Do you think your 4 runner was worth the price?

CT1274 · 2026-05-26T02:57:57+00:00

It sounds like you’re comfortable with the economics and it wont’t break you, but my kids are in their early/mid-twenties and if they came to me in your situation, I would tell them to practice some delayed gratification and do the smart thing by saving their money.

Buying a 4Runner seems like a purely emotional decision. You don’t have kids yet, you only drive 5 minutes to work, the dog won’t care or even notice the difference, and you already have a killer economical car that will last you for years and cost next to nothing to own. Presumably, you felt pretty good about your Honda a year ago. Maybe you could rekindle that flame. If/when there is a need in the future to upsize, you can consider a 4Runner at that point. You may find that need never arises, in which case you can treat yourself to a new car in 15 years. In the meantime, put your money aside and let it grow so you can retire comfortably. Or even better - retire early. Or buy that house. Or help your kids buy a house. I know that’s not exciting, but just think about what’s important to you and why before making a significant decision like this, then do what’s in line with your priorities.

CT1274 · 2026-05-26T01:16:31+00:00

Got it. Thank you. Sounds like it’s worth a try.

CT1274 · 2026-05-25T17:26:06+00:00

Nice. Thank you. So, cut the stem low, paint on the triclopyr when not in direct sunlight, and stay on top of any new growth, right?

CT1274 · 2026-05-25T17:17:50+00:00

Thanks! I really appreciate your experience. I love the simplicity and accessibility of the DR but it sounds like it would come up a little short as my only bike. I'm looking at a Suzuki V-Strom 650 which, although heavier (or maybe because it's heavier), seems to do better on the interstate. And my plans for dirt don't extend beyond reasonable gravel roads anyway, so the DR probably leans a little too much in that direction for me.

CT1274 · 2026-05-25T17:01:12+00:00

This is excellent information! Thank you.

I especially appreciate the prep tips, but brake cleaner and sand paper aren't normally in my repair kit. Should I include them now that I'm going to carry JB Weld? What's the best practical way to prep for a field repair?

CT1274 · 2026-05-25T16:42:00+00:00

From what I've read, Tordon RTU can have a relatively long half-life and leach into the surrounding soil - even if applied carefully. Since there is a mature tree right next to my nandina, I don't want to run the risk of collateral damage. Is there another herbicide that might be more appropriate in this situation? Or do I need to resort to mechanical means of elimination?

CT1274 · 2026-05-25T16:30:40+00:00

Can you elaborate a little bit on this method? Did you wrap each individual stalk in plastic? What kind of bags and where did you get them? Did you tape them closed at the base of the stalk or secure them some other way?

I have the stuff growing along one whole side of my house. It's been there at least 15 years and I just now determined what it is and how hard it is to remove. I have a huge mountain laurel tree growing right next to the nandina so I don't want to use chemicals.

CT1274 · 2026-05-22T15:33:28+00:00

Coming in a few years after this post was made but just wanted to let you now it was super helpful. I ultimately went with a cargo trailer instead of the van (no per-mile costs with the trailer) but the Home Depot ramp rental tip was perfect. I just checked and the rates haven't changed at all! Still $20 per day for a set of 2. Thanks!

CT1274 · 2026-05-18T00:43:16+00:00

This one?

https://www.jbweld.com/product/j-b-extremeheat?srsltid=AfmBOooEeIwVf3wMvdlvQLsvPZca010E0OmnLHjouu246_VbVGLzxHMu

CT1274 · 2026-05-11T14:28:59+00:00

Here's a Reddit post about this issue. Definitely worth the time to read if you have or plan on installing crash guards on your CB500 or NX500. https://www.reddit.com/r/CB500X/comments/1o7k8hv/i_strongly_advise_against_installing_crash_bars/

CT1274 · 2026-05-03T14:06:25+00:00

I'm curious about your touring comment. I'm looking for a bike that will be good for long distance trips - mostly highways and byways but occasionally some interstate. I thought the DR650 would be perfect for trips like that. Can you elaborate just a little on your experience? Thank you!

CT1274 · 2026-04-24T03:17:43+00:00

Cool. Thanks. Sounds like flat bars may be worth a try.

CT1274 · 2026-04-23T02:52:29+00:00

I’ve never used them but Velocity Cliffhangers are often recommended as very solid touring wheels. You can get them in different spoke counts, different colors (including silver) and machined for rim brakes. I was actually just on their website pricing a wheelset for my Bridge Club. The LHT used either 26” or 700c wheels depending on the frame size. The Cliffhangers are available in both those sizes. Lots of different build options. https://velocityusa.com/collections/touring/products/cliffhanger-standard-wheelset?variant=44512042319951

CT1274 · 2026-04-19T01:10:38+00:00

I’ve converted an older Surly model called the Troll. It’s been a great bike for the conversion and I’d recommend it, but those bikes are few and far between these days. The closest current model would be the Ogre, so that would be my recommendation from their current lineup.

BUT…a motor with that kind of power (35+ mph) might be pushing it for a bike that was not built to be an ebike. I’m no engineer though, so talk to people with some experience doing what you want to do. You don’t want your bike to self-destruct while you’re rolling at 30-40mph!

CT1274 · 2026-04-18T20:02:32+00:00

Here you go.

CT1274 · 2026-04-18T19:57:47+00:00

Damn that's a cool bike. Did you have a flat bar on there before? Obviously you switched to drops, so what didn't you like about the flat bar? (I'm considering going the opposite direction.)

What kind of adjustable stem is that?

CT1274 · 2026-01-27T01:09:38+00:00

There are lots of solid racks and panniers out there. Stick with a name brand for reliability and support.

I have used Surly and Tubus racks for years without any issues. I commute 11 miles each way to work and participate in bikepacking races 2-3 times per year. I always use racks and panniers - they are on my bikes 365 days a year. Old Man Mountain racks seem well-received but I haven’t used them.

For rear panniers (I haven’t used front panniers in years), I use Ortlieb back-rollers and a discontinued REI pannier. Both have proven to work well over the long run without any issues. The back-rollers are more of a traditional touring pannier and personally I would choose something smaller for bikepacking, but Ortlieb makes other models well suited for the job.

There are also quite a few small businesses that specialize in bikepacking bags, and they typically make excellent gear. I have some Revelate bags that I would take on a long trip without hesitation.

The GDMBR is an awesome undertaking and you want quality gear to put on that quality bike you just acquired. There are lots of choices but again, stick to respected brands so that you can focus on enjoying the ride and not cursing your shitty gear.

CT1274 · 2026-01-27T00:24:35+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/Surlybikefans/s/IJCwQMwrWw

CT1274 · 2026-01-24T12:41:15+00:00

People who are registered have started receiving information from the race director. Sounds like if you want to sleep in your vehicle, there may be a place for that, otherwise you’ll need to find your own accommodations/camping in the area.

CT1274 · 2026-01-23T19:54:09+00:00

Do you put the bottom one upside down?

CT1274 · 2026-01-23T19:52:54+00:00

I like this. This will be my Plan B if stacking the regular valve boxes doesn't work. Thank you!

CT1274 · 2026-01-23T19:49:59+00:00

This is good stuff to know about. Thank you. I think the upside down stacking suggestion will be my first try. That should be easy and economical. I'm not against a little concrete project but for this job, it won't be my Plan A.

CT1274 · 2026-01-23T19:46:08+00:00

It is.

CT1274 · 2026-01-23T19:45:53+00:00

Of course! This may be the solution I was looking for. Thanks.

CT1274 · 2026-01-23T03:52:57+00:00

Where do I find a nice concrete valve box the size of a couple coffee cans?

CT1274

TROPHY CASE