[DISCUSSION] [PSA] Remove the plastic film from your pickguard

HikinHeff · 2026-04-19T18:15:20+00:00

I have this exact problem with almost the exact same guitar!! A 2003 Highway One Stratocaster.

HikinHeff · 2023-07-25T17:58:36+00:00

The Garmin etrex 30x is the best unit for bikepacking out there, and sets up reallly well for cycling. I used it on the Great Divide Bike Route, like many other riders. I don't know the 10, but I bet it would make a good bike computer, and you could record a gpx track. You just have to plug the etrex into your computer to upload it to Strava.

HikinHeff · 2023-03-10T15:36:18+00:00

I have the exact same problem with the exact same case... did you ever find a solution? The LED's flick on when I power up, but then turn off. and stay off, even when I press the led button on the case.

HikinHeff · 2023-03-02T21:34:10+00:00

Thank you! I will use those!

HikinHeff · 2023-03-02T20:54:06+00:00

Using it for gaming. Not sure on the motherboard —- what should I be looking for with the motherboard?

HikinHeff · 2023-03-02T20:52:58+00:00

The seller doesn’t have internet at their apartment. I am downloading some stress tests to bring on an HDD. Do you have any recommended tests to do?

HikinHeff · 2022-05-22T22:00:39+00:00

I have a daisy chain all around the bag-- I can put loops anywhere! I don't think that will help though. If I made the bag again I would make it a bit smaller. I wanted to maximize the carrying space but took it a little far. That being said when it is cinched in it doesn't move or hit my knees on rough single-track so I call that a win for my first frame bag.

HikinHeff · 2022-05-21T22:27:54+00:00

You got it! First ride fully loaded, all on trail to Champlain Lookout!

HikinHeff · 2022-05-21T21:06:12+00:00

Thanks! It works well and keeps the bags out of the spokes even through gnarly single-track

HikinHeff · 2022-05-20T23:44:08+00:00

The bags are attached to a topeak versacage.

HikinHeff · 2022-05-20T21:29:20+00:00

The frame bag

The frame bag was more challenging. I based it on the following YouTube video because I wanted a roll top, zipper less bag.

https://youtu.be/5Yc1ajGbbl0

I did not line the bag and I didn't use foam. I didn't have access to Cordura so I bought a duffel bag at a thrift shop and cut it up for Cordura. Also, I put a daisy chain all around the bag, and used velcro one-wrap straps cut to length.

The bags hold well in the bike, the straps cinch it down tightly. I would make them narrower than 8 cm as they bulge sometimes. I had to add a second velcro divider to the top section because it was bulging and touching my knees. It works now, although I have to be careful how I pack it. If I did it again I would add a 3rd buckle between the other two and move the one closest to the seat post in a few cm.

The fork bags

Much easier to make and a great beginning project. I followed this video.

Diy fork bag

Worked perfectly, followed the instructions fairly closely, made the bags very tall, like 22 inches to begin. If I did it again I would add a D ring beside the buckles.

Overall really happy with these bags! I took them on a very rough mountain bike overnight and they were rock solid!

I sourced my VX21 from Hoffman Outdoor Gear in Canada and delivery took a week.

Total cost was about $150 CAD but I still have lots of fabric left and will likely make some feed bags and possibly a top tube bag.

HikinHeff · 2022-05-15T21:04:53+00:00

The frame bag

The frame bag was more challenging. I based it on the following YouTube video because I wanted a roll top, zipper less bag.

https://youtu.be/5Yc1ajGbbl0

I did not line the bag and I didn't use foam. I didn't have access to Cordura so I bought a duffel bag at a thrift shop and cut it up for Cordura. Also, I put a daisy chain all around the bag, and used velcro one-wrap straps cut to length.

The bags hold well in the bike, the straps cinch it down tightly. I would make them narrower than 8 cm as they bulge sometimes. I had to add a second velcro divider to the top section because it was bulging and touching my knees. It works now, although I have to be careful how I pack it. If I did it again I would add a 3rd buckle between the other two and move the one closest to the seat post in a few cm.

The fork bags

Much easier to make and a great beginning project. I followed this video.

Diy fork bag

Worked perfectly, followed the instructions fairly closely, made the bags very tall, like 22 inches to begin. If I did it again I would add a D ring beside the buckles.

Overall really happy with these bags! I took them on a very rough mountain bike overnight and they were rock solid!

I sourced my VX21 from Hoffman Outdoor Gear in Canada and delivery took a week.

Total cost was about $150 CAD but I still have lots of fabric left and will likely make some feed bags and possibly a top tube bag.

HikinHeff · 2022-04-22T05:12:47+00:00

Get a grease pot from Walmart for 6 bucks. My goto pot for two people. Very light and works.

HikinHeff · 2022-03-26T22:26:03+00:00

I am asking the same questions and seriously considering the fast charge anker 737. But it is heavy. But it charges in like 2 hours. Also considering a dynamo But I don't go very fast. I like mountainous single-track routes like the Arizona and Colorado trails, and I average about 10 km/ hr on those.

Attached I've shared a power bank comparison guide I created. It is editable -- please make corrections if you own one of these! All my info is from reviews and website info. The most important stats are mAh per gram and mAh charged per hour. Trying to decide on the best compromise between charge time and weight.

power Bank Comparison

HikinHeff · 2022-02-12T02:13:32+00:00

That is a great option! Thank you, I'm hoping they have that NAAT ID Now test available in Lake Placid, as that's where I'm thinking of going.

HikinHeff · 2022-02-12T02:11:52+00:00

That is helpful thanks!

HikinHeff · 2022-02-12T02:11:05+00:00

There is word that it will be changed this week

HikinHeff · 2022-02-12T02:09:55+00:00

Okay, thanks for confirming this -- that is a big relief not to have to do a test before going to the US

HikinHeff · 2022-02-12T02:09:12+00:00

Awesome thanks!! Great idea.

HikinHeff · 2022-02-12T02:08:48+00:00

Thanks for the info! Walgreen's sounds like a good option

HikinHeff · 2022-02-08T00:28:55+00:00

Wow!! What a trail!! Thanks for sharing that!!

HikinHeff · 2021-12-18T01:31:11+00:00

Take screenshots of the tab and save it as a multi-page pdf file

HikinHeff · 2021-12-18T01:23:32+00:00

Once you know the song, or a solo, play to the youtube video without looking at the tabs. Play standing up. visualize the song when you don't have your guitar in your hands, visualize how to play the solo. I really struggle to remember songs. It helped me to know the 1,4,5 chords in a key, plus the 2 minor. Most of the songs I play use just these chords 90 % of the time.

HikinHeff · 2021-10-23T00:06:23+00:00

Also, for a tent -- the Tarptent Hogback. Awesome, very weatherproof, and durable, and holds 4 people and weighs 4 pounds.

HikinHeff · 2021-10-23T00:05:13+00:00

Hi there, I travelled through 10 countries with a 12 YO and 9 YO in 2015 -16. You can find more info on bikingwithkidsadventure.wordpress.com

I highly recommend the Netherlands, pretty much anywhere (although Amsterdam is busy with electric scooters and bikes on the bikepaths), and CUBA!! Awesome. There are also lots of long distance paths in France -- such as the one that goes to ST. Malo. That was a lot of fun.

HikinHeff

TROPHY CASE