The Raleigh Port Townsend is 29lbs with the extras. I took off all the reflectors and replaced the seat with a lighter one. I got tires that weigh 1/2 as much, and I took off the metal fenders. I did put on a light 500g rack. If I had to guess, I'd put it at 25lbs right now.

I want light enough that I don't immediately see another road bike for $100 more that shaves 2lbs. I want to know which company/bike is doing it right, in other words.

In South America, I will try to do only paved roads, but I feel like anywhere is going to have rough spots. I was thinking I'd need to use heavy-duty rims and schwalbes, rather than the "stock" rims most racing bikes come with.