Rizal Philippines
January 18, 2018
frames are lighter than carbon.
Parts that make most impact on weight;
After being in the bikers world for more than a decade, more or less I now know how to have a lighter bike. Some measures are cost effective. Some are not. The biggest weight contributors, they more or less make up 25% of the bike weight are:
1. Frame and fork - from 1.5 kg to 2.5 kg
2. Group set: from 2.00 to 3 kg
3. Wheel set from 1.3 to 2 kg+
With regards to other parts: stem, head set, bars, gains can be minimal. So for you to aspire for lighter bike, think again....
1. Frame and fork:
Alum frame + alum fork 1.4 kg say Mosso and fork .5 = 1.9 kg
Alum frame + carbon fork 1.4 kg say Mosso and carbon fork .4 = 1.8 kg
1.1 kg say CAD 12 and carbon fork .280 = 1.380 kg
With the new CAAD12, Cannondale seems to be throwing down the gauntlet to the competition in high-grade alloy. The numbers are compelling: the frame weighs just 1098g, which is 52g lighter than the CAAD10, while the fork – based on Cannondale's new EVO design – weighs a mere 300g. More expensive CAAD12 models get the HM fork, a scarily light 280g.
Carbon frame + carbon fork 1.1 kg + .4 kg = 1.5 kg
Superlite carbon frame + carbon fork 900 gms. + 400 kg = 1.3 kg
Take note:
1. That carbon is not necessarily lighter or sturdier; some alum are lighter than carbon and lasts longer and dont disintegrate on impact. Such is the strength of brands like Cannondale. Alum frame that is lighter than carbon
2. Carbon fork gain is limited to only 100 grams. It has something to do with the steerer
2. Wheel set:
Generic wheel set local - 2.2 kg
RS 10 - 1.845
RS 11 - 1.750
Fulcrum 7 - 1.845
Fulcrum Quattro 350 mm - 1,700
Zipp - 1,300
Campagnolo Bora 2 - 1,300
1. Most of the entry level wheel set are from 1.8 kg to 2.2 kg. The 1.5 kg weight is in the territory of carbon fiber.
2. Sometimes the wheel sets are heavier for being aero say 500 mm. But experts say that at 35 to 40 kph aero counts. Being slick can save you up to 50 watts of power and that means a lot in racing. Weight give you momentum and inertia to move forward. For a 200 grams difference the price difference is staggering P30 up to 150t. Only millionaires and riders with sponsors can afford it.
3. Group sets:
at mere 2,000 grams same as Campy Rekord and SRAM red
The lightest group sets are SRAM red, Campagnolo Rekord and Durace. Around 2.000 kg total weight
SRAM and Campy would cost just about even P120 to P130t (may nagbebenta sa Toyota Shaw P80t only paluugi) at sa Sabak P30t only for SRAM red)
Ultegra 6800 and 8000 weigh about 2,550 grams, 6800 is sells for P17 k, 8000 for P30k
Shimano 105 is 2,700 grams is availablefor P13,000 only. For 4,000 difference the difference in weight is 200 grams. Ultegra 6800 is value for money and is slightly lighter than 8000 GS.
The value for money:
1. Cannondale frame say CAAD 10 to 12 with carbon frame
2. GS Ultegra 6800
3. Wheelset - fulcrum quattro (lalabas daw si Christy ng tig P15,000 soon)
