I'm in favor of simplicity but would not want to over do it. In the world of cycle racing the goal is speed, not simplicity. If touring across Asia, a principal requirement of the bike is reliability. A bike, like any other machine, has to succeed at its intended purpose. Human nature being what it is, some will have stupid ideas as to how you should go about fulfilling your cycling goals. Pay no attention to stupid people at all.

It seems to me that each person should have a fairly clear idea of what they want to get out a riding a bike. This does not mean that the initial idea can't evolve. In my case, I began with an old beater bike that was fine for knocking around town. Now I ride a bike that is lighter, quicker and will accept a rack and panniers for light touring, which I did with another Forum member and his wife this past summer and will do more next summer.