Is it just me or recently is this forum starting become a sounding board for some people to state *their* facts about what touring equipment is or isn't? (regardless of what another poster may say works for them). One thing I have learned about cycling is that we all come in different shapes and sizes and with different quirks and preferences. What works for one, just does not work for the other. If there's one thing that irks me is that someone may express an opinion (based on their own experience) and have someone else tell them they're just plain wrong (maybe the original poster was just hallucinating?).

You just have to respect what some people find works for them (even if you can't fathom it, or agree with it!). Ride and be happy for yourself (regardless of whether you have a purpose tourer or converted mtb, steel or alu frame, road drops or trekking bars, 26" or 700c wheels, STI or bar end shifters, etc, etc, etc.).

And yes, I realize this is a board and boards are for discussion, so I thought I'd just post this -yes, I'm a little fed up, but that also means I can post about it!