I think the question is typically asked by people who don't know too much about bikes. It is similar to the question one often gets at car shows: "how fast will it go?".
However, I have to confess I'm fairly interested in knowing how much each of my frames and bikes weighs, although I admit the issue is largely academic. Pretty much all of my bikes weigh between 20 and 22 lb, and I doubt that I can really notice a difference of one or two pounds out of a total rider/bike weight of about 180 lb. It definitely seems to me that the lighter bikes feel livelier - they really spring forward when you accelerate - but I suspect this is because they are generally the ones with thinner tubing and/or lighter wheels, and they have a bit more flex. My 22 lb bikes are typically SP or similar weight tubing, and they feel slightly dead by comparison (57 cm). Still nice, but not quite as "springy". I realize this is a matter of preference - a more powerful rider might prefer the stiffer frame.
My lightest bike is a mid-90s lugged Coppi with Genius tubing and mostly 70s components selected for lightness. It weighs 18.3 lb, but to be honest I don't ride it too much because I find it a bit too stiff and short. Too punishing on bumpy roads and too nervous in the handling. It does feel very nice when climbing though, probably for the stiffness as much as the lightness.
Brian Samson Vancouver, BC, Canada
On 1-Jul-08, at 3:05 PM, Doug Smith wrote:
> During a conversation the other day the subject of bike weight arose .
> I've often wondered why when someone viewing my bike/s tends to
> pick it up and pose the question , how much does it weigh.