My choice to use a ’15 Supersix EVO (52cm non-hi mod) revolves around my preference for the conventional geometry, along with the relatively light components and overall inexpensive base costs. While the spec’d SRAM Red represents a departure from my Dura Ace habits, it tips the scales more favorably. And this still allows for parts sharing with the Shimano-equipped rides in my stable. Not accustomed to the double-tap feature just yet – how many times will torqueing on the brake levers teach me? - but the system shifts very well. Not impressed with the brakeset, so might swap later for the heavier DA9000 or take the plunge with EE brakes.
Starting with a stock ’15 with less than 200 miles weighing in at 7.36kg including pedals, my aim was to quickly bring it under 6kg by employing various weightweenies techniques. From start to finish, I accomplished this in less than three weeks. After snagging this pristine donor bike from craigslist, it took only a few hours of research to map out an approach. (Definitely not a no-expense-barred strategy here, as it became apparent that another $2k spending on top of the below parts would have resulted in a further 600g savings!)
Wheels: the stock Mavic WTS Pro’s with Mavic’s 25c tires and skewers tallied 2,460g. Always wanted Campagnolo Bora tubulars, so found a new pair from Planet Cyclery for around $1,400. These weigh in at 1,610g with Veloflex Record tires (80g’s each below their Criterium model, but I needed to use these wear-out-fast Records bought four years ago!) and ¬¬¬¬L&S skewers. Some good layers of glue will add another 50g or so. Let’s call the final weight 1,680g. Already 780g savings! It made my wallet much lighter, too.
Crankset, including spindle: the stock Cannondale Hollowgram SiS2 bb30 including spindle and FSA 52/36 rings contributed 680g, while the eBay SRAM Red 50/34 weighs a measly 525g. Nice savings grams-wise, but at a cost of $350.
Saddle: from Fizik Arione 230g to Berk carbon 95g. Lay out another $190. Berk took the most time to deliver, so they delayed completion beyond my father’s day goal.
Post: from stock C1 Cannondale 235g to a Gelu carbon at 130g. ChaChing for $180 to our friends at Fair Wheel.
Stem: swap stock 100mm Cannondale C2 at 130g to the popular Kalloy Uno 120mm at 105g with titanium bolts. Only $60 from Fair Wheel.
Bars: stock C2’s at 290g to a ControlTech carbon 42mm at 180g. Becoming best friends with Fair Wheel after spending the $268. Jason runs a nice outfit there. Fast shipping and good customer service.
Cassette: SRAM sneaks the heavier 280g Force level PG-1170 11-28 on the original Red build, prompting me to buy the Red level XG-1190 in 11-28 with its 170g heft. No brainer, but it cost me $180 at Ribble.
Besides foregoing the 120g Campy Record skewers for the 40g L&S pair included in my wheelset tally above, I found a few other light touches: Wilson tennis racket tape (only $5 on Amazon.) at approx. 60g. or 40g savings from stock brand, plastic cheapo bar end plugs save 60g from plugs on stock bike, same for stem top plug with titanium bolt and aluminum expander saves 80g ($15 eBay), and some $70 Aican brake housing (Fair Wheel again) for a 50g savings. Needed a couple water bottle cages and went with my preferred bendable Blackburn stainless steel at a total of 82g’s on Amazon for $35 shipped. The stem mounted iPhone Quadlock weighs 40g and cost $30 (already own the phone case). Finally made a last-minute switch with the DA 7800 pedals for some new 9000’s in my stash to save 30g (cost me only $130 a couple years ago).
Final tallies of $5,200 and 5.86kg (under 13lbs). I plan to sell the old components on eBay to recoup close to $500. Will keep those sweet Campagnolo skewers in my parts bin, however.
Certainly more reduction opportunities exist. Likely targets include the headset, bottom bracket, and assorted nut$ and bolt$.
Took me awhile to figure out how to add photos.
Still messing with the steerer length and stem positioning.
Took this photo before removing the taillight mount and the valve extenders. These knocked off about 40 grams.
Couple more pics below.
Used a couple estimates in places where I failed to weigh the stock component.
