Does Weight Actually Matter?

Testing the affect of weight on flat, gradual, and steep terrain. Then discussing the importance it has on race day.
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[@whatwelearned]

People with deep pockets: Yes, it does, let me buy that 8k Venge Me, poor: Yes, it does, let me skip 12 meals in a row

[@mjschust]

Edward Coupe plus the more meals you skip the more expensive bike you can afford!

[@LorenScott69]

Exactly! I saw your comment after writing my own other comment, which kind of expressed the same view. Cheaper to just lose your own weight than to buy a lighter bike!

[@okreidieh]

what the hell you eating dude? 8k from 12 meals? More like 1000 of mine !

[@mihpop9733]

Me, also poor: just cries internally

[@spinspinbaby1531]

Me fat&broke: whatever!

[@tobiaslevring2058]

I love how you keep it short. Try making one on clothes

[@NorCalCycling]

I think it would be cool to try a test with relatively loose fitting "club fit" kit with a modern race cut. maybe throw in shoe covers and see what benefit a couple hundred bucks can buy you. I just wish I didn't give away/trash all my old club fit jerseys!

[@jocamero]

@@NorCalCycling Specialized did some neat wind tunnel tests to see if shaved legs are faster: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eovRo3hnbK-aaas

[@Mrvoodoochild1]

@@NorCalCycling GCN already did a video on this. It's estimated that you save as much as 10-15 watts using a full skin suit vs a regular loose fitting kit.

[@isaiahhudson3729]

@@Mrvoodoochild1 I love GCN, but their tests are about as suspect and sponsored as it gets.

[@rileybridges7080]

I’ve always wondered what the aerodynamic differences are between a $300 skin suit and a cheap but tight fitting jersey

[@BWT599]

All I know is that I put my true weight on Zwift, 241 pounds (109 kg) and everyone including runners pass me in Zwift :(

[@Lastchance2030]

that is so freaking funny...sorry I read it 2 years later.....Buahahahahaha🤣

[@BWT599]

@@Lastchance2030 lol 😆

[@cryptotarragon4892]

@@BWT599 did u lose weight and improve over the 2 years?

[@BWT599]

@Crypto Tarragon I lost 40 pounds in 2 months on Keto last summer. I then stopped keto around mid summer due to intense camping in a tent at my kids' motocross race weekends. The heat wore me out big time and I couldn't let my kid's food go to waste as we could only bring so much for 3 days. Slowly I began gaining weight back, but I started coaching my kid's hockey and playing with other adults in a league. Everything was going great until I got a severe infection in the area where you sit on a bike. I had to get emergency surgery to cut open the largest abscess the hospital had seen in that area of the body. Recovery was 3 months, every day at a nurse's clinic to pack the wound and then I got infected again, this time on my elbow and my lower back. Ended up gaining about 50 pounds back, but I lost 10 pounds from the heat of walking at my kids' motocross races. I also cleared out all my regular shoes and got into barefoot shoes/boots. Gonna start running in barefoot shoes beginning in August when I get cleared to ride my MTB again.

[@cryptotarragon4892]

@@BWT599 funny enough last summer i also lost around 30-35 pounds on keto in 3 months but then i gained everything back, now going to gym myself and restarting keto as when i lost weight i also lost muscle and looked like a skeleton. im 105kg aswell at the moment, good luck!

[@RileyDao]

here’s how I see it: If you’re good enough for it to matter, chances are you’ll be sponsored and so the price won’t matter.

[@philipmeisterl]

Riley Dao thats smart thing about it i would add if you habe cash laying around or make like a bunch of it just buy the nice bike you want

[@kitten-inside]

Also, if your job pays enough per hour, high end bicycle prices are not a concern. That's the dentist way.

[@NormalGuy]

@@kitten-inside less stress on the studs as it hangs on the wall for 4 years

[@amarmangaonkar7682]

@@NormalGuy hey I dont mind. I can buy that from him for half the price.

[@chadgregory9037]

Damn, i need to get sponsored

[@elvarorn76]

Since I'm one of the bigger cyclist now at 89kg and once much heavier, I have all the data and experience with weight and how much time I safe on the climbs. Doing the same climbs in Tenerife, Kanarí and calpe year after year I have found that loosing 4 kg of bodyfat I save just over a minute for a 20min 5-6% climb. I have also found that being lighter I can save more energy, less recovery and less fatique. I'm shit at criterium and bendy road races since I have to go over 1000w out of every turn. My 2020 goal is 86kg, getting personal Best on every segemnts and maybe try out some griterium here in Iceland.

[@MichaelGuzzo]

welcome to triathlon. where you spend hundreds to save weight on your equipment then carry a gallon of water with you.

[@Hardcaslte]

This just confirms that at 6'3" and 200lbs I'm happy I have no aspirations to do any races.

[@norcalchrismeister]

I'm 6'3" 240 bro so I also won't be racing anytime soon lol

[@rileypoirier6060]

I’m 6’3 and 285lbs. I average 27-28km/hr on my 20-50km rides.

[@Turbo329]

You'd be proud of me Jeff. Hahaha I knocked 3 minutes off of a 10 mile stretch in my neighborhood just by holding the aero-hoods position and losing 15lbs over the last 8 weeks.

[@JesseDishner]

Well done!

[@danieliroh]

Congrats man!

[@patrickmurray8886]

How many miles a week were you averaging? Did you make any big changes to your diet? I’m currently trying to lose weight through cycling.

[@Turbo329]

@@JesseDishner Thanks Jesse

[@Turbo329]

@@danieliroh Thanks Daniel

[@chemistry9942]

the next vid "DOES SIZE MATTER"

[@benjaminwolf9801]

Always get a proper fit to prevent telescope worth of spacers.

[@aerojetrocketdyners-2538]

@@benjaminwolf9801 *cries in giant propel MAMIL version*

[@BWT599]

Lol

[@aarondcmedia9585]

2.5% doesn't sound like much on a single, 1km /100m elevation hill, but it adds up if your ride is 1000+ m elevation.

[@ernie12man]

Or it's a multi-day race, hard-ass group-ride weekend etc.... compound fatigue you're either getting more or you're gettin' a break from some weight savings. I'm definitely not in the weight-weanie club, but when you can save some on durable parts and wheels, and if you can afford it, it's worth it. But not for un-obtanium super-bling new car prices :) . It's nice not to ride bikes too weighted down.

[@filipbronola536]

That, or just work on increasing your ftp by 2.5%. let's face it, most of us watching are not at our absolute peak performance, so there's always strength to gain :)

[@shelby4225]

@@filipbronola536 Why not do both?

[@shelby4225]

Now someone is thinking. It's on a long ride when you really feel the benefits.

[@mitchellsteindler]

No need to do any testing for acceleration vs weight. It's just f=ma, as you've said. 150lb takes 3% more energy to accelerate than 145lb. However, as you accelerate, the drag increases. So if the goal is to accelerate the the same speed, not only will it take more energy to accelerate the extra weight, but also more energy to due to the extra time you'll spend in the wind while accelerating up to speed!

[@joemewes1811]

yup. @NorCal Cycling increased weight would give you a gain in coasting (momentum) though once you're up to speed. p = mv. ...I miss my Physics classes! :(

[@sozzen666]

However you also burn 3% less of a match each acceleration. For argument sake lets say 100 corners followed by an acceleration at the end of the race id assume the person who saved the 3% each time would be more fresh for a sprint.

[@Jeppelelle]

Damn, did i calculate this correctly: I weigh 110kg, my target weight is 75kg, so currently it takes me 68% more effort to push my fat ass up a hill compared to my target weight? 68% seems a tad to high? Did i reverse the percentage; should it be 32% more effort?

[@polochbabaaient2223]

@@Jeppelelle it take you 45kg more to get uphill, these calculs are bullshit

[@elliotpollard9083]

@@Jeppelelle Assume a 10 kg bike... 85 kg is 71% of 120 kg. 120 kg is 141% of 85 kg. It takes you 41% more power to get up a hill or accelerate out of a corner.

[@Nicoya]

No joke I once passed out on the side of the road half way up Redwood Gulch. I was rolling along pushing hard, then another cyclist came past me just a little quicker and I was like “I wonder if I can hang onto his wheel”. The answer was “no, I absolutely can’t” and so after a few minutes I backed off, a little too much, and long story short a gravel-covered ditch is a surprisingly cozy place to wake up from an unplanned nap.

[@njdad7766]

When you’ve lost all the weight on your body that you could possibly lose the only place you’re going to save some time is through spending that higher price. I would need to get down to 180 pounds or less to start worrying about saving weight on the bike. Last year I seen a great increase in speed with losing weight and changing my position. Saved about 30 pounds on the bike by losing weight. 🍻

[@Gijzzzzzzzzz]

How about increased frame stiffness at higher price? Maybe more important for heavier riders (like me)..

[@Nahhnope]

Nice job, man!

[@graphics_dev5918]

@@Gijzzzzzzzzz No, frame stiffness doesn't matter the way you think it does. It is a performance improvement, that is all. I will tell any rider who is overweight that a more forgiving steel frame will be much better than carbon or aluminum.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Steve, most recreational cyclists won't benefit from an aero bike. If you aren't racing, an aero bike is more of just a fashion statement. For most of us an endurance bike, or lightweight all arounder like an Emonda or TCR will work for pretty much all our needs. Even modern areo bikes aren't THAT stiff, they have engineered compliance into the frames now to improve ride quality, some have gone to great lengths to do that like the iso-link seat stays on the current version of the Madone.

[@BryenGraver]

@@mrvwbug4423 both you and Steve I think are generally right, but I think are missing what's being meant by an aero bike being "stiff." I think you both are referring to it being vertically stiff whereas what's being actually referenced is lateral stiffness. That's one of the most important differentiators of an entry level carbon bike to a high end one. Higher quality carbon allows for more specificity in weaves allowing you to get vertical compliance with stellar lateral stiffness. What Steve is getting at then makes more sense: that lateral strength exists as it does to help those with higher power outputs translate more of it to the road. It's a very real benefit. But to even realize that benefit (and it's value for the price tag), you need to actually be strong enough. Like, Cat2+ strong enough. Otherwise you're just riding a bike that would be just as efficient for $5k less. All the other aero and compliance factors built in are add-ons IMO as a side benefit of better carbon tech.

[@kevinhwang7448]

My favorite KZbinr. Not sure if I like these experiments more than race analysis. Both are thoughtful/Insightful. More please.

[@Timtimzi]

Cycling is the only sport where small and lightweight riders like myself have an advantage :) ... The other aspect is having the ownership mindset of a bike that would be enjoyable to ride and effectively get me out the house.

[@ClintDaligdig87]

timtimzi ni it depends, on a hill/climb course small and light has the advantage. On flat/straight courses heavier weight has the advantage.

[@aerojetrocketdyners-2538]

*laughs in track*

[@coolhandluke1978]

That was cool and really interesting. I think the time saved for the lighter bike was huge! Do that up a climb on a Grand tour and it’s minutes saved, huge time gaps. For the amateur, you may get to the end of a road race a little bit fresher, 2.50% quicker and I’d take that all day long!

[@brighta7815]

The reason I watched this video was cos as a cyclist I realise that I'm struggling.... I weigh about 253lbs, that's like 117/118kg... Trying to shed some weight but I find it difficult... I'm a body builder but then corona hit, gym closed.. so I started cycling.... Ever since then I haven't gone back to weight lifting again.... But I really need to know, how do I lose as much weight as possible in a space of 8-9weeks.... Cos moving fast on my bike is kinda hard.... I have other members of my crew moving fast but I still struggle... Few of them don't even have good bikes like mine.... But as you can see, it is what it is🤦🏾‍♂️.... Please HELP.... I need comments

[@enotracoon9244]

I would curious to see comparation between standard kit vs aero helm + aero jersey+aero bib shorts (not aero suit) at 35-40-45 km/h

[@MichaelPfuji]

For the acceleration tests, do 5 x 15 second sprints, along the same road. One time with the bottles and one time without. Look at the average change in speed between the two sets. That should at least give you an idea.

[@IraklyShanidze00X]

It will work well if you have a speed sensor. Relying on a bike computer GPS power may result in some surprises. Therefore using the distance traveled as a metric is a more robust test design.

[@calumramsaybrown]

"Emergency stop" after each 15sec ? With each starting from a standstill you should get a good difference (if there is one).

[@AndrewBlucher]

Good suggestions in the earlier comments. My thinking after reading them, using my physics training plus my cycling knowledge follows ... Find a course that has 5 tight corners in a reasonably short section of flat road, 1 to 1.5 km. A loop would be best so that the test can be longer. The corners limit your speed as you go through them. Enter the braking zone of the first corner at your target speed, say 40 kph, brake for the corner, accelerate back to your target speed as quickly as possible. Repeat for every corner. The important measurements are your total time for the course, and the total energy expended. The first is given by a stop watch, Strava, etc. The second will be available from your power meter software, or Strava. Of course we predict that with 5% extra weight you will be slower, *and* use more energy. The corners are important, because they act as a marker and speed control. you will of course have tested the course and know the fastest line through the corners, so it is important that they be tight.

[@BKNew2022]

I'm 210lbs. I want to see a video where you're climbing up Redwood Gulch with weighted vests. :)

[@mylesiswhite4122]

Only pros need to care about weight, they are skilled enough to not need disc brakes and when they weigh 60kg it does kinda matter. But average joe who weighs 80-100kg already has 5x the weight in their guts than a disc brake and they won’t be as skilled with braking so it would be better. Also no one is racing domestically or internationally and at a local level technique is the biggest improvement for speed.

[@RB-xv4si]

When you’re talking about professional racing (even domestic), 2.5% is a massive number.

[@CarbonRider1]

2.5%-3% is pretty good I think. Add that up over a long climbing ride or a long climb, it turns from seconds to minutes. It’s like going from 290w to 298-300w. I’d take that. Nice video

[@matt6740]

I’ve seen a bunch of video like this but you’re the only one I’ve seen to focus on consistent power output. Thanks for all the content!

[@treguard1982]

I'd be interested to see the difference in the BPM figures, perceived exertion, muscle fatigue for those stretches. I'd wonder if those differences would count even more over a 100 mile ride.

[@lmaofao9071]

i mean hes doing the same power so i wont expect a difference in bpm

[@jimmyhor78]

A better test would be full vs empty bottles instead of no bottles. The bottles themselves add some aero drag on the frame.

[@LorenScott69]

Very good video. I've said many times that, since I have a good 10 pounds of extra flab around my waist, it'd be far cheaper for me just to lose that weight (or even half of it) before spending money on a lighter bike. If and when I ever get as lean as I want to be and if I still need to go faster (and have the cash to burn), I'll look into upgrading to a lighter bike.

[@reiniervandyk596]

Love the videos. How about doing a slow roll start say at 5 kph and then accelerate to 50 kph for the 2 different weights. If you alternate the weight between each run, and do 10 of each a total of 20 you should be able to get some good indicative data.

[@stijnloos3669]

Doing 20 times 50 kph is kindoff crazy

[@reiniervandyk596]

Ok, 5 and 5, total 10 efforts.

[@Armenian]

Its all mental. How many hits can you repeatedly take and still be sharp as a knife with 1 to go. I used to own a full carbon bike and no longer see the value of owning a carbon road bike anymore. I train and race on a heavy Aluminum Allez Disc, I weigh 185lbs and I’m currently ranked as #14 Cat 3 in the State of Texas.

[@davidpuglia4813]

Great video, On the acceleration test how about trying a 250 meter sprint/acceleration flat terrain test with and without the weight. Maybe have someone pace you to 22 - 25ish mph and then sprint for 250 meters (typical track sprint length). Might be cool to see if there are any significan't differences.

[@8rk]

My bike went from 5.69kg to 7.1kg cause I switched to disc version of the same bike. At the same time I lost around 5kg off of my body. Getting PR's everywhere. Best of both worlds :D

[@petef15]

Discs are absolutely worth the extra weight imo.

[@Timtimzi]

That's insane. What's the bike?

[@8rk]

timtimzi ni s-works tarmac sl6 ultralight. i had a lot of trick parts on it. selle italia c-59, extralite rings, stem, caden tubular wheels, speedplay titanium versions etc. the disc version is completely stock and even has a duraace cranks instead of the sworks one so much heavier 😊

[@mylesiswhite4122]

Gurk E only pros need to care about weight, they are skilled enough to not need disc brakes and when they weigh 60kg it does kinda matter. But average joe who weighs 80-100kg already has 5x the weight in their guts than a disc brake and they won’t be as skilled with braking so it would be better. Also no one is racing domestically or internationally and at a local level technique is the biggest improvement for speed.

[@8rk]

Myles is White I weigh 63 kg’s. just cause I lost a bit of weight don’t assume I’m 80-100kg. Pros care about weight, sure. and minimum they can hit is 6.8kg. disc bikes of today can be 6.8kg no problem. Watch 2019 TdF stage 19. Watch Julian Alaphilippe descending on his discs versus rim brake pros and tell me it doesn’t matter.

[@robertwong2412]

So if you're fat, a lighter bike is just a self delusion of grandeur when you should be shedding more weight off your body.

[@josemisiego]

I was about to write a comment about that... That guy must weight around 170... I weigh 200 pounds. He should put 30 pounds on the bike and see how that goes

[@culinaryliterature]

Hey, really love your videos. I'm a big fan but still a noob to the sport. My request is from all the beginners right here, can you make a video discussing theory. I know that when i started watching your videos i didn't know what you meant by drafting and taking the best line. I think that a video targeted for beginners would be very beneficial. Thank you for the good work. Keep it up and hope we can see you again on the track. Peace.

[@bpetersson5024]

if you want to race, there are a number of really good videos on crit racing on utube but if you are more interested in longer road racing, join a local club. Track racing normally comes with intro classes..

[@Criscross292]

Really interesting. GCN did something similar last year with almost identical results. For me, I have a carbon road bike with 105, but upgraded the wheels to reduce 1lb.

[@Gijzzzzzzzzz]

2.5+% time improvement on 2.5% weight loss is a lot in my book (good correlation). would love the clothes test at higher speeds (Ie 400+ watts and see the speed delta riding same position)

[@dylankennedy8140]

Some thoughts on this - if weight matters accelerating then it makes sense that it also matter when decelerating. Lighter rides can leave it later as their weight is easier to stop - maybe disc brakes make this negligible?? I think weight also matters in wind. A lighter rider has to work proportionally harder to overcome head wind than a heavier rider. I don't know if there's a term for it but lighter riders also have a harder time on rough road surface - the bike isn't in contact with the road as much as it is for a heavier rider. This makes it harder to keep the power on. And lighter riders have to work harder on a descent. Less momentum and so have to push more power. A decent with a headwind is a light riders worst nightmare!

[@hpd_hero]

Kinda wish u had the bottles on all the time, just without water in them (for aero reasons). But im a nerd 😃 good video!

[@zanea6820]

should have done it with bottles first to see if fatigue play a role or not

[@NorCalCycling]

Power is absolute, doesn't care about fatigue

[@patrickmurray8886]

It makes sense. I imagine when I lose 25lbs I’ll be a much faster rider.

[@dantelobue]

Can you make a video on nutrition. Like fueling and recovery/race day and recovery days

[@darrengarvie8832]

Yes it does matter I have provided this I have put on 12kg the last 4 months and I can't get up hills as quickly lol

[@mitchellsteindler]

Some quick math comparing a 150lb rider vs 145lb rider accelerating from 0 with 1000w of power: after 10 seconds, v150=28.97 mph, v145=29.14 mph. However, the 145 rider has traveled a yard further in that 10 seconds! This takes into account aerodynamics and weight only. No rolling resistance increases.

[@thomasvmanning]

Not when the weight of your equipment is a small fraction of your system weight. Source 93 kilos.

[@NorCalCycling]

ya good point, i mention that about halfway through. biggest benefit of super light equipment is for super light individuals

[@wallacedavidg]

At 6'6" and 210 lbs. (198 cm and 94 kg) I understand that size and weight are huge when climbing. Having the best bike (i don't have it) is a factor but not as much as your frontal area and mass. I'm relatively new to road biking and bought the $2,000 Giant Defy Advanced1. It is full Ultegra and upgraded to carbon saddle, handlebars and wheels. I like the bike but I can tell the difference when riding a premium bike.

[@eteokles3]

Fixing the Swiftwick logo of the right sock will make you faster than anything you are going to do to your bike.

[@arnavchoudhury4453]

Stevens Canyon Rd. I ride there alot damn

[@danroberts007]

Same. I’ll be keeping his time in mind next time I hit the steep section. ;-)

[@user-ys6hl1uy1t]

Strap a 45# olympic plate on your back and see how fast you are.

[@mierzhen]

I'm just happy being able to ride on the road, with my Jamis Renegade S3

[@Tangyyyyyyy]

loving your videos, recently found your channel and have been addicted to them, i would love to see a video on comparing clipless shoes vs normal flat shoes as it would be interesting to see how you would perform on both hills and flat out sprints, thanks :)

[@mohammedchowdhury7714]

One thing you coldve done was keep the bottles in for the ligthweight test but make them empty. This is a small detail, but its best to keep eveyrhting as constant as possible. THe removal of the bottles affects aerodynamics a little.

[@matthewtidey6015]

I would love to see like hundred metre sprints or something with the same watts with the different weight . great vid

[@TheDidiwolf34]

I doubt it's feasable though, sprint watts seem extremely hard to control precisely enough (>1%) in order to have valid results

[@matthewtidey6015]

@@TheDidiwolf34 true would be difficult to do but still really interesting to see am attempt at it

[@lazyrider6918]

THIS video is proof of how a savvy sensible cyclist can piece together a bike that is a fraction of the price of the "Flagship" priced bike. You pitted it against the cheapest entry level bike when in years past, I was able to get Tour level frames at a steal on closeout. My Focus Cayo Evo which was ridden in Grand Tours with Ultegra DI2 was $2190 shipped to my door new in box from Jenson USA 5 years ago. Threw on a pair of quality Chinese 50mm wheels for a grand total of $2500 that with rim brakes is as light or lighter than today's $12k disc brake bikes. As I have been saying for many years and never heard before my saying it organically, "CYCLING IS THE NEW GOLF". This is the FIRST time in industry history that race bikes have added weight and doubled the price. Ridiculous.

[@MarkoPetejan]

OK, lets think about it for a moment. You take half of the acceleration and multiply by elapsed seconds squared to get distance meters (d=0.5*d*t*t). In free fall (say acceleration g=10m/ss) that would be for every second something like 5*1*1=5m, 5*2*2=20m, 5*3*3=45m, 5*4*4=80m, 5*5*5=125m, .... 5*60*60=18000m (after 1 minute assuming in vacuum, so no terminal velocity due to air resistance). So, the 2.5% difference gets multiplied by elapsed seconds squared for the distance. And it gets like 100% difference in 6.3 seconds. Am I doing this right? Seems that distance difference spreads like a virus. :-)

[@cypriano8763]

Ok man, first off my 2012 tcr advanced 2 (105) weighs 17lbs( 2500). The 2021 tcr sl pro disc (10000) weighs 15lbs. Thats a hell of a lot of cash for 2 pounds. You know dude you can i could easily loose 2 pounds, more like 10 lbs. Thats where the gains are at arent they for 99% of riders. SAVE YOUR MONEY, LOOSE SOME WEIGHT!

[@kargs5krun]

Weight matters.....always but in varying degrees pert to your ability, racing goals, where it's placed, etc. On you? Utmost. (can be "underweight" too) On bike? I'm thinking "bell-curve"distribution analysis is necessary depending on how much weight we're talking as well as distance (conditions) as you're putting out more watts over time/distance you're going to tire/fatigue. I'll leave the "where its placed" (on you or the bike) to the engineers of the cycling world. They've got equations i cannot fathom or "touch." What i do know is this, some reps/shop-peeps dis the "weight-weenie" discussion(s) with "doesn't matter" but I usually go significantly faster (say 1.5-2 Km/hr) on a significantly lighter aero bike (say, 4-5 lbs) in a 30-60 min, same route, test ride....dependent upon conditions (heat/wind/fatigue/etc.) . And..... Most Cycle racing regulatory bodies do have weight minimums, but NO maximums. Gee, I wonder why not maximums? 🤔😎

[@johnpenner1318]

2-1/2% ? So a race with a total of 2 hours of climbing would be about 3 minutes of saving per 4-1/2 lbs?? Is that right?

[@lauratatsch1066]

I’m enjoying the bike so far kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.

[@TenFalconsMusic]

Nutshell: Lose your doughnut gut and take a deuce before you ride and you'll save several Benjamins👍

[@Sniffowasabi]

Who would pay 10k dollars for a 2.5% performance? A Filipino. Though he doesn't know much about the 2.5%, 10k is a public image booster.

[@cuebj]

Very good. If you can afford the bike and the maintenance and parts replacement, why not spend whatever you can. I don't have the budget to go dream machines. On a largely flat route, that I'd do on a 2007 Canondale System 6 and first generation Specialized Tricross, I was surprised to find times were identical (agrees with your finding). Even 25% 1km climbs are most dependent on gear range - which modern 11, 12, 23 cog systems overcome. The biggest difference for my routes was on rough, poorly maintained, tarmac side roads through wooded areas. The ride comfort of the Canondale with 160 psi 23c Vittoria Diamante Pro tyres (came with bike, shredded after 300 miles) was vastly better and faster over distances that induced fatigue than anything I'd ever ridden before or since. The carbon-aluminium frame, tyres and wheels gave a dream like ride that I could do forever (actually, until tyres died). So, rolling resistance is a factor.

[@sevenrats]

The effect of weight is the most when the extra weight is you. A higher BMI changes your watts per kilo ratio, increases oxygen demand, lowers VO2 max. That extra body mass is robbing your active muscles of O2 and producing waste. Even too much muscle on your upper body has a negative effect but for the average non-competitive cyclist that's really not something worry about too much. Fat though, HAS TO GO!

[@helicart]

Crit racers are not the brightest in my experience. examples: - many spend an extra $2000+ for 1-2kg lighter equipment....but are carrying 10-20 kg excess bodyfat. 3kg extra equipment weight is less a burden than 3kg extra bodyfat. Why? because excess bodyfat also reduces arterial diameter and gas exchange in muscle. It also sits in and around your heart, and can interfere with the heart's electrical conductivity and filling pressure, thereby resulting in less cardiac output per stroke, and increased risk of developing cardiac arrhythmia down the track. - most crit riders haven't a clown's clue how to optimize their body fat % and lean tissue mass for competitive advantage.

[@leftymadrid]

Excellent channel! Alright my take... Hate to say it but I'm a weight winnie, and to have the best components well... Honestly, if I had a ton of money, I WOULD get a 12 grand bike, period! But I do not, so I ride a 4 year old Specialized Tarmac, which has Ultegra R-8000 components. It serves me perfectly. I have been road biking for some time now and what I ride now is rather pleasing, but to be able to afford a 12-grand Specialized road bike would be the cats pajamas! :-) :-) :-) :-) You only live life once...

[@Neilz911]

When you climb 20m (65ft) in one min, every kg (2.2lb) needs 3.33w to get up there that fast. So you add 1kg (2.2lb) more you need to put 3.33w more down.

[@sheikwake]

So basically if I lose x amount of pounds....it’s like I’m upgrading bikes.... And I’m saving 8 grand. Hmm? I think I’ll just skip the ice cream. (I could stand to lose 10 lbs). This topic only applies to those who are already at their minimum weight and need additional gains. That’s always the way. We have to max out all of our biological systems potential before thinking buying speed is a smart option.

[@oreotiger100]

You go 1.5 miles with 2.5% improvement. What happened when you go 3.0 , 6.0, 12.0 miles and so on, now how many % will you improve ???

[@jeanm289]

You forgot the most important fundamental of physics - Rotational Mass. Try saving that much weight on rotating parts such as wheels, tyres, spokes, crank, crankarms, pedals, cassette and I doubt it would be just 2.5%.

[@martinirving3824]

Dafaq? Thumbnail shows a thin guy and fat guy. The video talks about bike weight? The thumbnail gets it right. If you want to climb faster, lose that weight on your body, whether it's 30, 20,10, or even 5 extra pounds (of fat).

[@marekkozub8957]

Just use rim brakes. That would take off over a pound. So you can buy cheaper bike. Also, rim brakes are cheaper. You save at least $3000 altogether. Simple solution.

[@msi1985]

I just got a new devinci Hatchet FC Rival at 9.2kg and holy crap it's 10lb lighter then my previous road bike ! (It's also a gravel bike) I def noticed a Huge difference in my capabilities to Sprint and climb and my body weight is 98kg average power for an hour ride 190-200w I wonder if I'd notice the weight saving from going tubeless ??? Almost another 1/2 lb

[@piotrch0]

That's a clickbait thumbnail. You shown two guys, one fat and one slim and then had only one (you) ride. Plus, with all that talk about bodyweight u failed to provide your weight, BMI, fat% etc.

[@robertbidochon4757]

It's easy to test : just do your next Crit with 5 extra unnecessary pounds ! I also find your conclusions biased on: the difference between the middle range bike and the top bike : it can't be reduced to weight : rigidity also adds a significant advantage for a rider like you, capable of sending >1000watts accelerations, Thanks for the videos. Really love them

[@josh33172]

Wife bought me a new Bianchi Sprint Disc Ultegra for my birthday. Sure I would have liked a Spec Tarmac SL6/SL7, Bianchi Oltre and a whole host of other bikes, but this is the one she liked. Of course it went on a diet from its almost 9kg weight, but I would suspect that all the bikes listed would only be marginally faster for thousands more. I'm not racing, so as long as I like the bike and like riding it and it gets me out on the bike...I feel like that's what matters most.

[@johnm91326]

2.5% doesn't sound like much but ~20 seconds over a ~13 minute climb is a huge gap for no extra effort. Plus if you just want lightweight there's cheaper ways to get most of those savings.

[@louis_sharp]

Shallow, lightweight wheels (sub 30mm) vs deep, aero, slightly heavier wheels (40mm+) on a crit?

[@markvincentcocjin]

But that's just common sense. I am boggled why you'd have to prove this. Imagine coming up the stairs with a heavy backpack. Your legs are lifting all that load in addition to your own body. Cycling up a slope is like climbing stairs but only stretched to a longer time period per height climbed. A better demonstration is if weight matters on flats and on flats with headwind. Does having more inertia matter? Edit: Oh I'm sorry. I was reacting to the title. I guess it would have helped if it was titled "How much does weight really matter?" Since you're asking for suggestions, I'd have a crazy one. If the rider and the bike is encased in an aerodynamic sleeve, how much faster or slower could they go? Because a cyclist in a bike creates so much turbulence compared to a simpler, albeit larger shape.

[@hansschotterradler3772]

My CamelBak Podium bottle filled with 24oz of water weights almost 2 LBS, so 3 of them would be over 5.5 LBS.

[@zaahierstanley955]

I wonder what would have happened if you out a 5kg backpack on your back and then go up with it and go up without it at the same watts... I really what that would be like? Perhaps you could do this experiem3nt ? Thanx for the vids ... 👍👍👍

[@tomkunich9401]

There is another problem that you miss. When you are young and inexperienced you can easily put the increased chance of frame failures of lighter frames outofyourmind. This absolutely cannot be discounted because the higher prices of composite framesets screams for counterfeiting or corner cutting. As you get older this becomes far more apparent to you. As a certified old fart I have a great deal more faith in metal frames because of the far lower catastrophic failure rates. Consequently I have almost identical times on my 24 lb bike as my 16 lb Look KG485 on a 25 mile 1600 feet of climbing route. There is always that nagging doubt in the back of my head after climbing 1,200 ft that even one of the best made composite bikes could have a failure that isn't there on my steel bike on the 40 mph descents. This certainly isn't helped with the fact that I have personally had several of these failures in composites.

[@danfuerthgillis4483]

I am pretty zippy on my 15 kg cheap road bike, on my Carbon though I have to be careful as the cross winds here in Southern Ontario are crazy. You miss a section and you will be on the ground riding deep wheel rims ( 60mm and up). Even at 180 lbs and well built with cycling legs, my Carbon was tossing me to the side of the road with the 35 km\ hr cross winds.

[@Geirern87]

People keep saying 2,5 % for 8k, but it's worth noting that you're getting more than just a straight weight reduction on that upgrade. Better aerodynamics, quicker gearing, slightly better brakes etc.

[@PersonaN007Grata]

Have 2 bikes. One is 16.5 pounds and the other is 19.5 pounds. I ride a regular route and can easily make climbs on my 16.5 on the big chain ring, 52 and 25, the largest on that bike’s cassette. On the 19.5 pound bike, same 52 chainring, I regularly have to dip into 34 on the cassette for the same climb. I dunno. Not scientific but 3 pounds and I’m having to use more gears for the same amount of effort.

[@MrCaza7096]

It's not just weight It's stiffness of the bike as well. Especially on the Edmonda. SLR is much much more stiffer than the SL which means more power to the road

[@jbandt]

Man I was thinking this was going to look at a bigger weight difference. As a casual commuter that has recently lost 50lbs, I've noticed a difference in the effort it takes to do my commute, but not much in the way of speed or time. Point being, I realize now that a couple lbs shaved to make a bike lighter doesn't make much difference for a fat slow poke like myself. 😅

[@UB3RN3RD]

Did you have empty water bottles on the “cheap” bike? If you didn’t you may want to do the experiment over again. The aero drag from water bottles is significant.

[@pauljrcarty9314]

It really depends on fitness. On a fee miles hill climb I passed a carbon rider who started the climb with our group. After a couple miles it wasn't really steep but he slowed down and we finished together. I was 245 pounds at the time. He was about 160 pounds. On a flat a c level carbon rider was about 50 pounds lighter because I lost some weight during covid could not drop me. I fell back because he became reckless on the sidewalk and did some goo. It's just he passed me with an attitude and couldn't get away. He was much lighter than I am.

[@eugene937]

Well 2.5% is a pretty big difference if you put it into race perspective, if you ride 100km 2.5% is 2.5km less for the same effort! And that being said $10,000 is also for better components, better carbon wheels, stiffer seat posts, aero drop bars etc. If you re tried the test with different bikes with different components at the price points you tested you would see an even bigger difference!

[@Bandilerosoundboy]

Stop wasting money on perceivable marginal gains. The problem is not the weight nor the equipment, it's you. There are certain things you can't buy, like good condition, strength and endurance. Train harder.

[@PhillProBike]

And i thought that my 12kg cycloross bike is light whilst hitting 10-15% hills! If i can keep up with a guy on a 7kg rocketship on hills and smash the sprints, i'm happy!

[@onset5881]

Love your videos - this was a fair assessment. I thought one thing you were going to say when you said "one thing I didn't mention..." was not f = m x a but aerodynamics. Surely the more expensive bike is marketed as being 'more aerodynamic'? This would naturally lead to a discussion about wheels... Deeper section / lighter wheels seem to make the biggest difference on the flats than the bike itself due to rotating weight and aerodynamics.

[@lorenzmeier2228]

nice video, its a fun alternative to your ussual crits. Keep it up and i would love to hear your thougts on stability and strength-work, off the bike i mean. Are you doing anything like that, would you recommend it? And maybe you could talk about your sprinttraining at some point?

[@richweinstock2069]

What about wheel and rotational weight differences? Light wheels, crank, pedals, cassette, etc. Everything the body needs to mechanically turn in order to constantly re-accelerate. Both in climbing and in criterium situations. 👍

[@astrosecret7260]

thats a heavy carbon bike. i built my 93 colnago up with aluminum clinchers entirely alloy campy groupset sq taper bb it weighs 18.5 lbs with a fully chromed steel precisa fork, metal bottle cages and 90s period correct look pedals. (56cm). all of my best times are still usually on my lightest bikes, i tend to benefit a lot from a 15lb bike at 125 lbs.

[@KenSmith-bv4si]

I have the Tarmac Pro and a friend has a Cannondale System Six Sram Red eTap , two of the best bikes I've ever ridden and well worth the cash . The Sram is so quite you hear more tyre noise ,the shifting is right on I use the "compensating" feature . I have an Endurance bike, now a light weight bike next will be an Aero ,that cannondale is sweet . If you can afford one get one , you'll never regret it , seriously .

[@alpanian]

The good thing is there's plenty of great sub 7kg bike options at a quarter of the price of Trek, Specialized etc....

[@mochno1]

Same bike yes. But the top line bikes are not only about the weight, right? Better wheels, stiffness (oftern, shifting, etc). Common..

[@red00tl]

So that means you on a cheap bike will never win against you on a fancy bike. NEVER! Do you dare to run that risk? ;)

[@Bruceillest101]

A lighter bike will respond quicker to the riders input and accelerate faster. It will also require less energy to move. Yes, you can lose weight but it won’t make much of a difference in terms of acceleration. Your body can only output fixed number of watts regardless of your weight. So yes, weight matters but so does reducing friction in the drive train.

[@danfuerthgillis4483]

One of the critical issue is the bike itself, as a bike with aero frame does help you if you add say 10 extra lbs. However going from my 9 kg carbon to my daily 15 kg alloy road bike with only a 2 x7 drivetrain we are talking several minutes in difference on a short 20 km course at 175 lbs body weight. Also the climate is critical as you are not getting anywhere 45 km hr in Southern Ontario with high air pressure, humid and heavy winds from everywhere. Most cyclists here are even cross chaining with their big rings that is how crazy the air pressure and winds are.

[@paolocastellano4848]

One thing you're missing is if you're talking about weight that is rotational or not. Any difference in the components like wheels and driveline is not the same as weight in other places.... Any kind of weight loss in rotational weight in wheels/tires driveline makes a measurable difference everywhere...