Thanks for all your input everybody! I'll be riding a Motobecane 27 spd with 700x26's, aluminum with carbon fork, double wrap w/gel bar surface. The bike is about a 20 pounder with Crank Bros 1/2 platform pedals. I'lll use my mountain bike shoes (comfy and recessed clips). I'm having a blast selecting equipment (featherweight tent, bag, pad, iPod, etc.). I don't want to "share" the load with my buddy because I want to be fully independant to increase my knowledge re: future solo rides. I think I can get my cargo under 35 lbs including 5-6 water bottles and food (no stove equipment). I chose the Bob for a few reasons.....center of gravity is UNDER bike's axels, I love an unencumbered bike, Bob users I've talked to stay Bob users! And finally, I'll replace the 45psi Bob tire with a 90 psi one. Again, thanks for the dialog! Doyle (Raydog)