Is 22 Pounds Too Heavy?

[NadiaMac]

Did the test bikes have cross tires on? If not, keep in mind that those suckers are heavy!

If you like the kona, try getting the bike shop to upgrade the wheels to something lighter (you will have to pay the price difference). Probably the easiest way to lighten up a bike. Also, look for a build with lighter components, if there is a selection.

[spokewench]

I'm kind of a light weight when it comes to upper body strength too and I have a redline cross bike (I don't know how much it weighs, but it is not light).

Yeah, it can be kind of hard to get on my shoulder sometimes; but not so much because of the weight, but because of a hand issue I have. Most of the time when it is just short dismounts, i.e. a barrier or a triple barrier, I find that I just lift the bike high enough get over the barriers and it isn't too hard. And, if you are putting the bike on your shoulder say for a longer hill carry, i.e. one that a barrier in the middle that you cannot ride up, then you just have to get it to your shoulder. Once it is there, your shoulder takes the brunt. Some people put padding on their bikes since it does kind of hurt somewhat to have a bike banging around on your shoulder even though you are supporting it still with your hand.

It is really your call and you have to know what you can handle, or maybe work up to. Try picking the bike up in the parking lot and running a bit and see how it works for you.

spoke

[Alex]

Thanks for the responses! I rode a couple more bikes. A couple of Scotts and a Pinarello. They were all lighter, some more than others, but when I rode the Kona JTS again, it all became clear to me.

The Kona fits me best, it comes with 105 components, and I actually like the handlebars and the saddle. (I didn't like the bars or saddles on the other bikes.) For me, it accelerated better than the others and was more maneuverable. It also felt a lot better on pavement.

I picked it up and carried it a couple of different ways and, much to the amusement of passersby, I ran around with it at the park. It really was the best bike for me and the price was right.

I liked Mimi's idea of it giving me incentive to stick with the weight training over the winter! It's not like I can't lift it now, but I was just concerned that it was crazy heavy for a cross bike.

Alex

[NadiaMac]

enjoy the kona! I have the 2006 JTS. love it for cross.