Hi Doug:
The answers to your questions about bike weight are evident from the stated purpose of this website-the preservation and enjoyment of the lightweight racing bicycle.
Since speed is frequently the decisive factor in winning a bike race, and since speed itself is related to the power of the cyclist in proportion to the combined weight of the rider and his machine, racing bike makers have tried to reduce the weight of racing bikes since the inception of the sport. This is known, almost intuitively, even by those with little familiarity with the bike racing-thus their questions about bike weight.
Now, when light weight becomes the sole preoccupation of the bike builder other bicycle handling and riding qualities may suffer. This balance has always been the great challenge confronting all racing bike builders, and continues to this very day.
George
George Hollenberg MD
CT, USA