Is lighter always better? It depends who you ask. When it comes to racing uphill against the clock, the answer is probably yes. Downhill against the clock? Not necessarily. The weight and weight distribution of a bike make a huge difference in how it carries its speed up and downhill and how that bike handles rider input. Too light on the wrong trail, and you could get pinged and pushed around like a pinball. Too heavy on the wrong trail, and you’re sweating and suffering the unnecessary penalty. Can a bike’s weight be just right? If so, what is your preferred bike weight?
