It is as much about attitude as it is weight. Some folks really don't find a heavier bike and gear that much of a hardship.

My 125lb wife hoisted her 50-55 lb loaded bike up on a wall to get around some jersey barriers. We were taking a shortcut down a closed road, and found out why it was closed.


She has lifted it onto trains, boxed and unboxed, and with the bike loaded and unloaded.


She pushed/lifted her bike up these stairs to the road we needed to be on. I never heard a complaint—well maybe about the rain


She also carried her bike up and down 6 flights of very steep and narrow stairs in an old Paris apartment building. The elevator was too small to fit a bike and a person inside it. She actually did this twice. She has also taken her loaded bike up and down escalators at airports, and packed her gear up hotel stairs numerous times, usually joking and with a smile. I've talked to her many times about lightening her load, and she says her packing list has evolved to the point where she is quite happy with it. However, she did ride across the U.S. with 2 small Ortlieb Front Packers on her rear rack along with her camping gear.


Yes, I'm bragging on my wife, but the point is: a light bike and minimal gear may not always add to the enjoyment of the tour.