… yes! I wish to see how light I can sensibly make a bicycle. This will require radical approaches and will showcase some of the things that the bunnyman institute has planned.
Practicality has no use in this project, as it will never get into a bike case (unless the case is custom made), and it would fail the UCI’s weight minimum. Many things will be integrated, with the exception of the headset (as the integrated headtube weighs much more than it’s seperate components, besides my distaste for such things). It will be an interesting exercise, especially when it comes to how I get around the heft of many parts. This will be a road bike. I am not going into weight forecasts (publicly, at least) right now. I would not mind beating the lightest bike in the world, though it may be unlikely unless the engineering comes through (in the real world) the way I envision it.
I will NOT use any integrated shift systems, as most weigh roughly one pound per pair (within 100 gr.). Downtube shifters are not a bad thing to lose weight on the bike, especially when you come up with sensible weight loss for the brake levers. 265 grams is what the best brake levers and downtube shifters weigh at the moment (without silly modifications).
I am currently testing a prototype of something that could beat the 200 gram barrier for this given component. I just cannot say what it is right now. Not even a hint right now.
BTW- the Project One funnybike is well on it’s way to being completed with a minor change or two from the pics on the timetrial.org website.
I am simultaniously working to build the heaviest bike using high end components. I’ve found a set of Mavic Challenger Disc wheels (2600+ grams each!) a Campagnolo Athena Crank (757 grams) and a monocoque STEEL frame, steel fork, steel headset, Campagnolo Original Record Ergopower with the full alloy bodies and Delta Croce’D brakes (well over 1000 grams for the set). I wish I could find a browning front derailling system as that is much heavier that anything ever conceived.
The goal is a 40 pound plus bike, I hope to ride under 54 minutes in the rolling 40k District TT championships. IT should be nice and stable.
Any ideas for really heavy bars/stem/aerobars/saddle/post/etc?
bunnyman that blue frame in the picture doesn’t look like it’s made from carbon (unless you painted it). And two disc wheels man? I’m hoping those are coming off in exchange for something super-light.
“Any ideas for really heavy bars/stem/aerobars/saddle/post/etc?”
A set of Visiontech quill stem bars is pretty heavy. For a heavy saddle, you will need a Brooks or one of those beach cruiser type seats. That will be a pain if you are actually planning to ride the thing hard. For a heavy seatpost try a Kalloy mountain post. I have one and it weighs a ton.
For pedals go with the old Shimano Look clipless clones (PD-6401 I think) and then add a set of first generation Pyro platforms. Stems: an old 3T with the swing hinge might do. If you’re adding water bottles forego the whole heavy bolts thing and get one of those ones you clamp on with tube clamps…this could be a fun project.
You could get an AX-Lightness integrated seatpost/saddle combination. ~115g. Plus AX carbon brake calipers, supposedly 140g/pr. Then a Calfee Barstem integrated made with a Kestrel SL bar, should be < 300 g. All for the modest sum of $2000 US (very roughly).
The b-t-p.de site has some new things now - even CF M5 screws (!!).
I think a sub 10 pound show bike shouldn’t be that hard now. A really usable one in the real world of bad roads and high mileage is probably more like 14 lbs at the limit.
I still have some old Modolo carbon down tube shifters on my trainer bike. They work ok with 10 speeds, but I don’t think I would want to go back to DT shifters out on the road.
I am actually fabricating this stuff myself. I have a different take on how to do the seat/seatpost idea. AX lightness executes it pretty well, however.
I have not seen the Calfee/Kestrel SL bar/stem combo. I was actually thinking of having Schmolke do it for me. Or I may cook up the stem myself. I do not have the capacity for bladder moulding at the moment.
If you ever want to trade your Modolo carbon down tube shifters, let me know.
I’m looking to use good stuff. Brooks saddle would be good, but Kalloy posts aren’t good. Zoom and Campy used to make steel seatposts that were pretty pricey.
Selle San Marco Rolls saddle with brass-plated steel hardware (my personal favourite).
Selle San Marco Concor Supensione Attive (have one I’ll sell cheap).
Nitto steel track handlebar with Profile Aerolite and a nice, steel stem is the heaviest combo I can think of, besides a Visiontech quill Tri max bar/stem/aerobar combo.
How 'bout the old Mavic SSC crank from the early '90s?