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**Industry_Hack** · 11-14-2012, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikertank

Do you guys really think we need a lecture about taking off pounds. When I gave my weight did all of you assume fatness? I could have been a muscled 6'4" with no fat at all. As it stands I am a muscled slightly heavy 5'11" who has already lost 30 pounds due to my love of the bike. I don't need a fat lecture. The love of riding is already working and will continue to work. I just wanted to know if it is a noticeable difference that will increase my joy of riding which I don't mind spending $$ on. It is for me to decide if I am worthy of spending the money based on how much I feel like I am working and I would like to base the on knowledge.

The freakish Cipo is 6'2" and weighs 167 pounds. If you currently weigh 50 pounds more than one of the greatest sprinters ever, and the majority of that bulk is muscle, then you're already crushing it on the flats and climbs, so lighter wheels won't make much difference.

But we're not lecturing. From a dead stop, a lighter wheel can help you get up to speed faster. Once you're rolling, wheel weight becomes less of an issue. That's why track racers choose aero over light weight. In the real world, your bike won't care whether you're lugging 215 pounds of fat or muscle up a hill, only you will. So we're back to the weight issue. Taking a half pound off your wheelset won't provide any appreciable performance improvement (relative to cost) compared to losing weight.

**Industry_Hack** · 11-14-2012, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by synack

A pound is a pound, it doesn't matter if it's muscle or fat, carbon or steel, aluminum or plastic.

Doesn't a pound of feathers weigh less?

**greenhorn** · 11-14-2012, 07:24 PM

I know an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
But I'm pretty sure I'm off subject.
I went to lighter, aero wheels, saw little difference in overall performance. Lost 10 pounds over last winter and was amazed at how my climbing improved.
But I understand how he just wanted to learn about wheel basics and the thread took a turn he wasn't expecting.
Can't we all just get along?

**Industry_Hack** · 11-14-2012, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenhorn

I know an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
But I'm pretty sure I'm off subject.
I went to lighter, aero wheels, saw little difference in overall performance. Lost 10 pounds over last winter and was amazed at how my climbing improved.
But I understand how he just wanted to learn about wheel basics and the thread took a turn he wasn't expecting.
Can't we all just get along?

I think he thinks we're picking on him, but we're not. Your post sums it up very well.

bikertank · 11-14-2012, 07:46 PM

No - it was just insensitive - to all the bikers that are succeeding at losing weight - and at least for me I already know math - I know I feel lighter going up hills already after 30 lb loss, I was trying to gauge the validity of a tire/wheel set purchase. I don't mind spending my $$ on things that I enjoy that also make me healthy but was trying to proceed with knowledge. The losing weight lecture is a little bit like a kick in the testicles for all the riders that are ALREADY riding more & ALREADY losing weight. If a fat guy enjoys a lighter faster ride he / me will probably ride more. That has been the case for me since I bought the Madone compared to my old 33 lb behemoth of a hybrid.

synack · 11-14-2012, 07:53 PM

Don't sweat it, bro. It's just the internets..

There is a huge difference between a 33lb hybrid and a Madone. With new wheels you are looking at about a 1lb to 2lb (if you're lucky) weight difference. Not much of a gain in that department unless you are at peak fitness.

It isn't only about the weight of the wheels as the quality of the wheel, stiffness, hub, etc.

IMHO.