Though we all experience it, one thing that doesn't get much play in loaded touring, is how great the cycling is. Yeah, sure, I can't go as fast as on a bike that isn't loaded, but I have had great days just sailing along a perfect road, and the freedom that comes from knowing you can stop anywhere, or be fairly independent makes up for the drag of the weight.

So I would not want to condemn my tour to a level of weight that would eliminate the cycling aspect. There are other aspects, like the tour, people, and camping, etc... But cycling is a large part of it for me.

So while one could use anything, why would on need that much gear? There are certain tours that might make it worth while. Like the guy who cycled to everest from europe with all his climbing gear, climbed everest, then cycled back. Prospectors used to load a canoe (far more capacity than a cargo bike), go out into the wilds and return with ore samples when the food was gone. Don't know where you could do that by bike...