My friends 2004 gearbox Nicolai Nucleon was 38lbs, with some heavy components and dual ply tyres, so the weight is one area where no improvements seem to have been made. Using a carbon frame is the only realistic way to achieve weight loss I guess. Traditional gears for me I think as I also ride a few places with long hike a bike sections and lugging a near 40lb bike on my shoulders doesn't appeal these days (a lighter build will be possible but at what cost).