Light Bike Or Light Body? 7

It's easy to get caught up in acquiring the lightest gear, but how much does it matter?
Credit: Global Mountain Bike Network
7 comments

View replies to: Light Bike Or Light Body?

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Diedre_Rashid
8 years ago
My metabolism is kinda hyper, so it really does need to come off the bike. If its off the body its lost muscle. Besides throwing a light bike around is easier whatever your weight. A 33lb bike makes a big difference to a 25lb model when you haven't got the mass to push against it.
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jojotherider
8 years ago
I mean, obviously, its not a super scientific test, but the common response in forums is to just lose that kg/lg of weight off your body instead. I'd be willing to bet that the single lb/kg off the bike will have more effect than a single lb/kg off your body. That said, in terms of percentages, losing it on your is going to be much better. Generally speaking, I associate losing that weight with also being more fit. So in effect, you're losing the weight, but also increasing your ability to do work. Put them together and you're off to the races.

For me, I went carbon this year. Gonna have to focus on my ability to do work these winter months.
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danncam
8 years ago
I reckon this was the wrong metric. If he'd compared 2kg on the bike to 2kg on his body then I would have been interested in the times.
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D(C)
8 years ago
Alternative hyphothesis:
Lap 1: full of energy (fastest up and overall), getting to know the course
Lap 2: good level of energy, knew the descent and could push it a bit more (fastest DH)
Lap 3: he was tired
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liquidSpin
8 years ago
Yeah i always think about this when they do these back to back tests. Sometimes one can perform better after the first lap depending on how long the lap is.

I know I start to perform better after a few minutes of riding then my body just kicks in and I can haul ass.