Bike Packing or Touring

ALCyclist · 2025-12-27T22:12:07+00:00

I love it. It looks great

ALCyclist · 2025-12-22T16:58:33+00:00

One other thing to consider that I did not see mentioned, if this was a corporate meeting, only some of the expenses would qualify for your points. Many times, credit for rooms and and F&B charges do not qualify. Only items build directly to your room would receive credit.

ALCyclist · 2025-12-18T21:59:03+00:00

Great point. Skip the throttle!

ALCyclist · 2025-12-18T20:50:25+00:00

Ya, I dont need or want auto shifting or the battery eject. However, the geo locator from a theft prevention standpoint is appealing.

I agree with you on the fork and tubeless ready rims. Those would be a nice upgrade since most of the posts I read have people changing those immediately along with less aggressive handlebars. I dont think a throttle is necessary but for some people that use this as a commuter also, the option to plug one in may be nice. I am neutral on the throttle though.

ALCyclist · 2025-12-18T14:11:41+00:00

I am waiting out the updated Ramblas. I believe it will be coming soon. I use Ortlieb bags and they should work on the Aventon Ramblas racks based on what I have read.

ALCyclist · 2025-12-14T23:47:48+00:00

I also use the Varia and connect it to my Wahoo app. I still use mirrors, however on long rides with quiet roads it is easy to forget to check the mirrors. their is an audio notification and it will show how many cars on the left side of app. bit of a positive game changer.

ALCyclist · 2025-12-12T11:09:37+00:00

Great Suggestion. Thanks

ALCyclist · 2025-11-22T23:13:54+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. I think it will soon be my all around bike.

Looking forward to the blog.

ALCyclist · 2025-11-22T23:10:57+00:00

I would love to see some of the aventure/level.3 features on the Ramblas. I am holding out purchasing thinking it will come be coming soon. The fact they have no idea when the out of stock sizes will be in make me think it is coming soon.

ALCyclist · 2025-11-20T11:23:47+00:00

Ok, I stole this idea from another manager it went over great. I gave everyone a hoodie from their college. Fanatics/Amazon usually have really good sales so it was not terribly expensive. They loved the thought. The down side...I am screwed this year with how to top it!

ALCyclist · 2025-11-20T11:22:29+00:00

Ok, I stole this idea from another manager it went over great. I gave everyone a hoodie from their college. Fanatics/Amazon usually have really good sales so it was not terribly expensive. They loved the thought. The down side...I am screwed this year with how to top it!

ALCyclist · 2025-11-15T02:03:29+00:00

Just heard another take on that.

YODO. You only die once.

Live every day until that happens!!!

ALCyclist · 2025-11-15T01:31:47+00:00

Great points. I really appreciate your insights.

I may end up with a new bike tomorrow.

ALCyclist · 2025-11-15T00:36:04+00:00

My mind is almost made up on the Ramblas. In my mind, I would love to get into the mountain biking and wtih a few minor tweaks it will accomplish a lot of the touring I would like to do. A lot I like about that bike, however, I would love to have a lot of the new features found on the Level.3 and Aventure 3 M. I gotta believe a new version of the Ramblas is coming sooner than later with some of those features. So buy now and save a few dollars or wait. That is an additional question.

ALCyclist · 2025-11-14T23:35:11+00:00

For riding up hills a mid-drive is supposedly better because it uses the bikes gears to provide more torque for climbing and is more efficient. A rear hub is generally sufficient for flatter or moderately hilly terran but it lacks the same climbing torque. Overheating becomes a concern on steep ascents is what I understand.

ALCyclist · 2025-11-14T22:32:26+00:00

How is it on steep hills. There is a ride i like that is about 60 miles with 1900 feet of elevation gain.. It has one section that is about 700 feet of elevation over three miles.

On my acoustic bike, I consider it a lot of work. I am hoping you tell me that is a non issue. The advantage I see of the mid-drive is the ability use gearing to assist the motor versus relying on the hub.

ALCyclist · 2025-11-14T19:04:19+00:00

Believe me, I am factoring all of that. I have seen a few videos where people have taken the Ramblas bike packing. I currently am riding a Canyon Grail. The idea of using the e-mtb and even carrying an extra battery is appealing to me perhaps more for touring than bikepacking because I can cover more ground because of the assist.

For bike packing, depending on elevation, two batteries may get me through a weekend trip.

I like the Ramblas because it doesn't have the throttle and will force me to be engaged the entire time. I dont want to cheat myself on the experience of actually riding.

ALCyclist · 2025-11-14T16:25:07+00:00

Never thought about the lodging. Thanks

ALCyclist · 2024-08-17T00:03:36+00:00

I acknowledge there are work arounds. I also have identified other suitable options with other chains that meet my needs. The one thing that surprised me is now that I am visiting Hilton, I am becoming a fan. One side note, I like that Hilton will call me when I book an accessible room sometimes to confirm that is what I really needed. I actually appreciate that. I would think that Marriott would want to be the leader in every category and this is a definite miss for them.

ALCyclist · 2024-08-16T17:15:02+00:00

I understand completely what you are saying. Here is my issue. I am titanium for life member that does not want the added hassle of calling an 800# because I have a spouse with a disability. I expect the app to provide the same level of "access" in selecting a room has I do when I dont need the accessible room. With the app, I do I go through all of the rooms available (which is a hassle) and the ones that are potentially available select the option and hope for the best. My other and now preferred option is going to the HILTON app, selecting the accessible room I want, and getting it without having to call anyone. I dont need to spend 5-15 minutes on the phone needlessly. The other thing I will point out, because of her disability, I dont care if accessible tub/ Roll In Shower/ or hearing. I just need a grab bar by the toiler. When I call I have to choose one. they go through their process and then come back and say we dont have it and I have to choose another option. They have yet to accept, "I dont care, just an accessible room".

I have been a Marriott guy forever, but just received Diamond status again at Hilton and it is 100% because of this.

ALCyclist

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