weight weenie soma. Well at least for me
 

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Been working on a way to replicate the dynamics of the Fuji I built in a lighter frame ideal for distance without drop bars and using discs. Finally scored A Soma Double Cross DC in just the right size from a friend already outfitted with the majority of what I wanted. Hydrolic discs, 26-38-48 triple, and a 9 speed wide range cassette at the back. Came with dual purpose overkill wheels with Slx hubs. Rode it that way for a bit and decided that I'm not keen on 29 inch wheels much so I modded her with the tourer set of wheels from my mtb. Have to say I'm impressed at 13.3kg fully kitted out (garmin and all!) its not only the same geometry as the mtb but its also the lightest bike I own. Not bad for a steel frame. :)

Indeed, that's a great looking Soma! How do you find the flat bars for touring? I've always gravitated toward drop bars and recently added a Salsa Woodchipper handlebar that seems to me a great compromise between conventional drop bars and a wider bar for gravel roads. Seems to be a good setup for me. At 13.3kg, you have a bike that's on the light side for loaded touring without loosing the functionality of a sturdy frame for loads.

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