I will be cycling across America in July-Sept,2011-the Northern Route 2, solo, self-contained on a 1982 Fuji S12 and need help with this ultra-light stuff.

This looks like an awesome website.

My main considerations - space, cost, useability & weight.
What do you recommend for a sleeping bag? Synth or down? to get me over the cold Rockies? or thru wet Wash. State or the hot flats of the northern plains?

Please advise on solo tents,sleeping pads, stove(Canister or white gas?).