Originally Posted by
rachel120
It is. I used to have more, enough in case I ever had to spend the night elsewhere with no preparation I could, but I've got it bare bones now. Toiletries are very basic, a spare toothbrush, deodorant, a comb and a couple of other very light but urgently needed things. I also took out the tablet though there are times I really regret that, but that was at least a pound, older technology. My work clothes include a pair of denim pants. Denim weighs a disgustingly heavy amount.
I used to carry a step-pump, half a regular tool kit, emergency clothes including a jacket, sundry other items, so I don't think it's ridiculous. That was back in 2008/09. I'm no weight weenie now, but my style has evolved to the point that if there's no strong reason to have it for the 8 miles itself, I don't carry it. Lock is at work for instance, so are shoes or anything else I can feasibly keep there. Most of my bags are nylon draw-string type, maybe a few ounces. Just shirt slacks undergarments, 3 pounds or so.
To compare with OP's weighing in theme, my commuter rig is a steel fixed gear, fenders lights chain case steel rack.
Bike & accessories about 26 pounds
saddle bag/tools 1.5 pounds
commute bag, stuffed 3.5 pounds
Me in shorts with pocket stuff 152 pounds
total: 183
The road bike, with lighter tools and lighter bag, adds up to 175-178
My full fared rig I haven't weighed in forever, is probably near 40 pounds, total something near 200