Originally Posted by
WalksOn2Wheels
I keep going back to the backpacking comparisons, because I think they're useful. Another thing to note: while some might strive to hit specific points, like a 5 pound base weight. Plenty of people are happy to get to 9.5 pounds and not ever be concerned with going to 5 pounds. I think the same can apply here. Asana usually puts it best, but the less ir more attitude applies here. It's all personal and relative to your own goals for touring and riding. It's fun for us gear nerds to shoot for certain weights, but if we end up on a trip where we need to add a pound or two to our carefully tailored sub 10 pound list, we aren't going to have any sleepless nights over it. It's just a bit of fun to see what is possible and maximizing the ride itself.
+1
UL fanatics and gear nerds get a lot of fun out of weighing stuff and shaving grams......but most tourists aren't as bothered about that, they mostly want to travel and have fun. However, getting back to the "evangelism" part of all this, I think that ALL tourists would benefit by applying a few simple ideas and approaches from UL. Obviously 99.9% of people don't want to travel in XUL/SUL style if reduction in weight significantly impacts comfort off the bike, but I'm surprised that so many want to travel at the other end of the spectrum with 100lbs plus of bike and gear. That surely also makes bike touring more uncomfortable than it needs to be. I admire the stuff these guys do, but maybe they would have more fun with lighter loads.
http://www.facebook.com/americabycyc...6807696&type=1
I'd love to see most people who tour reducing their loads by 10lbs or 20lbs rather than competing for how much they can carry or, indeed, competing for how little they can carry.