Rack/Pannier weight

[bikerHen]

I was lusting after a Surly rack until I discovered the rack alone weights 3 pounds. It may well be bomb proof but three pounds is HEAVY! If I was going to be doing serious global touring I would get one. However, I went with a much lighter and equally well made Tubus rack. It's more rack than I needed, but I had to get the top of the line rack because it matched my fenders. It's on the bike all the time so I wanted something lighter. I have to carry my bike upstairs when I get to work. And my Surly is a heavy sucker! bikerHen

I re-read your orginial post. The shoulder straps on my Ortlieb panniers are great. I would never get myself, my bike and the panniers upstairs in one trip without them. The first time I tried carring my bike upstairs with the panniers still attached I almost fell over backwards!