference in two or three pounds once I'm on the road. That said, I'm sure some of the newest KOF bikes will be made of 953, and why not?
Garth Libre in Miami Fl USA