Will I get used to the weight?

[sundial]

I know this is probably a dumb question, but I was wondering if I will get used to a 35 lb bike on long climbs? It seems the gravel roads I ride I'm doing more uphills than downhills and doing about 1200 ft of climbing. I know it's probably not much but after awhile the bike seems kinda heavy.

I like my bike (Specialized Rockhopper comp disc) and I don't *think* I need a different kind for the type of riding I do.

What can I do to make it more uphill friendly besides lose my cellulite of steel? Hopefully Coach Troy will get me into shape for the hills this year, lol.

[Tuckervill]

Does it really weigh 35 lbs?? My mtb doesn't weigh that much, I think. I don't notice the weight at all.

Karen

[singletrackmind]

If you're unsure of the weight the LBS should have a scale. My 91 rigid weighed more than that. While it's definitely more work to get up a hill than the 22 pounder, it's not unpossible. Downhills it's less flighty.
Generally the most effective place to rid yourself of weight is the wheels/tires, though that's prolly more noticeable on the flats.

[sundial]

Yes, I weighed it on a scale. The only thing extra I have on it is an aluminum rack for a trunk (but no trunk) and Wellgo BMX pedals.

On the flats it doesn't feel like 35 lbs. But on the steep climbs.......

[madisongrrl]

Yes, I weighed it on a scale. The only thing extra I have on it is an aluminum rack for a trunk (but no trunk) and Wellgo BMX pedals.

Like others said it's cheaper to drop a few pounds on the person than it is on the bike....but if you were so inclined to spend a little money you could upgrade the wheels. Then again, it might be more trouble than it's worth. If you get used to riding a heavy bike up hills, when you upgrade to a lighter bike it will feel awesome. How much does the rack weigh? If you don't use it, you should lose it.

[sundial]

How much does the rack weigh? If you don't use it, you should lose it.

It weighs 640 g, just a little over a pound. I do use the rack regularly but for the long rides, I could ditch the rack.

It would be better if rider could lose some weight so that my bike wouldn't feel like a freight train going uphill.

OK, maybe not a freight train.

[sundial]

....but if you were so inclined to spend a little money you could upgrade the wheels.

I called my LBS to see what wheels await my bike.

[bluebug32]

How heavy is your fork? Can you lock it out when you climb? This can make a huge difference.

[Zen]

What can I do to make it more uphill friendly?

Shift?

[sundial]

LOL! Zen, I can always count on your tongue in cheek advice.

[PscyclePath]

Greg LeMond was (is) fond of saying, "It doesn't get any easier. You just get stronger/faster."

[DirtDiva]

1) Ride lots.
2) Replace anything that breaks or wears out with something lighter.

[MALcontent]

Whew! 35 pounds is heavy! Of course last time I started complaining about the weight of my bike, my friend said "You could always lose some weight!" This is a slight (but not total) obsession of mine as a person who is challenged by going uphill. My old bike was 29 lbs., my new bike is 27. I think you'll be hard pressed to get 5 pounds off your bike, but one of the cheaper things you might do is get lighter tires. If you don't have kevlar now, they're lighter. And if you get a narrower tire with a lower profile you'll have less rolling resistance too.

Of course, there's always the option of getting a new bike. Good luck!

[Dianyla]

Of course, there's always the option of getting a new bike. Good luck!

Yes. But first slog around with this heavy tank for as long as you can stand. You'll be so strong that then when you buy that new light bike you'll just be flying!