Bikes that are good enough for racing.

[stevenb]

Absolutley.....I could have gone for lighter wheels and tyres but these will work fine for me.
I reckon a saddle with the groove down the middle or a section that's cut out will work best for me. I find my current saddle puts pressure on my 'you know whats'. I've just ordered a new FSA stem today as well. 90mm instead of a 100mm so that will help with my back ache that I get on longer rides.
I'm sure I'm stretching just a tad too far with my current set up.

Weight loss but durability was what I'd look for on all bike parts.
I think the 28 spoke DT 1.1 rims and DT swiss hubs are a good compromise of light weight and adequate strength. They'll take a rider thats over 14 stone......and I'm a smidgen under 12 now.

 

[walker]

even lighter than me

 

[stevenb]

I was 12st 10 lbs in september last year...before I took up cycling properly again.
Just found this cheapo saddle.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=23254
I'll order a spare one too......NOT!

 

[walker]

I was 12st 10 lbs in september last year...before I took up cycling properly again.
Just found this cheapo saddle.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=23254
I'll order a spare one too......NOT!

Looks comfy

 

[fossyant]

I wouldn't get too hung up on weight, easier to loose a couple of pounds of the body. What matters is a reliable set of components, strong frame and good/light wheels.

If you look at the bikes alot of the sponsored riders get, you'll see many with Ultegra level components - certainly many of the ladies (Halfords Bikehut) get 'one down from top'.

 

[stevenb]

I agree.
The wheels and associated bits are my light weight upgrades.
The shorter stem I need for fitment reasons.
The saddle I get will be a Speccy Toupe (next month).
Other than that, that's it really.
I will replace the chainset with un Ultegra SL one though.
The rest of the components will be replaced as and when required.