Ken Ho wrote:Nikolai wrote:donncha wrote:Would I really be 'wasting' any power on the Damocles?
On a 6% 5km climb @250 watts output, 2kg lighter package (83kg vs 85kg) will give you 117m advantage at the top of the climb. In other words, nothing to be excited about. The weight game is a window dressing to sell higher priced products.
Dude, if I'm riding by myself, 117 m is nothing, but in any kind of competition, formal or informal, 117m is a very long nose Repeat a few times over a few hills, and it really is a big difference.
Yes, I'm aware of that. The 117m figure shouldn't be taken literally though. Just because the laws of physics suggest a 2kg heavier package will (perhaps) give you 117m disadvantage on a 5km 6% climb, doesn't mean that you're going to be behind by 117m every time there's a climb like that. Psychology, among other factors, is completely ignored for example. The underlining point being, a 2kg difference, an astronomical figure for many a rider, is not such a big deal even when climbing, never mind circling around in a 60min crit. Sure, if you're racing for a pay cheque or taking your racing seriously, the package (bike + rider) should be as light as possible without being stupid (on both fronts). Other than that, the sock's height is the much more burning issue at the moment rather than bike weight.