Originally Posted by
Cyclebum
What bike are you riding. Seems heavy @43 lbs. Most come in under 35 with racks. Otherwise, don't see anything unusual for a trailer rig.
I've managed to get my gear weight under 30 lbs, counting panniers(2), but not water/food. Quit cooking on tour. I'm actually less concerned about weight than bulk, so shoot for stuff with low pack volume. Neoair, down, single wall tent, minimal clothes, etc.
Weight definately matters, but only when climbing. It's an advantage on long, shallow downhills.
I have the LongBikes Slipstream. It's definitely a "long" bike with a 70.5 inch wheelbase and it rides like a hammock on wheels. It's called the Cadillac of recumbents and I think this is accurate from my experience so far. But it is heavy and hard to start on hills once you stop. I also find myself crawling up hills if steep and long enough. You slowly burn out it seems. But to be fair I have not had the opportunity to try this during a tour when I have my body in shape (I assume that happens on a tour).
Here's a pic of just the bike and the trailer:
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Note how the camera flash reveals the reflective trailer wheels. I didn't notice them until I took this photo. You can't see them but there are two water bottle holders on the rear triangle. I'm considering removing the rear rack (Tubus) for the tour to save some weight but if I don't I will have an Arkel trunk bag mounted there for quick access items.