Advice Needed - Joining from the Dark Side

[whitestone]

But surely you get your butler to carry the majority of that? It's what the sensible gentleman would do Obviously carry the meerschaum and associated substances yourself, don't want to break the poor fellow.

[HaYWiRe]

Once you get down to just a front drybag and a seatpack you open up a world of opportunities with distances, effort exerted, terrain, ect.

Its still possible to be comfortable too, my base kit weight (before food and water) is around 5kg on more comfortable tours, and thats with a 3 person tent! My gear is hardly from the ultralight category either...

Another option good for the road, as racks can be very handy still, is just two front mini panniers on the back.

Going rackless is most peoples goals though, which is why most bikes even without mounts are suitable for bikepacking. Heavy touring bikes are overkill unless your route takes you RTW

[Templogin]

@whitestone - I forgot to mention the half pound of dark brown shag, but didn't want to mention pocketed items

@Haywire - Larger tent than mine; quite shocking really! I have to smile when people mention lightweight and Ti in the same breath, surely Au is the answer? Yes, the heavyweight tourer is overkill. It wasn't the one that I wanted, but trying to find a used Raven or Nomad was just impossible. This one came up at a little more than I wanted to pay, but it was so clean that it looked new.

[Bearbonesnorm]

I have to smile when people mention lightweight and Ti in the same breath, surely Au is the answer?

Oh yes, aluminium often lighter than Ti in 'like for like' instances.

[HaYWiRe]

I alternate between 1.9kg 3 person tent, for comfort (and when I ride with the other half), and a 400g bivi for faster trips, fits nicely under the bars while sleeping kit goes under the seat.

As far as I know, people choose TI as it has similer ride qualities to steel? Tough but compliant?
Alu is light and stiff, whether the stiffness is a good thing is debatable...

I just ride the same bikes I use day to day, a light alu/carbon road bike (although 9kg is heavy by roadie standards) and a cross country alu hardtail. I enjoy both bikes, neither built for touring but light enough gear and the ride quality barely changes

Best thing to remember, the lightest gear is that you leave behind, and certainly cheaper too

[Templogin]

If you read the scales when I am standing on them, you would understand why lightweight is less of a concern!!

[Bearbonesnorm]

As far as I know, people choose TI as it has similer ride qualities to steel? Tough but compliant?

I wasn't really talking about bikes, I was thinking more along the lines of pots, pans, sporks etc.

Alu is light and stiff, whether the stiffness is a good thing is debatable...

Nope, it may be light but aluminium is both malleable and ductile. Aluminium frames are only stiff due to the designs required to stop them falling apart.

[HaYWiRe]

I better brush up on my metallurgy....
Quite embarrassing given my father traded in non-ferrous for 15+ years

Atleast I know my fabrics :)