I have consciously lightened my touring load over the past few years. I ride a Rivendell Rambouillet
and believe it's the perfect bike for light fast touring. I keep my load to 25lbs max carried in a Nelson Longflap saddlebag, a handlebar bag, I strap my tent underneath my saddle and carry my sleeping pad and cooking gear on a small front rack.
I've always admired your setup—and your bike. You were a big influence in my decision making. I still carried quite a bit more than you, but I aspired to get as streamlined as possible.
cycommute, you were a big influence as well. I believe I landed somewhere in between the two of you. When I'm just weekending, I use the front pannier/backrack method. For me, it makes a nice distribution of weight. Looks right too.
The both of you should post your rigs again. They're both good looking, functional and (for me at least) educational.
Wrong thread but hey, thanks very much to you both.
Edit: BengeBoy, just had a look at that Pistola. Very nice. I think you're on to something. A discount figures in very nicely now. True Temper OX Platinum? Around 20 lbs.? Sweet! That's a major selling point for me. Just a rub: no eyelets (I'd figure a way around that, a la nun). The guy's light enough that he may not have to worry about the wheels, but I'd have to.