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The less it weighs the more it costs!
The lightest frames are about 1.8 lbs. The average frames weigh about 2.5 lbs. and cheap basic frames are about 3.3+ lbs. Carbon frames that we sell range from $1200-$15,000. As with most anything there is a point of diminishing returns. Weight is not the only selling point in a bicycle frame. Ride characteristics are more important. If a bike is flexible and inefficient it is not a good frame. If a bike is too stiff and produces a harsh ride it is also not a good frame. The best bikes for most applications have a good stiffness to weight ratio while having great pedaling efficiency while at the same time absorbing bumps in the road that would prematurely fatigue the athlete. The new trend in bikes as seen in the link that I posted above (Tony's, Vitor's and Bruno's bikes) aerodynamic frames are becoming very popular for the right application. They are wind tunnel designed/tested and between the forward lower positioning of the athlete, the aero frame and wheels, one can expect to gain approx. 2-3 mph of an advantage. In the IronMan distance (2.4 mi swim 112 mile bike and 26.2 run) triathlon races that Tony and Vitor compete in, they can expect to get off the bike approx. 30-50 minutes in front of a person with an equal quality non areo bike with a traditional cyclists positioning. The areo frames weigh more, do not absorb bumps as well and do not pedal quite as efficient. However if ones goal is to get to a speed and maintain it with out having to climb or accelerate they have a specific advantage.
The lightest frames are about 1.8 lbs. The average frames weigh about 2.5 lbs. and cheap basic frames are about 3.3+ lbs. Carbon frames that we sell range from $1200-$15,000. As with most anything there is a point of diminishing returns. Weight is not the only selling point in a bicycle frame. Ride characteristics are more important. If a bike is flexible and inefficient it is not a good frame. If a bike is too stiff and produces a harsh ride it is also not a good frame. The best bikes for most applications have a good stiffness to weight ratio while having great pedaling efficiency while at the same time absorbing bumps in the road that would prematurely fatigue the athlete. The new trend in bikes as seen in the link that I posted above (Tony's, Vitor's and Bruno's bikes) aerodynamic frames are becoming very popular for the right application. They are wind tunnel designed/tested and between the forward lower positioning of the athlete, the aero frame and wheels, one can expect to gain approx. 2-3 mph of an advantage. In the IronMan distance (2.4 mi swim 112 mile bike and 26.2 run) triathlon races that Tony and Vitor compete in, they can expect to get off the bike approx. 30-50 minutes in front of a person with an equal quality non areo bike with a traditional cyclists positioning. The areo frames weigh more, do not absorb bumps as well and do not pedal quite as efficient. However if ones goal is to get to a speed and maintain it with out having to climb or accelerate they have a specific advantage.
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