Originally Posted by
andrewclaus
It sounds like you have a good plan and can be flexible. It's easy to ship things home or get items drop-shipped to you along the way. There's General Delivery at many small POs, and many hotels and bike shops will hold packages for you if you're a customer.
I'm a veteran backpacker (Triple Crowner) and have crossed the US twice by bike. My current three-season backpacking base load is in the eight pound range, about twice that on the bike. Two panniers is a no-brainer with that load--it can go anywhere and you barely notice it. If you're estimating 30 pounds, I'd probably also want four panniers to start with. If that bothers you, start paring down.
all great points.
One of the interesting things with bike touring is that yes, less weight means easier climbing and slightly faster overall speed, but it really does depend on how you look at how you approach a tour. It does come down to a balance of comfort as well as cost of equipment, and what priority you have in the details of these. Also, up to a certain amount of weight, a bit more weight on the bike really doesnt make a big difference, and so taking X clothing, or X whatever, can easily be outweighed by being comfortable, either in camp or riding in the rain for hours on a cool day.
I personally have chosen lighter panniers and racks, just to try to keep on top of things weight wise. There are some panniers and racks that are a lot lot heavier than others, so yes, at a certain point its good to keep weights into consideration when buying stuff.
My Tubus Tara front rack weighs about 500, 550g and many other front racks like the Trek or Surly are just physically much bigger (but have upper flat platform part, that I dont use) and are heavier. I can't find the weight of the Trek rack, they are coy it seems about its weight.
Same with panniers, some are a lot heavier than others, so choice of these items will save pounds here and there, just of course will a tent, sleeping bag etc, but then we get back into the price budget thing......
anyway, maybe you will see that two rear panniers is enough, but do at least note weights of items also, while trying to figure out what works for you comfort wise.