Originally Posted by jrickards

I am, for the most part, on the opposite end of the spectrum from you. I carry a lot because I don't want to be stranded or too hot or too cold or dehydrated, etc. I ride with 2 water bottles, 2 panniers, one of which I has my tool kit (levers, pump, tube, tube repair, multi-tool) and spare clothes (meaning, rain coat on sunny days, extra cycling clothes for wet days, warmer layers for cold days and of course, clothes that I needed for the ride in but not on the ride out), 2 front lights, 2 rear lights (generally, only operating one of them), etc. Of course, I also need to carry my cell phone, house and lock keys (lock is left locked to the bike cage at work), wallet, lunch and work clothes.

However, sometimes I don't need to bring in a lunch or work clothes (because I brought in extra the day before) and I take a lot of joy in riding my lightweight speedy road bike (still with lights and a toolkit and water) and I take some measure of risk with weather (although if I'm dressed fine for the ride in and would be overdressed for the ride out, I'll leave the extra at work to bring home the next day).

What we consider to be too much or too little, too light or too heavy, is personal choice and as long as we are each happy with our decision, then, well, we're happy. Sure, we'll ask others about alternatives but even with the knowledge of alternatives, we may choose to use them or bypass them.

Each to his/her own.