Are you trying to find a carbon fibre road bike that fits within a specific weight range, but don’t know where to start? Whether you’re looking for a bike that fits within a particular weight parameter or needing to know what the average carbon fibre road bike weight is, I can help you out.
The average carbon fibre road bike weight (when taking an average of all carbon fibre bikes, overall) lands around 18 pounds (8.2kg). However, the size of the frame, wheels and gears can change the weight.
Are you looking for more information? I have included a list of some of the more well-known models and their weights, sorted from heaviest to lightest, with some more details about weight thrown in at the end.
Road Bike Model | Weight pounds | Weight kilograms |
Trek Domane SL5 | 21.5lbs | 9.7kg |
Vitus Zenium CR | 19.6lbs | 8.9kg |
Specialized Roubaix Comp | 19.4lbs | 8.8kg |
Trek Emonda SL5 | 18.9lbs | 8.6kg |
Cannondale Synapse | 18.7lbs | 8.5kg |
Colnago CLX | 18.5lbs | 8.4kg |
BMC Teammachine SLR02 | 18.2lbs | 8.3kg |
Trek Madone SL6 | 18lbs | 8.2kg |
Specialized Tarmac SL6 | 18lbs | 8.2kg |
Vitus Venon Disc CRi | 18lbs | 8.2kg |
Cube Attain GTC Race | 17.8lbs | 8.1kg |
BMC Roadmachine 02 | 17.8lbs | 8.1kg |
3T Exploro Team Force | 17.6lbs | 8kg |
Bianchi Aria | 17.6lbs | 8kg |
Orange Bike R9 RS | 16.9lbs | 7.7kg |
Cannondale Supersix | 16.3lbs | 7.4kg |
Specialized Venge Pro | 16.3lbs | 7.4kg |
The list above gives an average weight of each carbon road bike, but the weight can significantly change depending on;
- The size of the frame
- Size and weight of the wheels and tyres
- The group set (gears & breaks)
- Pedal
- Seat
- Accessories (lights, saddlebag, water bottle & mudguards)
Table of Contents
Road Bike Size Guide
The size of your frame will make a difference to the overall weight of your bike. The smaller the frame, the less material it requires to make the bike. Although a smaller frame means a lighter weight bike, it’s crucial you get the correct frame for your height. Discover the best height bike for you.
If you ride a bike that is to small for you, it can cause knee and back problems. Furthermore, your performance on the bike will suffer dramatically because you can’t produce the optimal power. I have included a bike size guide to help you pick the best size bike for you.
Riders Height | Frame Size |
148cm – 152cm | XX-Small (47cm-48cm) |
152cm – 160cm | X-Small (49cm-50cm) |
160cm – 168cm | Small (51cm-53cm) |
168cm – 175cm | Medium (54cm-55cm) |
175cm – 183cm | Large (56cm-58cm) |
183cm – 191cm | X-Large (58cm-60cm) |
191cm – 198cm | XX-Large (61cm-63cm) |
If you are uncertain on the height, you can always drop into your local bike shop, and someone will measure you up. One other addition on a road bike that many forget it a kickstand which can be helpful if your buying an expensive bike and don’t want it getting damaged.
Size And Weight Of Wheels And Tyres
The size and weight of the wheels will significantly change the weight of the overall bike. Some wheels can weigh less than 1 kilogram and other nearly 2 kilograms or more. You might spend thousands on the lightest bike frame, but if your wheels are heavy, you could be wasting money.
Unfortunately, to get the lightest wheels, it will cost you a lot of money as the material and construction of them increase from the cheaper wheels. Often bike shops will sell a light carbon-framed frame but include heavier wheels as this will bring the price of the overall bike down. Read the full description of the bike and make sure you understand precisely what you’re getting.
Under-Inflated Tyres
When you take your bike out onto the open road, make sure your tyres are fully inflated. Under-inflated tyres will create more friction between the road surface and the wheel slowing you down. Invest in a pump with a psi (pounds per square inch) gauge. The average road bike wheel requires between 80psi – 130psi.
Tubeless Tyres
To save even more weight on your bike, you can opt for tubeless tyres. The tubeless tyre has no inner tube inside of it but will need to be sealed with airtight tape and sealant.
Check out this video for more information.
The Groupset
A road bike’s groupset relates to any mechanical or electronic parts that are involved in braking, changing gear, or the running of the drivetrain.
That means
- The shifters
- Brake levers
- Front and rear brake callipers
- Front and rear derailleurs
- Crankset
- Bottom bracket
- Chain
- Cassette
I have included a comparison chart to show the lights to the heaviest groupsets currently on the market. Groupsets can be more expensive than your bike frame; however, you do get a lot of quality when you buy the more costly sets.
Shimano Groupset
Name | Speed | Weight |
Dura Ace R9170 | Di2 11 speed | 2389g |
Dura Ace R9120 | Mechanical 11 speed | 2007g |
Ultegra R8050 | Di2 rim 11 speed | 2353g |
Ultegra R8000 | Mechanical 11 speed | 2266g |
105 R7000 | Mechanical 11 speed | 2180g |
Tiagra 4700 | Mechanical 10 speed | 2585g |
SRAM Groupset
Name | Speed | Weight |
RED eTap HRD AXS 2x | Electronic 12 speed | 2518g |
RED eTap HRD AXS 1x | Electronic 12 speed | 2103g |
RED eTap | Electronic 11 speed | 1750g |
RED 22 | Mechanical 11 speed | 1741g |
Rival 22 | Mechanical 11 speed | 2348g |
Apex | Mechanical 10 speed | 2419g |
Campagnolo Groupset
Name | Speed | Weight |
Super Record EPS 12 | Electronic 12 speed | 2505g |
Super Record EPS 11 | Electronic 11 speed | 2078g |
H11 | Mechanical 11 speed | 2228g |
Chorus H11 | Mechanical 11 speed | 2613g |
Potenza | Mechanical 11 speed | 2412g |
Veloce | Mechanical 10 speed | 2471g |
Pedals
There are numerous styles, sizes and makes of pedals that you can choose from. The best type of pedals will be clipped pedals as they enable you to generate more power through a full revolution of the bike when riding. Beware if you have never used clipped pedals they can take some practice to clip in and out of.
Top 3 Recommended Pedals
1. SHIMANO Ultegra R8000 SPD-SL XL Axle Carbon Road Pedal
- Ultegra performance – pro-level performance for the enthusiastic road rider.
- Lightweight – yet robust design, weighs only 248 grams.
- Extra-wide platform – wide platform delivers efficient power transfer and stability
- Integrated contact surface – durable integrated stainless body plate reduces weight; flex, and wear
- Wide bearing stability – wide bearing placement for stable and uniform load distribution
I really like the extra width since pedal because I have wider feet. They are spaced out from the crankshaft, so the sides of my shoes don’t rub onto the shaft, which happens from time to time. Furthermore, they are effortless to clip in and out of.
2. ROCKBROS Bike Pedal CNC
- LIGHTER BUT STRONGER: aluminium alloy body, high-quality pedals in weight of 196g/pc, much lighter and more robust than those other Aluminum Alloy Injection Ones
- EXCELLENT DESIGN: ideal for big size feet, comfort& pedalling efficiency with a good skid resistance design for a long ride
- 3 SEALED BEARINGS: 3 pcs sealed bearings keep the elements out and contribute to long-lasting, smooth-rolling pedals
- GOOD PERFORMANCE: Durability standard, replaceable pins, enhanced stability surface has the traits of comfort and good anti-slip performance
These are not for heavy off-road rides but are more designed for road bikes and easy mountain biking. These pedals give me much more stability because they are wider and easy to place my foot on. There’s no need for straps or clips as they have small grips on the pedal that grip your shoe.
3. SHIMANO PD-M540 SPD Pedals
- Fluorine-coated binding claws allow for easy entry and release
- Pedals are dual-sided for easy access and feature solid and durable spindles with 8mm Allen wrench mounts
- Low-maintenance sealed bearing cartridge axles
- Sealed cartridge bearing spindle keeps out water and mud for a smooth action and makes for a durable pedal
- Open design helps to shed mud
- Weight: 380 grams per pair
The two-sided clipping makes it easy to clip your feet in and out, especially if you’re new to clipless pedals but clip out early to give yourself time. Not just made for mountain bikes but can be a great introduction to clipless pedals for any bike.
3 Tips To Make Your Bike Lighter
1. Saddle
When you invest your money in a top of the range carbon bike, it doesn’t always mean everything on the bike will be carbon fibre. The seat is more than likely not carbon fibre, and a carbon fibre seat can weigh as little as 90g.
Carbon fibre seats are lightweight but have the strength to hold your body weight during bike rides. Although these seats are strong, the firmness of the seat can something hurt your bum. A good pair of cycling shorts with extra support will alleviate any soreness.
- I would recommend Velmia Bike Seat – it has a high-quality memory foam saddle to reducing saddle soreness. Its design allows air to follow around your saddle, keeping you cooler and fresher. It’s 100% waterproof.
2. Water Bottle And Holder
A water bottle holder will save you a few grams at most, and you will only get marginal weight loss. Nevertheless, carbon fibre water bottle holders look more stylish than the metal models and can set the appearance of your bike. Water bottle holders are inexpensive compared to other carbon fibre parts for your bike.
As for water bottles, a standard plastic bottle will do or metal if you’re wired about BPA.
- I would recommend PERGEAR Carbon Fiber Lightweight Bicycle Water Bottle Cage (Amazon Link).
3. Saddlebag
A small saddle bag is needed, especially if you’re venturing far from home because it can hold essential items to fix your bike. I carry the following items in my saddle bag;