Originally Posted by
h_curtis
Seems my choices are ride my current Roberts that isn't set up for touring and go really light. One of the problems with that is, the Roberts has limited gears. A double up front with 39-26 being the lowest gear. That might be a bit out of control and not very comfortable. I am 6'2" and about 190lbs. I don't want to change all that out because it is all Campy Record/Chorus ergo stuff and is set up nicely on that bike, so it is what it is.
Second choice, look for a used touring bike in my size. Used can be hard to find. I looked at every road bike in sizes 59-61 and didn't see anything in the way of touring except one and it was worse than my grocery getting aluminum Nisiki. The Nishiki is fitted with an 8sp internal, so that is out.
Third, buy a Surly LHT or something similar.
One thing about the ultra-light lists floating around is that it can cost a heck of a lot more money to lose a few ounces of weight. Add up the costs of a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, cookset, etc, and you're starting to talk about some serious dough. If you're lucky, you can find some bits somewhat cheaper on sale - I got a new 20 degree down bag for $50, for example - but that requires a fair degree of time and effort.
And like in all things, ultra-light has downsides. Personally, I like having space to stretch out in, especially if I'm stuck in a tent because of bad weather. So I'm more than happy to take the 3-4 pound weight penalty of a freestanding tent with poles that's 75% larger than a tarp tent. Or of the extra weight and size of a 20 degree bag over a 40 degree bag when, as often happens, unexpected cold weather hits. There's nothing like waking up warm instead of shivering all night.