Rob_E

There's bare, and then there's bare. We have the same requirements on the trains in my state, and I took the Silver Star (I think) out of DC with the same requirements. But I did not remove my little top tube bag of tools and spare tube. It never gets removed and no one ever says anything. Usually there's pump attached as well. On my most recent trip, I had a frame bag on the bike. I didn't remove that, but I did take most of the items out of it. I believe my pump and cookware stayed in the frame bag, and no one seemed to mind. Also still on the bike was harness for my handlebar roll and the harness for my seat bag. I've never had a problem handing them a bike that only had my standard gear on it. I just try to make sure that it's clear that I removed my actual luggage from the bike. No panniers, and I usually try to remember to take my water bottle as well.