The "comparison weight" of our medium sized 2005 Trek T2000 is 33.5 lbs (no pedals but otherwise rideable). That's not too bad for a decidedly un-exotic bike with a steel fork, beefy wheels and ultegra 3X9 components from a decade ago. I could spend a lot of time and money building a new bike that improved that number by just a few pounds.

But if I did build a new, lighter bike, I'm afraid I'd add the same 14 lbs of stuff back on that I've done to this bike. 14 lbs? Yep. Arai drum, Thudbuster LT, basic Shimano SPDs, basic water bottle cages, rear rack, panniers, tools, pump, spare tire, click stand, daytime running lights front and back, bento boxes front and rear with granola bars and gu, computers and GPS, first aid kit, cable lock, genuine brass bell... This doesn't even include the 6+ lbs of 4 large full water bottles.

That means that if I really concentrated on getting a lighter bike frame and components, then we might start a typical ride with a bike and gear weighing 50 lbs instead of 54.

Guess I'm not much of a weight weenie. Any other pack animals out there?