Originally Posted by
rideau
After reading this thread, there's only one thing coming into my mind, ''Am i a superhuman or what?''
I am not a super experienced cyclist, i carry over 40lbs of stuff + the weight of my bike and i never had difficulty going uphill.
Of course i am aware that with half the weight it will go faster and easier i guess, but, seriously, i don't care.
I like and use everything i bring, i also often carry for a week of food, i often ride country roads with not many town and even less many groceries.
I did many long hills and never heard myself complain about my load.
I will never cut weight in unnecessary things(thiings that i could survive without) such as my joggling balls, 3-4 books, drawing pad+ pens or my pair of hiking boots, just for the sake of riding faster and farther.
In the broad spectrum of bike touring 40 pounds of gear is pretty solidly in the normal range. If your way works for you that is great.
Some of us find a lighter load and a sportier bike to be more pleasant to ride. Some of us also like a more minimal lifestyle on the road and enjoy having fewer things to deal with.
Both approaches can work fine if they suit the rider using them. Then again maybe you are just super human, we are wimps, or both.