Weight Weinies and Power Weinies

There are two thinks that road cyclists focus on more than any other. Those are bike weight and power output. The expensive gear is billed to save weight and eliminate power loss. It is compelling from an engineering perspective that ceramic bearings and titanium components are available to the masses (with a lot of money to spend). The masses, however, are better served to hit the weight room, do strength training, and focus on a periodization training schedule. Don't get me wrong, there are critical areas where choice components are critical. Shedding rotational weight from your wheels and crank are a good start. And getting really stiff cranks that do not bend under force are also critical for power transfer. But, saving 1 to 3 watts by purchasing $200 derailler puller bearings is reserved for the pros.

I take some satisfaction is pushing my ten year old bike faster than other's $5,000 Colnago with aero wheels.

--Hauser Diet Update---
I have now lost 51 lbs. and I weigh less than when I got married, yet I am significantly stronger. I have not been at this weight at this time of year for about seven years and it feels great. I am super pumped about doing bike racing and completing some triathlons this year.