oh heck, if 50 thats no biggie. My regular Marathons cost 40 here in Mntreal, and as you say, in long run its not a biggie. They seem to be lighter than the XRs and other ones, plus with the tread design, they look like they will be pretty good on pavement. Let us know how your planning goes for gear. I hadnt realized you left your panniers in the states (or was it just the front ones?)

darn insomnia, am awake still....