Bike weight vs Total weight (rider/bike/gear)

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2010-03-27 4:44 PM


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Subject: Bike weight vs Total weight (rider/bike/gear)
It always seems most anything in any type of racing comes down to weight.  I hear everyone always wanting to save a few grams on this or that etc.

So I guess my question is for those with the knowledge/experience/tools.

Bike A - weight 25lbs
Bike B - weight 20lbs

if all the power output from the riders are equal and on the exact same bikes with components, in EXACT same conditions. If rider on bike A was 5lbs lighter would their times be the same?

Im a big guy.... way bigger than I hope to be when I start getting really serious. Im looking at my first real bike for this venture. I of course keep looking at the weights etc. I have 75 more lbs to lose - what do I care if the bike is 2lbs heavier than the other. Way cheaper for me to lose the 2 lbs.

but was wondering if there is something to be said about the weight of the bike in all of this.

2010-03-27 5:17 PM
in reply to: #2752621

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Bike weight vs Total weight (rider/bike/gear)
No difference - gravity doesn't care whether the weight is on the wheels, frame or rider.

Shane
2010-03-27 6:42 PM
in reply to: #2752621


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Subject: RE: Bike weight vs Total weight (rider/bike/gear)
I really didnt think so. Im sure there is a slight difference with lighter crank, and rear wheel as those are being driven by human power.

I really shouldnt worry about 2-3lbs then....LOL  I pretty much figured it
2010-03-27 7:24 PM
in reply to: #2752621

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Subject: RE: Bike weight vs Total weight (rider/bike/gear)

A wise coach once told me it's cheaper to lose 5 lbs of myself than buy a 5lb reduction on my bike.  Work on the motor, deal with the suspension later.  Wink

Follow that and you will be great!  Have a great season.



H.

2010-03-27 11:12 PM
in reply to: #2752621

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Subject: RE: Bike weight vs Total weight (rider/bike/gear)
I dont think a couple pounds would make a difference, but 10 pounds does, IMO. 
Doesn't change the amount of weight your pushing up a hill (as in the OP'ers example), but I deffinately feel more nimble on my race bike due to the lower weight. of course, you would need multiple bikes and have some decent time on each to realize the difference. 
2010-03-27 11:52 PM
in reply to: #2752621

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Subject: RE: Bike weight vs Total weight (rider/bike/gear)
Wheel weight will have an effect on acceleration due to angular momentum of the wheels.  Since there is little acceleration in a triathlon it should have very little effect.

2010-03-28 8:05 AM
in reply to: #2752621

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Bike weight vs Total weight (rider/bike/gear)
Really not much of a difference at all... if rider A and B would be the same person, then being slightly lighter might have a performance advantage (assuming better fitness).

In general, the closer to the ground the weight and non-rotating weight is better then rotating weight or weight up top.
2010-03-28 1:51 PM
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2010-03-28 1:57 PM
in reply to: #2752621

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Subject: RE: Bike weight vs Total weight (rider/bike/gear)
To really complicate the discussion - Wouldn't a lighter rider also be more likely to have a smaller hole to punch through the air, making it likely that they would have less air resistance to overcome?
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