Great but heavy Trek Crossrip Elite Disc: how to improve?

[flandrien]

Hi,

The Crossrip was finally available in Belgium in February 2013. I enjoyed it since then for commuting but I'm a little disappointed by the weight.
The handling is great, the disc brakes really make commuting in winter easier than with canti's. The secondary brake levers on the handlebar become a must. I miss them on my racebike already.

Currently it is 12 kg (24,5 LBS) for the 58 cm (23") version with SPD-pedals and fenders. I already have upgraded almost evrything on the bike: Ultegra, BB7 brakes, Fulcrum Red Power SL Wheels. The latter al still pretty heavy with approx. 2 kg.
Since I am commuting with this bike I am using Schwalbe Marathon Mondial 700 x 35C, 570 g each.

Can anybody confirm this weight? What are the options for improvements. It is easy to gain up to 1 LBS by replacing the wheels. I guess that the stem and the seatpost are rather heavy as well.

Can anybody recommend tyres. I am looking for the impossible: anti-puncture, speed on road, grip off-road.

Looking forward to hear your experiences,

F

[mnyquist]

Ashima Rotors are a cheap way to drop some grams. I Would consider some different wheels first, if the budget allows.

I have had good luck with my Syntace F109 stem on my fat bike. Really light and Syntace has a good reputation. I picked one up pretty cheap online.

You can usually drop a decent amount of weight by using a lighter saddle. What are you using now?

Sounds like a great commuter bike, though. Enjoy!

[Saddle Up]

2 words, reciprocating mass. Dropping weight from the parts you have to get spinning is the best way to improve the performance of your bike. Drop the weight of your tires, wheels, cassette, discs and crank and you will fell the difference in your feet with every pedal stroke. Drop the same weight from cockpit components and it will feel exactly as it does now.

[flandrien]

Thx. The Syntace stem seems great. I will keep it in mind. My saddle is from the German SQlab brand. Weight is just under 300 g and I really like enjoy it on my Cx, MTB and roadbike. SQlab Fahrradsattel - MTB + Road 611 Active Saddle, Saddle, test winner, ergonomic

[flandrien]

Thx. Only tires and wheels remain candidates in my case. I'm considering a second pair of wheels anyway. I'm bored with mounting and dismounting spike tires through winter.
Which lighter tires would you recommend? I used to ride very light and fast Michelin cyclo-tires but I gave up after flat tires on my way home in winter.
Racing Ralph should be stronger than those Michelins but not strong enough for daily commuting.