Originally Posted by
silverwolf
More info (thanks for responding)- I will be "camping" but in the lightest way possible- about a 30-35lb at most pack, probably less- apart from the bike, which has my water supply and toolkit/spare parts on it, I will be carrying a sleeping bag, change of clothes, basic firestarting equipment in case of a campsite, a folded bota bag incase I need water when away from the bike, music player and spare batteries, flashlight, radio, poncho, small length of rope, swiss army tool, two knives (one for general use, one for protection), probably about 5 or less lbs of food at a time, and shelter of some kind (this being my most irritating issue; I don't have much money but it isn't fun to sleep in the rain, in the open).
I do have previous experience doing touring (150-300 miles) on a geared bike, and lighter touring (70 miles over 2 days) on a single-speed, though it was a mountain bike and ridden on trails. I also have experience "ultralight" or lightweight camping, though tent/shelter choice is perplexing me currently- I had previously toured with someone else who could carry a much larger pack containing a foldable tent.
I assumed as much about the SS versus fixed- I will definitely get a BMX freewheel rather than a track cog.
Some gear packing tips from my experience on tours and backpacking trips:
1.) You don't need a "protection" knife. Just carry a Leatherman or similar multitool with sturdy, strong blades. I like my old Leatherman Wave for its external, locking blades.
2.) Fires are dirty for you (makes everything smell like smoke and dirties anything cooked over it) and dirty for the environment. I carry a flint/striker in my emergency kit on extended back-country tours and backpacking trips, but it's only there for emergency fires if I were to become stranded, hypothermic, etc.
3.) For tents, look for 1 or 2 person 3-season backpacking tents on sale. They can be had pretty cheaply. Or consider a Hennesy Hammock or similar hammock. Bivy bags are uncomfortable for general use, and I've never camped in an area that was bug-free enough to use a tarp shelter.
4.) Ditch some of the electronics: no need for a music player (enjoy the sounds around you), and there's nothing good on the radio. The only personal electronics I carry on tour (besides bicycle accessories like lights and computer) are a battery powered head lamp and a digital point-and-shoot camera. My cell phone and charger get packed away and are only used to check in with family periodically, and for emergencies (assuming I'm in an area with cell reception in the first place).
5.) Depending on where/when you're riding, your rain gear should be the best you can afford. Period. Hypothermia is bad.
Another option to consider with your SS drivetrain is a dingle setup. White Industries Dos Eno and a two-ring setup up front will give you two very different gearing options. If you've got a day with a ton of climbing, switch to the lower gear in the morning and leave it there. Otherwise, enjoy your normal gearing most days (I'd shoot for low-to-mid-60's high and a low-50's if possible). 36/18 : 17/19 or 16/18 and 38/40 : 17/19 all fall in this range.