Lightest bikes >$500

[TWalker]

Weight will be a an issue in my next project. We dont talk it about it much because...hey we use motors! whats an extra 10-15 lbs?

But now I need a lightweight under 30lbs.

Typical Walmart bike is 40-45 lbs.

Any suggestions?

 

[fetor56]

Start with the best bike possible(grams=$$$)
If u get fanatical LOOK at EVERY component & see if u can take weight off it......all little bits saved add-up to a noticeably lighter build.

 

[bamabikeguy]

TW-

These Sun Comfort Rover Sport 21 speeds I use (pix 1/2/3) are really light, but I just looked in the catalog and they don't show a shipping weight. They are easy to pick up with one hand, by far the lightest frame I've found.

(Sun's Website might have the details, but it runs too slow for my computer to access).

My steel rear wheels/tire/tubes weigh in at 9 pounds, you could shave some weight off by using aluminum instead of steel and not use the heavy punctureproofs, get it down to 5 pounds or so.

And don't use the 12" saddles, because they must weigh 2-3 pounds.

They are identical to a Diamondback model, for $100 cheaper, my bike shop sells them to me for $340 (with the heavier wheel). Bike shops don't display generic Suns, but they are in the J & B catalog.

Note how the pedals are pushed forward 6 inches, the seat post is tilted back a bit, and the handlebars have 3 adjustment settings, so you can really get into a "lowrider" kind of feel.

Pic 4 is a Columbia 21 speed, the guy got it for $100 online (NEW), as I understand it, they normally are over $300 also. But it was also lightweight.

 

[mabman]

Most of the cruiser style bikes are going to weigh about the same as they are cheap because they are made with cheaper, heavier materials. If you can do without the cruiser style and more with a mtn. bike style you can buy good used mtn. bikes on Craig's List in your price range that have much lighter frames that cost way more when new. Good luck.

 

[Esteban]

The Sun Cruz that I have , [ not motorized ] is under #30 & a SWEET ride ! A well made bike, also. It is for sale, $100 firm, but I don't ship. Located N. central Florida where it was 21° this morning !!

 

[TWalker]

Im looking for high quality under 30lbs. Mountain, road or touring. And the lightest engine drive I can find. Staton Robin inside drive is 24 LBS and the bike (Cannondale F9) I'm looking at is about 28lbs I think but its like pulling teeth to get bike weights from Cannondale.

I think this as light as I can afford.

 

[Happy Valley]

I like Cannondale, the F7 comes with disc brakes and a little better mechs for a bit more.

Looks like you want to stick with aluminum frames. There are others at this price point.... Giant Rincon, Kona Fire Mountain, Trek 4300.

Low weight and at a low price for new is tough for something that will stand up, depending how hard you will use it.

I agree with the craigslist suggestion though, depending where you're located. For example: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/1000963624.html

 

[Revorunner]

Interesting.

 

[sparky]

I've always liked Fujis, but I'm not sure about prices nowadays.

 

[KeepOnKeepnOn]

Definitely look for a used bike. I would never even consider buying a high end mountain bike new. Most people hardly even use, much less abuse, their status symbol bikes. Ebay is a good source too.