Crank Brothers Eggbeater 1

Over the weekend, we went on a long bike ride. It was fun, but I was slower than I wanted. So, in addition to resolving to get more exercise, I took a look at the weight of my bicycle.

Lots of disassembling, weighing parts, and playing with spreadsheets ensued. Ultimately, I decided to replace my worn tires (wire beads add 100g per tire!), rattly clipless pedals, and saddle. If manufacturers meet spec, I’ll have dropped about a pound from my 24 pound bike for ~$100. This isn’t the optimal weight/dollar way to get to a 18 lb bike, but it’s a way to spiff up a favorite bike.

The first package arrived in the mail yesterday – Crank Brothers pedals from REI. Listed as 256 grams per pair,  these should save 110g over the old pedals. Opening up the package, they look and feel great.

Here’s what arrived. 280.2 grams.

Nearly 10% high. For a weight quoted to three significant figures in an industry obsessed with weight, that’s a letdown. In real terms, it’s the weight of an extra granola bar per pair. Or, if you’re a triathlete, three quarters of a pack of GU. As a customer, I saved 22% less weight than I expected with this purchase.

It’s not a gross manufacturing inconsistency; the two pedals mass 140.0 and 140.3 g (+/- 0.1 g statistical uncertainty).

Balance is an American Weigh Blade 400, calibrated with an American Weigh 200g calibration mass. At present, I trust the calibration mass to about a gram. The manufacturer specifies at least 0.1 g. I haven’t yet checked it on a superior balance.