What is the typical weight of a quality roadbike frame?

Question

I am interested in building a roadbike. I found a frame that I can afford that weighs 3.6 lbs. is this good?

What are typical frame weights?

Answer 1

Roadbike frames can vary from under 2 pounds to over 4 pounds, but 3.6 pounds is fine.

Just keep in mind that total weight of a bike, while a factor, is not NEARLY as important as the weight of rotating parts (i.e. wheels, tires, tubes, cranks, pedals .... and bike shoes). The "feel" of a bike is markedly impacted by the choice of wheels and in my view is the single most important component to save weight on.

I would suggest that every ounce off the wheels is worth at least 8 oz off the frame.

Also keep in mind that lower weight components come at a high price (Typically measured in $$/gram), and NONE of the weight saving does ANYTHING for your body weight.  The world is full of affluent riders with 18 pound bikes who are carrying 15-20 lbs of extra bodyweight.

Sure, a lightweight bike is nice, but saving 3-4 lbs off the bike weight won't help you much up hills ... at least not in comparison to more muscle/less fat ... and has no appreciable impact on flat road cycling.

And light weight can mean lower durability. So, as with all things, put your money where it counts most (i.e. light weight wheels) but without going to extremes.  And be realistic, a 230 lb rider can't ride the light wheels a 150 lb flyweight can.

Answer 2

yeah 3.6 is not bad, but you don't want the final bike to be more than like 20 pounds or so, also typical fram weights for road bikes are around 2-3.5 pounds, so your right in the ball park