I have always been curious to know what are the benefits of reducing the weight of the bike?
I finally came across an interesting book “Cutting-Edges Cycling” where I found this information. Below you will find the table with relative benefits during the 20K climbing time trial (3 %, 6 %, 12 %).
What do you think?
Is it easier to lose a few kilograms from your body or from your bike?
Switching from aerodynamic to light wheels
| Grade of climb | 3 % | 6 % | 12% |
| Novice | +0:10 | -0:25 | -1:12 |
| Trained | +0:20 | -0:03 | -0:35 |
| Elite | +0:21 | +0:06 | -0:22 |
Dropping bike weight from 10 to 7 kg
| Grade of climb | 3 % | 6 % | 12 % |
| Novice | -1:34 | -3:38 | -7:25 |
| Trained | -0:42 | -1:52 | -4:02 |
| Elite | -0:29 | -1:15 | -2:48 |
Hunter Allen and Stephen S. Cheung. (2012) Cutting-Edge Cycling, Advanced training for advanced cyclists.
Conclusion
We can see a larger difference in benefits after a change in weight is made the slope increases. Novice cyclists can gain even 7:25 min be losing 3 kg from his bike. And another 1:12 min by switching wheels.
But we can see that all categories of cyclists can benefit at 3% uphills and even 6% for the elite, with aerodynamic wheels.
It is important to keep you bike light and aerodynamic as much as possible, benefits are significant
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