on 7/1/02 5:41 PM, David Feldman at feldmanbike@yahoo.com wrote:
> I'm less inclined to be a weight skeptic regarding
> these bikes when considering the extra bulk in a lot
> of modern components; think of STI controls, dual
> pivot brakes, 30mm deep aero rims--and still most
> contemporary steel race bikes are under 20 lbs.
Agreed...
Or at least they aren't much above 20 lbs. ;-)
> I don't have much trouble believing a 16 lb trials
> rando bike.
>
But with racks, fenders, bags, lights, and other stuff, too?
I worked on a few 16-17 lb steel-framed "climbing" bikes for small/lightweight riders during the mid-1970s (KL frame tubes, 10 speeds on 5 alloy rear cogs, drilled dropouts and cut-out lugs, bored out or drilled seat posts, lightest sew-up rims, 28 spokes, shaved saddles, Ti axles, wimpy Weinmann 500 sidepull brakes, etc). Those bikes were reasonably reliable and not *too* lethal on fast, twisty mountain descents for a skilled rider. So, it can be done... but adding on all that other touring equipment is what makes me skeptical about the French bikes in question.
Bill Bryant
Santa Cruz, CA