Madone 4.5

[petergabriel]

Hi everyone, first time here. I bought a 2013 trek madone 4.5 c, it currently weighs in at 17.6 lbs, How can I drop it down to around 14.9 (or more )?

everything is stock

Thank you

[campbellrae]

Start in the usual places:

Wheels - These are quite heavy at 1720g claimed, you could save over 500g with a cheapish set of carbon tubs. 300-400g in the wheels but also some more in the tyre/lack of tube combo.

Seatpost/Saddle/Stem/Bar - Could be 200-300g here at least.

That usually gets you down at least a pound, then you are on to things like the groupset, the cranks will weigh nearly 950g including BB if it is 105 level(I think it is), so you could save a lot there depending on what you went with, maybe 250-300g. Then you are looking at smaller gains, things like Planet X CNC brakes can save another 100g or so.

That should start you off! I would normally upgrade the wheels as a start, I think the general consensus is that they can make the most immediately noticeable difference.

[petergabriel]

given the choice between a wheelset ec70sl or ec 90 slx which would be more beneficial?

[campbellrae]

Hmm, I'm not a fan of Easton wheels, their hubs have a poor reliability record. But plenty of people have had great experiences, so I guess like most of these thing it comes down to luck!

Between those 2, it will depend on the type of riding you do. It there are lots of hills, then the EC90 SLX's, if it's flatter, then the EC70's. The EC90's are much lighter as well Out of the 2, I would have gone with the EC90 SLX. Although if they are tubulars make sure that you are comfortable with all of the associated changes they entail.

[petergabriel]

Oops, I meant EA90 slx or EC70 SL

[campbellrae]

The advantages and disadvantages are still fairly similar, with the 90's being lighter and the 70's more aero. I would probably go for the 90's, the 70's don't offer much benefit in terms of weight over what you currently have.

[petergabriel]

weight now down to 16 lbs 15 oz

upgraded with:
ultegra 6700 cassette
dura ace chain
ultegra 6750 crankset
ec70 aero handelbars
ea 90 slx

is there anythin else I can do???

[LocoDuck]

Post a picture?