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Other than the wheels, what can I replace to lower my bike's weight?

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rafab

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hi there! I am trying to identify which components I could replace in order to lower a bit the weight of my bike (Giant Revolt Advanced 3 2021). I am not super concerned about it, it is more like a fun project.

Here are the specs:
  • Frame/Fork: Giant Revolt Advanced (carbon)
  • Stem: Giant Contact (stock, alu)
  • Handlebar: Giant Contact XR D-Fuse (stock, alu)
  • Saddle: Giant Approach (stock)
  • Seatpost: Giant D-Fuse (stock, carbon)
  • Pedals: Shimano PD-M540
  • Groupset: GRX 810 1x11
  • Brakes: GRX 810
  • Cassete: Deore 11-42
  • Chain: Deore 11v
  • Wheels: Fulcrum Racing 6 DB
  • Tires: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H 700x40 (tubeless)
With pedals, bottlecage (Syncros Tailor 1.0), and GPS mount weights about 9.5 kg (~21 lbs). Without breaking the bank, is there an upgrade I can make to shave a few grams?

Thanks!
 
#4 · (Edited)
In terms of outright savings I'd go for saddle, bar, pedals first as you could lose 100g each from the bar and the saddle. Eggbeaters would lose 50g from the pedals and another 50g with a Ti spindles if you're under 90kg.

But essentially weight savings are a marginal gain kind of thing where small amounts everywhere will end up with a big result. Lots of cheap and cheerful stuff you can explore with ebay specials like derailleur cages, jockey wheels bottle cages etc. Not too much to go wrong with those.
 
#5 ·
You can probably save some weight in the saddle as well (expensive Euro or cheap Asian saddles can get down well under 150g). Seriously though, your money will be best spent on wheels - go to one of the more reputable Chinese suppliers like BTLOS or Light Bicycle and you should be able to drop about 500g from those Fulcrum 6 DBs for about $700-800. You can go lighter but the incremental cost will go up quickly from there.
 
#10 ·
rafab said:
Hi there! I am trying to identify which components I could replace in order to lower a bit the weight of my bike (Giant Revolt Advanced 3 2021). I am not super concerned about it, it is more like a fun project.

Here are the specs:
  • Frame/Fork: Giant Revolt Advanced (carbon)
  • Stem: Giant Contact (stock, alu)
  • Handlebar: Giant Contact XR D-Fuse (stock, alu)
  • Saddle: Giant Approach (stock)
  • Seatpost: Giant D-Fuse (stock, carbon)
  • Pedals: Shimano PD-M540
  • Groupset: GRX 810 1x11
  • Brakes: GRX 810
  • Cassete: Deore 11-42
  • Chain: Deore 11v
  • Wheels: Fulcrum Racing 6 DB
  • Tires: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H 700x40 (tubeless)
With pedals, bottlecage (Syncros Tailor 1.0), and GPS mount weights about 9.5 kg (~21 lbs). Without breaking the bank, is there an upgrade I can make to shave a few grams?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Ha... it's not super concerning, yet. But you made a list, so it's going to eat at your wallet, as soon as it gets the chance.

I've had 3 bikes over the years and in my experience, always changing the weight of the rotating mass (rims and tires) always had a pronounced feeling of shedding the most weight during the ride. Even though some items might have better readings on the scale, on the trails... they aren't as noticeable as wheels and tires.

Be highly aware, as I have recently learned, sometimes cutting weight on components might have drastic affects on the way the components behave on your ride. It's a costly lesson, that I myself have recently learned, when switching to a lighter fork.
 
#11 ·
Bars and wheels have the bonus of doing more than reducing weight. Carbon bars can reduce chatter and lighter rims improve acceleration (rotating mass). The better carbon wheels can improve aerodynamics and possibly comfort too.

I’m not familiar with your tires, but light and supple are among the keys to better acceleration, rolling resistnce, and ride quality. Get the right tread width for the roads you ride, a compromise for widely varied terrain.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
Thanks all! I guess I will start with the bars and save up for a good pair of carbon wheels. Unfortunately, I live in a place where access to carbon wheels is both difficult and extremely costly. I guess I will have to soak it up and save enough money.

Wabatuckian said:
The rider. 😉
Click to expand...
I am already at 59kg (~130 lbs), and I actually need to go up a bit! It is already low enough for my height/body type 😁

StokedSpokes said:
Be highly aware, as I have recently learned, sometimes cutting weight on components might have drastic affects on the way the components behave on your ride. It's a costly lesson, that I myself have recently learned, when switching to a lighter fork.
Click to expand...
Ouch! I hope you are ok!

Dkayak said:
Bars and wheels have the bonus of doing more than reducing weight. Carbon bars can reduce chatter and lighter rims improve acceleration (rotating mass). The better carbon wheels can improve aerodynamics and possibly comfort too.

I’m not familiar with your tires, but light and supple are among the keys to better acceleration, rolling resistnce, and ride quality. Get the right tread width for the roads you ride, a compromise for widely varied terrain.
Click to expand...
I noticed that as well! I already replaced the stock wheels (+2 kg/ ~4.4lbs) and tires, and it was a very noticeable upgrade!
 
#17 ·
I generally think of 1$/g as being my limit (which may be out of date with inflation), unless the upgrade has merit elsewhere. Just take each component you listed, search around for a few premium options, then compare what's the best value.

Kalloy Uno stem could save you ~80g for $30 (if the internet is right about your factory stem weight), and you get to dial in your fit. $0.37/g

Carbon gravel bars seem to be in the ~$200-300 range and ~200g, and seems your aluminum bar is ~300g. 100g savings for $200 is $2/g. But you can further dial in your fit, get a shape you like, and get some vibration damping.

When you get new wheels, you'll have the choice between HG and XD driver. If you pick XD driver (usually for no added cost), you can get an XX1 11-speed 10-42t cassette. They usually pop up used for $150 or new for $320. 174g savings at that price is pretty good, they last forever, and gets you a bit more range.

Just some examples and thought process.
 
#18 ·
acedeuce802 said:
Carbon gravel bars seem to be in the ~$200-300 range and ~200g, and seems your aluminum bar is ~300g. 100g savings for $200 is $2/g. But you can further dial in your fit, get a shape you like, and get some vibration damping.
Click to expand...
The carbon bars on my gravel bike are filled with a foam that’s claimed to dampen vibration. Those bars are one of my favorite comfort upgrades, but I have no idea how much comes from the carbon vs the foam. Maybe foam isn’t a big factor? More research is needed, unless of course the foam fill doesn’t add to the price. I doubt it weighs much.
 
#19 ·
Given that's more of a gravel bike...but I honestly do find somewhere right around 20 lbs to be a tipping point of "if it's any lighter, I'm not even sure I like it more."

I got obsessed with making my one hardtail sub 20# six years or so ago, and when I succeeded (which I did), I actually found that I didn't like it was much as when it was like a 21/22lb bike.

It just starts to get too light, if that makes sense. If you're just racing on paved roads, maybe a different story. But for MTB or gravel riding I prefer some minimum level of weight.
 
#20 ·
Despite the title of the thread, your wheels are the place to start. Most of your smaller components are high end. Weight savings from replacing the wheels will be greater than replacing everything else. Plus rotating weight is actually meaningful. Just get some fancy carbon wheels and be done with it.
 
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