Originally Posted by
Leebo
Ugg. So you are 235 lbs and the loaded bike weighs 60+ lbs? Hmm. Riv touts the off road experience. A lot. My bike packing tires are 3,4 and 5 inches wide. Rim brakes? Not. Back to the discussion, no Riv for me until they go disc and 1/18th in head tube. What if I wanted to run a sus fork? Currently building up my 4th Surly. Gone through 3 sets of rims, worn out. Just no. You do a lot of steep gravel roads in VT? Not. You have no clue. This ain't no commute. The grey dirt snot constantly builds up everywhere. Including the rims. Dude, just no. Go buy a riv or 3. Just not my cup of tea, for me and my conditions that I ride in. Surly for life, bro.
No, I'm not 235, but I have come close to the load you mention. I occasionally had to commute in the Ozarks with 85 pounds on the bike. I am 170, more with clothes, but I didn't add that in. My bike and bags comes in at 35 pounds, for a total of 290. The brakes worked fine.
I am not planning on buying a Rivendell anytime soon, but I do like what they make, and I like their company. Their bikes are not for everyone though, but I am glad they are still making bikes for those who like and can afford them.
For me, I am content with my Surly.
And again, I will once again say, I have not in any place made the assertion that rim brake work better than discs. Nowhere. Ride on.