Well, I come in on the light side at 145lbs... plus I travel light (we are going for an ultralight philosophy on this ride)... In reality, apart from this trip, I mainly see myself racing around the city on this bike, training on snowy streets throughout the winter. I know I'm asking for advice and not really listening to it, and a few of you have realized I've already made up my mind but this is all very valuable information to me regardless. I will have the whole winter to see how suitable this bike is and I'm sure I'll change a few things around.. Thats why I have a job! Anyways, thanks for all your input, I very much appreciate it.

Also very true about people crossing canada on walmart/canadian tire bikes. As well as very young and old people, and people with cancer and missing limbs and all kinds of other heroic feats. Lets not forget to mention the maniac on the boneshaker who does cross-continental rides. I think a strong young buck like myself (22yrs) and my buddy should be able handle the 7800k between oceans on whatever bikes we happen to be riding. So I really may as well just buy what I want.