No, this will not be about some sub 5kg bike, or even sub 6kg, but "only" sub 7kg. In fact, not even sub 7kg right now, but my goal is to get there. The main reasons will be mentioned a little later.
And I have to apologize in advance, since English is not my native language, so there will be some strange sentences, for sure.
Last summer unplannedly I came across on very good offer: 2 years old, well preserved GHOST Nivolet EBS for $1200. RRP price was $3000. First of all, I must say, I have not seen any "Ghost" presented on this site. So, this may be first one
And contrary to the present trend (matte black) this one is glossy white. That's why, somehow, I like it even more
Now it looks like this and currently bike weighting 7254g.
And one from short ride month ago, with Michelin Lithion2 tires. To me, looks better that way, I must say
Some measures will be approximate with very small deviations, because I do not intend now to disassemble the bike right up to the smallest screw to get everything on to scale. Ultegra groupset components weight has mainly been taken from Internet, as well as frame/fork weight (black bold). It may be couple of grams up or down, but nothing significant. Only on few components (red) can be slightly larger deviations. Everything else (blue bold) is personally measured.
As I said, my goal is to lower it just under 7kg. That wouldn't be a general problem, but there are a few limitations I do not intend to cross. After that would be very nice to go below UCI limit (and became true weight weenie
), although these 200 grams could be "very expensive 200g". We'll see about that.After all, this is in fact a budget weight saving project. I will swap some parts where I can get some significant weight saving (for not so crazy money), but I will not swap, for example, all Ultegra parts for Dura Ace or Sram Red. That would not make sense.
So, limitations …
1. No tubulars
I don't wanna to start messing with them now, when I haven't for 30 years. I have nothing against them just ... I don't want to go there.
2. No deep rims
Yeah, with good looking 50mm rims almost every bike looks much better. But I think cross wind would be a real problem for me and on some roads that I ride - real danger (traffic with lots of trucks, buses ... long vehicles and not so wide road). Up to 30mm is fine … so, only shallow rims, please.
3. Only SPD pedals (cleats)
This may sound odd but ...
I want to be able to walk normally in cycling shoes. I have been using the SPD for the last 20 years and although it may be similar options out there (in terms of "normal" walking), I think they are either a lot expensive or ... maybe not even there.
In Shimano price range found only Ritchey Micro WCS Pedals (considerably lighter), but I gave up on them because the reviews were mostly "while they last they working well, but they do not last long".
4. I want a functional, silent and low maintenance bike for daily use. I'm not racing, riding is just for pleasure. Of course I'm not just crusing around, I ride fastest I could, but enjoyment of ride is first factor. So, few grams up to add durability, confort and less time consuming is permittable. Sorry!
That for example means ...
- no latex tubes (for 50g saving I don't want to pump tires every day - for as I heard it is the case)
- no super light/thin tyres (I don't want to save 50-60g only to add resonable risk of frequent punctures)
- no super light and slim brake/shifting cables that will quickly strech and like
- no too thin handlebar tape that will not provide the appropriate comfort.
- It must be few things more, but can't remember right now
Now I have TRP R970SL brakes on the way, so that would be some 110g down, and cca. 7150g in total.
Since this is "budget weight s(h)aving" (and with the mentioned limitations) there are only few places left where I can take down a few dozen grams, while not spending too much.
Obviously, the wheels, but I really like those Mavic Ksyrium Elite S and they are not too heavy. But if I want to go sub 6.8, I will have to change them. For sub 7kg ... maybe not.
Other places ...
Housing and cables might be first place.
Handlebar, maybe some but not too much, so I doubt - we will see ... and that is it.
Cassette will probably be replaced at the end of next year, it's not that old yet. That would be 50g down with (probably) Dura Ace.
So, I would really appreciate any suggestion for some quality light wheelset. Let's say that budget is cca. $1000 and for that I expect cca. 200g lighter wheelset. But please bear in mind, I really wouldn't like to end up with wheelset that's worse than the current Mavics. I really don't have any complaint on them, only want something lighter.
I see some Tune TSR 30, 22 to fit the budget. Maybe even Skyline RR at some extra cost. Any thoughts on them?
Although, doesn't have to be Mavic - Ksyrium Elite S came with a bike, that's all. But, as I said, I have no objections, so I have nothing against continuing with Mavic either. 
... is very far from that. For half of that price I would think about it. 
