Re: [CR]Spec Weight vs. Reality

(Example: Production Builders:Frejus)

From: "Eric Elman" <tr4play@cox.net>
To: "P.C. Kohler" <kohl57@starpower.net>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <20050130071359.3645.qmail@web30510.mail.mud.yahoo.com> <003001c506c8$e0ababa0$0100000a@home> <006501c506dc$18799480$c75f0e44@ownerejujeippx> <003701c506e3$f19f02c0$22e0fea9@man>
Subject: Re: [CR]Spec Weight vs. Reality
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 14:01:30 -0500
reply-type=original

Peter,

I've read the other posts regarding your inquiry and agree that the frame size chosen for most lightweights and Raleigh's spec was undoubtedly smaller, maybe the 56cm as suggested and possibly even the 20.5" as also commented. In addition to the steel BB spindle which needs to be swapped out (and I assume you are still using the all steel cupset too?) I believe from previous correspondence that you are not using the Maillard alloy freewheel that was used on many of the Team Pro's even though it is not specifically mentioned on their spec list. This freewheel has alloy cogs and a lightweight, non steel body and therefore will also account for a substantial weight savings for your particular bike. Are you using the Campagnolo SR pedals too as they have a Ti spindle which again was standard on these early bikes and saved some weight. I would suggest that if your Team Pro were a smaller size, had the Ti BB, Ti pedals and the Maillard lightweight freewheel, you'd be darn close to 20 lbs.

One of my Team Pro's, serial number SB19, is equipped just as mentioned above but with a Brooks Swallow saddle instead of the spec Brooks Team Pro, size c-t is 58.5cm or 23" and her weight with the TA steel bottle cage & original bottle, pump w/metal Campagnolo pump head and Campagnolo pump clip she weighs 21.5 lbs. remove the bottle cage/bottle/pump stuff and she would be in "below 21 lb category" or worded differently, in the "20 lb category."

Eric Elman
Somers, CT


----- Original Message -----
From: "P.C. Kohler"
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2005 10:54 AM
Subject: [CR]Spec Weight vs. Reality



> What relation to reality do spec weights (those quoted in the brochure)
> assume? And how are they usually determined? I presume with some arbitrary
> frame size.
>
> My '75 Raleigh Team Pro is finally "done" (well mostly) with a new 32-hole
> Mavic Monthlery Legere wheelset with Campy l/f hubs, Veloflex Criterium
> tyres, the correct Super Record derailleur, seatpost, headset etc.
> Everything in the '74-75 brochure except the titanium bottom bracket axle.
> So pretty much "spec". 59 cm frame so "average" size. Or is it?
>
> She weighs exactly 22 lbs. The specs say 20. Is this about average or do
> you
> guys have better things to do on cold, snowy days than to weigh your bikes
> and sweat such things? 20 lbs. is the spec weight, by the way, for the
> Raleigh Pro Mark IV of the same year.
>
> Then again, my pocketbook has been so much lightened doing all of this
> (ever
> get the feeling you actually just bought a frameset instead of a complete
> bike?), maybe the extra two pounds can come from that???
>
> Peter Kohler
> Washington DC USA