I'm with you wolfchild. I've got some gear I don't use. It's not like I'm going touring. I do my small stuff grocery shoping,and other stuff all within about 11 miles. I did invest in some good fenders. I hated the look of them,and took them off and put them back on about 4 times. I finally decided to leave them on. It's much nicer. I don't mind the rais anymore,and it's a good thing because this is the wettest year I can remember. When I get back from a ride I just wipe my bike off,and hang dry my shorts and hoodie. It's just H20. We are actually waterproof.