Need to lower bike weight, collecting thoughts, advice.....

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eyedrop
Posts: 107
Joined: Wed Jan 27, 2016 5:33 am
Location: Prescott, AZ

by eyedrop

I ride/race a 1999 Trek 2000T 47cm that weighs 9.16kg (20.2 lbs) with pedals. With loaded saddle bag, full bottle, and computer it weighs like 24lbs!

I realize this is a pretty low end bike, but I really like the geometry of the frame and love having a triple. The hills around here can be very steep, and I train and race on the same bike and prefer having bailout gears and being good to go on recovery days...

Also, I love the old school style of quill stems and alloy frames with horizontal top tubes.... Do you think I can make it reasonably competitive for racing against modern carbon bikes? I know its mostly about the engine, not the bike. But I would still like to be on a race worthy bike.

It has a complete, excellent condition RSX groupset with triple cranks, a great condition 650c Felt TTR2 wheelset with Powertap 2.4 hub, Vittoria Open Corsa CX tires, XTR PD-M980 pedals, and an ISM Adamo Century saddle (which im keeping).

I just ordered a Bontrager Race Flat Top handlebar, because I dont like the stock bars. I havent put them on yet, Im waiting to see my fitter about getting a proper sized quill stem (that isnt ugly!)...

I am sort of stuck figuring out where to shave weight. The Powertap hub is very heavy, and even a super expensive wheelset with my Powertap is still going to be around 1500gr, so Im not sure if its worth it over my current 1750gr set. If I do upgrade the wheels, Im thinking of getting a 38mm eBay Chinese carbon set which is reasonably priced and a complete build would be around 1550gr, and be more aero than my current wheels....

I also have been looking at possibly upgrading the groupset to a Dura Ace 7703 triple. Some questions I have are whether the FC-7703 will fit in my bottom bracket (Shimano BB-LP27, 68 x 118), and whether it will work using an 8 speed chain... Im also unsure if my RSX 8 speed shifters will work with the 7703 front and rear GS derailleur using an 8 speed cassette...

Or should I just nickel and dime it with things like a lightweight stem, seat post, skewers, lighter pedals, light chain, etc? Im only looking to get it to a reasonable weight for racing for a reasonable cost...

Sorry if Im rambling, but I just don't know where to start :oops: ....

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rpenmanparker
Posts: 216
Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2010 1:47 pm

by rpenmanparker

With all due respect that is not a bike suitable for you to invest money in for the purpose of lightening. Also your present choices are inconsistent with lightening the bike. If you seriously want a lighter bike, buy a complete new one. A compact double crank is likely the best you can do for lower gears. Similar ride feel should not be hard to come by with a little test riding effort. Or just enjoy the current bike as is. IMO it doesn't really support any investment.
Robert

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Stolichnaya
Posts: 2621
Joined: Wed Oct 06, 2004 6:55 pm
Location: Vienna, AUT

by Stolichnaya

I agree on saving your parts budget on this bike and simply getting a new bike. You will be amazed at the difference of a more modern bike, shifting, ride quality, etc.
Plus, there are some frames in that size that will be able to build around a 700c wheelset and allow you better choice of tires, rims, etc.
Keep this one as a back up bike or sell it to fund something more current.

AJS914
Posts: 5392
Joined: Tue Jan 28, 2014 6:52 pm

by AJS914

One thing you could do that is practically free is lighten up that saddle pack. Actually, you might want to buy a smaller one as yours is gigantic. I carry one tube, one tire lever, a light multi-tool, patch kit, and a couple of stick on patches as emergency backups. Plus I have money and a cell phone.

Some relatively inexpensive stuff (or stuff that could also be used on another bike) are lightweight road pedals and shoes, seatpost, saddle, bars, and stem. Road pedals/shoes could potentially save a pound over the mountain gear.

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