Isn't losing this nagging 10 lbs the same as buying a bike that's 10 lbs lighter?

I ride and love my jack-of-all-trades steel bike. She's not the lightest, especially after adding commuting essentials. But I must confess that I wish that I were faster. Since I'm cheap and content, I really don't want to fork out a few $thousands for a light bike. Won't losing 10 lbs off of my body be just as effective as buying a bike that weighs 10 lbs less?

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Permalink Reply by Paul Lazzaro on February 4, 2016 at 10:37am

I ride old steel bikes, too. Whatever bike you ride, having everything in good working order (drive train not worn and properly lubricated, tires inflated, saddle and handlebars adjusted for proper fit) makes a huge difference. Weight is secondary.

But to address your question...my experience is that it's a lot easier for me to carry 10 lbs. in panniers than it is to carry 10 lbs. of fat in my body. IOW, if you have 10 lbs. of excess weight on your body, losing that will do a lot more for your speed and endurance than getting a bike that's 10 lbs lighter.