Originally Posted by
biker3c086e24
...My current bike is a 2016 Cannondale Quick Speed 2
... On the trip where I had the knee issues, I was carrying a single pannier weighing about 10lbs (including the bag itself) mounted on the right side of the rear wheel, and 4-5lbs of water at any given time....
https://www.rei.com/product/892503/c...disc-bike-2016
not what i'd call a touring bike, not with this gearing: 50/34----11-30, 9-speed.
geared way too high for hills, especially if you plan to carry gear. you want a 3-speed front with something like a 22/32/44 and a cassette with a 32 or 34 or even 36 large cog.
you're in SF, so plenty of bike shops. go ride a 520 or LHT to see the difference.
we got old folks here that load their bikes up with 60 pounds of gear and ride up 14% grades. it's the gearing, man.