Sacrifices to the alter of the goddess "GRAMS"

Often I encounter people with the disease "Light weightis freakis" who completely disregard rational thinking to offer sacrifices on the alter to the goddess "GRAMS" in an attempt to appease their affliction.

Seriously, I have had some of my Sunday rides spoilt by conversations concerning 300 grams. To put it into context, think about the extra kilograms of fuel reserves the average rider carries under the skin say for example a 73kg rider who is carting around 2-3 kgs of ballast on their belly. 8 kg bicycle with 2 full water bottles, helmet, shoes and clothing, add 2kgs, spares and pump another 500grams, 1.5 kgs in the water bottles and despite their quest for greater performance they ride clincher wheels with heavy rims when racing.. Total 85 kilograms for the whole ensemble.

300 grams obsession in choice of frame or components selection does not make any noticeable performance loss but can sometimes drastically compromise the handling and durability of the bicycle. Realistically the 3kgs of fat loss can achieve something. A bit blunt but fact.
Hubs that have high frictional drag from the seals but weigh 50 grams less than the standard supplied in ensembles is a typical pet hate of mine.

Friction losses in the drive chain and hubs can be quite significant.

When riding at 40kph in 53 X 15 gear there is,
1; Two hubs spinning at approx 315 revolutions per minute.
2; A bottom bracket axle spinning at 90 rpm.
3; Two pedal axles spinning at 90 rpm.
4; Two derailleur jockey wheels that are each spinning at a rate that approaches 495 rpm
5; 8 points where the chain pins, bushes and links are flexing, two of these points are subject to the full pedal load.
6; Tyres and tubes, this is a big subject but the above listed 5 can sometimes have greater effect then tyre differences, but tyres are still a major issue to be considered.

A little drag in these components adds up to considerable losses. We have estimated that frictional losses from poor components can be approach 10 to 15 watts. We would like to do further research on this subject if time and resources permit. Think of that drag pulling on your jersey when you are riding. It is there.

When I have worked at world cycling championships and Olympic games I have paid a lot of attention to this subject. I have seen and worked with riders who have missed a Gold medal by less than 4 seconds in time trials!
Pay attention to this as it makes a greater difference than most people care to think.

Picking up the latest lightweight wonder in a show room or some one's new pride and joy at the coffee shop may impress you, but try spinning the pedals.

I have spent a full week assembling a special time trial bike that was ridden at the Sydney Olympic games which I paid fanatical attention to machining, modifying special alloy and titanium parts and replacing bolts with titanium and alloy where possible with a total saving of 500 grams.
I fitted four bottom bracket sets to obtain the best moving axle {over size roller bearing axles may be a few grams lighter but they run no where as smooth as the old cone and ball type b/b axles}, dismantled and removed seals and grease out of the race wheels in the quest for Olympic medals.

I'm suggesting that riders put weight issues into context.
If you are a lean and desperate athlete then grams are part of the picture and only part of the picture in the quest for more speed.

What is required is reliable, good working and durable frames and components for cyclists, that is where their money should go so as to enjoy cycling.