What are some in demand topics for stock photography?
Go buy a new aluminum bike with good componentsIt will feel like a feather compared to the old steel road bikesComponents make up most of the weightEven entry level bikes from a shop are liteMuch cheaper for you to lose 5 lbs then pay a few grand on a liter bike.
Weight isn't really as important as you think it is until you really reach the pro level Weight of the frame depends on size, materal, and designBikes like the caad10 which are aluminum have a very light frame because of the design and if you get a smaller frane and use a longer stem, you get a lighter and stiffer frame but it might be uncomfortable for youNewer carbon frames are usually lighter but a well made aluminum bike will rival it in weightIf I were you, I'd get a nice aluminum frame and then get new wheelsAnd if saving every gram is important to you, go SRAM.
Something to keep in mind: a bicycle frame, even the heaviest is less than 30% of the total weight of the bikeA bike is not heavy only because of the frame material, the rest of the components make up the majority of the weight of the bikeThere have been some fantastic bike frames made with carbon tubing and metal lugsHowever some of the earliest examples were spectacular failuresI own a bike that is built with carbon tubes bonded to alloy lugs, it is only about 100 grams heavier than another all carbon bike that I have and it is lighter than another one that I ownThat small difference makes so little difference that I can't feel itI wouldn't turn down a really good deal on a top quality steel framed bike just because the frame might weigh an extra pound and a halfIf the rest of the components might make up for itIn any case, buying a bike based solely on its weight might not work outBetter to have a heavier bike with better ride quality
Bikeworks is totally right and I have to agree with Chris alsoMy aluminum frame with carbon forks is only 20 pounds (less than 10 kg) ready to goThe carbon frame designed to give a pro a few inches advantage and win a sprints may not be long lasting one, as pro cyclists get new bikes every season or sooner Having good bearings and keeping them and the chain in good working order will do more for fast than reducing the weight a couple of poundsA good steel frame will be better and last more than a bad aluminum frame and almost as lightAnd a good aluminum frame will ve better than a poor carbon frameCarbon has an estimated life of 15 years, less if the epoxy is exposed to UV raysAluminum suffers from material fatigue and might least 25 years before it starts showing it, but once it ages is not fixableSteel will last at least 50 years and can be repaired until infinityIn a 20 pound bike, the frame may be 2-4 pounds (about 2 large water bottles)The wheels will be another 2 poundsThat accounts for less that 1/3 of the bike weightIf you and the bike weight 200 lbs, the weight of the bike is 1/10 of the totalReducing 1 lbs on the frame will reduce the total by 1/200 Aerodynamics is more important than weight once you hit 15 mph.
Shoot what you are most familiar with at firstMyself, I find vantage points around Los Angeles Harbor area and take photos of ships, cranes, containers, trucks loading, workers working (with a telephoto), guards at the gates, inspectors going through containersYou can use various types of areas for stock photosYou can even use a traffic cop directing traffic, or people going about their jobs in a hospital, hospital equipment, patients in an MRIThe possibilities are countlessTake a minute and think about itDon't forget your model releases if you shoot people that can be recognized.
