Originally Posted by
Tourist in MSN
I have three touring bikes, I consider one to be an expedition bike, it will carry a massive load and handle well, but the bike is heavy. The bike I consider to be my medium touring bike is rated to carry something like 30 or 35 kg of weight not counting the weight of the rider.
We seem to have a different sense of what loaded touring is. To me touring with camping equipment is loaded touring, albeit if you aren't carrying much else it can still be pretty light. For me carrying anything above ~18 kg is loaded touring. To me touring with camping equipment is loaded touring, albeit if you aren't carrying much else it can still be pretty light. I doubt I'll ever exceed ~20 kg. Carrying much more makes cycling onerous rather than enjoyable.
I try to pair it down to the essentials: tent, sleeping bag and pad, a couple days worth of cloths, multi-tool, and a spare tube... that's about it. I don't bring cookware since there are usually plenty of places to eat or get groceries along the way.