I think the OP has the right idea in not carrying much. Still, I don't see where there is less gear required. Unless he doesn't plan to cook or plans to motel it, the basic gear requirements are pretty much the same except for a few items. You do need a pump, a few tools, and a spare tube or two, but maybe he counts that as part of the bike weight. I know that I tend to count the stuff that lives on my bike even when not on tour as part of the bike weight.

On the other hand... You can resupply food, water, fuel, and other things more easily on a bike tour so you can easily carry less of them.