Originally Posted by
texas2wheel
My goal for this bike would be for weekend camping (between 50-75 miles from home, 2nights max) so I shouldn't need 30+ pounds of gear. When I'm ready and able to do week long or longer trips, I'll spring for a true touring style bike, that's intended for long hauls and heavy loads. So do you think the bike (from a structural standpoint) will handle 15-20lbs of gear, when packed right?
Thanks for your advice.
no problem,it's not the weight that's the limit, it's the relatively shortwheelbase and chainstays that make solo rear pannier placement awkward. Simply move the weight closer to your mass and make it well secured. Touring on racing road bikes with light loads is no problem if you're not trying to take huge pannier loads . I'd get some basic cheap rear rack and possibly a front rack like this that you could secure with p-clamps on the fork blades. Cram a sleeping bag into compression sack and put it on this rack then put the rest on the back rack, no panniers needed.
http://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...ess-steel.html