How much does a couple of kg matter?

[Red17]

I'm pretty new to cycling so have been using an old steel framed Daewoo bike that has sat in the shed for a few years before splashing out on a new toy I might not use.

Conclusion I'm coming to is its fine for commuting but a bit heavy for weekend use up a few local hills (it weighs in at about 15kg) and I'm not as fit as I used to be. However I've decided to keep up the cycling and I'm looking for a reasonable cost hybrid (sub £350) as I don't get on with drop bar bikes in traffic.

I was considering the Carrerra Subway due to its price and reviews which is listed at 13.4kg, but looking at one today it didn't feel that much lighter than my old Daewoo, but a trawl around the web shows a few options around the 12-12.5kg mark for about £100 more.

I suppose the question is whether its worth spending £100 more to save 1-1.5kg - is it likely to be noticeable?

 

[MrWill]

Decathlon do a few bikes you may like. Fit 5, £379 11.4kg.


I'd say yes it's worth £100 more for less weight and better components, but only if you will use it.

I once bought a Dawes Ombra that I liked a lot, was £200, but that was 10 years ago. Maybe they have some good options.

 

[midliferider]

I would approach this in a different way. I wont just focus on the weight of the bike.
You already have a bike, it is working fine.
You enjoy cycling and therefore would like a better bike.
Better bike does not necessarily mean less weight. Instead focus on the gear ratio, frame, components including wheels.
Look for a bike worth about £500-600 when new. Like Sirrus Elite or B Twin Triban. Then look for that bike on e Bay or Gumtree. You will be able to find it for your price.

 

[Profpointy]

By an uncanny co-incidence, my PC weighs around 1.5kg. I very much notice carrying it versus not carrying it. Personally I would pay £100 or perhaps rather more to save that much weight. I also rather suspect that going from a £350 bike to a£450 bike will be significantly better in lots of little ways, as you've some way to go before diminishing returns set in - providing of course you choose wisely and buy something suitable etc etc. You probably know this, but don't get suspension for road / track use - fair enough for mountain ravines, but not anything road or trackish