Originally Posted by
saddlesores
3. replace them tires! Currently have maxxis pace 26*1.95
at 650g each, plus a folding spare. I’m pretty fat at 185
pounds, but with reduced weight, I think I can get by
with 1.75 tires. Maybe something like the kenda kozmik
lite folding tire at 450g. will still carry 2 tubes and a
spare tire. Maybe, just maybe, could even get away with
a 26*1.5 on the front?
The problem with tires people typically use for touring is not their weight so much as the fact they have energy sucking stiff sidewalls. Stiff sidewall tires tend to be heavier, but I wouldn't focus on the weight as much as I would getting something that is more supple than what you are using currently. Getting a 10%+ change in speed or same speed and less energy needed to turn the pedals is possible at very modest cost compared to any other modification you make. Unlike straight up weight reduction reduced rolling resistance benefits you all the time not just when climbing or accelerating.