Bike Check: Lee Redfern's Hill Climb Bike
A middle finger to gravity — and the UCI. Built for the Ascent.
A middle finger to gravity — and the UCI.
Lee Redfern constructed an exceptionally lightweight machine specifically optimized for hill climb racing. His 2004 Giant TCR SL Aluxx weighs merely 5.625kg (12.4 lbs), representing an obsessive pursuit of weight reduction paired with performance optimization.
The aluminum frame itself reaches only 1191g. This chassis combines with an Easton EC90 SLX carbon fork at 285g to create responsive climbing geometry. Every component underwent scrutiny — selected, modified, or replaced exclusively for climbing efficiency.
The cockpit emphasizes minimalism. A carbon handlebar measuring 35cm across contributes 201g, while a Syntace Force stem with titanium hardware adds just 105g. Internal components total merely 13g, and handlebar tape weighs just 15g. Cables and housing collectively measure 198g.
Drivetrain selection blends SRAM and Shimano components for weight and reliability. A SRAM Red Dub crankset runs a solitary 38t chainring, eliminating front derailleur necessity. The threaded external bottom bracket registers 73g. A Red 22 chain weighs 225g, while the rear derailleur measures 152g. The cassette, modified to include only ten cogs, reaches just 100g.
Cane Creek BRS 200 SL calipers underwent drilling and slotting for weight reduction, totaling 160g. SRAM Force 22 levers, with the left lever gutted to remove shifting internals, contribute 320g combined.
Wheelset components showcase engineering precision: Shimano Dura-Ace 7850 C-24 tubular wheels weigh 1192g for the pair. Tufo tubular tires add 225g each. Quick releases measure 51g.
The finishing kit continues the weight-obsessed philosophy. A Thomson Masterpiece seatpost, cut and drilled, registers 141g. A heavily modified saddle reaches just 127g. Even bottle cage bolts received titanium upgrades, totaling 4g, with the cage itself weighing 13g.
Redfern's methodology remained methodical — driven by understanding hill climb demands: minimal weight, maximum efficiency, zero unnecessary mass. The result delivers weightless responsiveness, instant pedal-stroke feedback, and engineered reliability despite aggressive modifications.
Build Sheet
Frame & Fork
2004 Giant TCR SL Aluxx — 1191g Easton EC90 SLX carbon fork — 285g Headset — 50g
Wheelset & Tires
Shimano Dura-Ace 7850 C-24 tubular wheels — 1192g Tufo tubular tires — 225g each / 450g total Quick releases — 51g
Drivetrain
SRAM Red Dub crankset with single 38t chainring — 392g SRAM Dub threaded external bottom bracket — 73g Dura-Ace 11-speed cassette with only 10 cogs installed — 100g SRAM Red 22 chain — 225g
Brakes
Cane Creek BRS 200 SL calipers, slotted and drilled — 160g Cables and housing — 198g
Cockpit
Carbon handlebar, 35cm width — 201g Syntace Force stem with titanium hardware — 105g Cannondale SI internal plug & top cap — 13g Handlebar tape — 15g
Derailleurs / Shifters
SRAM Red WiFLi 11-speed rear derailleur — 152g SRAM Force 22 shifter/brake levers, left lever gutted — 320g
Saddle & Seatpost
Thomson Masterpiece seatpost, cut down and drilled — 141g Temu Special saddle, cut down — 127g
Pedals & Accessories
Wahoo Speedplay Nano pedals — 168g Bottle cage — 13g S-Works titanium bottle cage bolts — 4g
Total Weight: 5.625kg / 12.401 lbs