We haven't heard back from Swiss Footbikes. I would be curious to hear back on what they carried as a base weight on the AT and PCT. It might give a better idea of what might make sense for them on a coast to coast bike tour. Of course some folks look at the bike as a tool that allows them to carry more since the load isn't on their back. This approach is even possible with a race oriented road bike, but the gearing is more likely to become an issue.
If we knew a bit more about what the OP would be doing we might be able to give better advice. Barring that after choosing the general route I normally suggest the following general approach:
- Decide what gear you want to use.
- Go over the list and trim, refine, and generally get it just the way you want it. Repeat ad nauseum...
- Choose baggage that will handle the baggage that will carry the gear (panniers, bikepacking bags, improvised stuffsacks and racks, trailer, whatever).
- Decide on the bike that suits the gear and baggage.
The order of the steps may vary, but I think the first step should almost always be first. The second is more or less continuous and the refining never ends for me. The third and fourth may be switched. You, can choose the bike first, and lots of folks do, but it is kind of backing into the process. I sometimes do the process backwards myself, but still think it is backwards.