I think Cathe's barbell, with out the weight plates is 5 pounds...but I am not totally positive. And if you are getting a barbell...I would definitely get one like hers with the clips on the ends....it makes life so much easier!
I say this because my barbell is 16 years old and it has the screw on stars at the ends and it makes changing the weights more time consuming and challenging...definitely a pain!
I would just build up your weight as you can..(not sure if this is what you were refering to also)