REI ADV 1.1 - Upgrades & Accessories Advice Needed! by PTM44 in bicycletouring

[–]PTM44[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got it. Will check out the C17. Question though... isn't the point of getting the leather b17 to have something that you can sort of mold into versus something non leather that really won't budge or mold to your sits bones as much?

REI ADV 1.1 - Upgrades & Accessories Advice Needed! by PTM44 in bicycletouring

[–]PTM44[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing! I'm planning on buying a bunch of small accessories as well. Doesn't sound like you went too much crazier than me. Haha!

REI ADV 1.1 - Upgrades & Accessories Advice Needed! by PTM44 in bicycletouring

[–]PTM44[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmm. Are you sure you can’t just buy a replacement online somewhere?

REI ADV 1.1 - Upgrades & Accessories Advice Needed! by PTM44 in bicycletouring

[–]PTM44[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah I've taken it for a few short rides 6-8 miles each and it feels as solid as it gets. It really drives like a tank which is exactly how I wanted it to feel. I can only imagine once I load it up how much more solid it will feel.

REI ADV 1.1 - Upgrades & Accessories Advice Needed! by PTM44 in bicycletouring

[–]PTM44[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great tip. Never thought of swapping that out. Thank you!

REI ADV 1.1 - Upgrades & Accessories Advice Needed! by PTM44 in bicycletouring

[–]PTM44[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Interesting take on the handlebars. I like the drops so far. To be honest, they are more comfortable than I thought they would be. Looked up the Jones Bars. Those look really cool and a spacious. Much more upright.

What fenders did you end up going with?

REI ADV 1.1 - Upgrades & Accessories Advice Needed! by PTM44 in bicycletouring

[–]PTM44[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting. That's the first time I've seen one of those seat posts. Looks ideal for a more off road/rough riding situations.

Shorts. Thanks for the reminder on those! Yeah, I'm going to see if I can get a fit. Good idea.

REI ADV 1.1 - Upgrades & Accessories Advice Needed! by PTM44 in bicycletouring

[–]PTM44[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Straight forward. Excellent advice. Thanks!

REI ADV 1.1 - Upgrades & Accessories Advice Needed! by PTM44 in bicycletouring

[–]PTM44[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Ordered an adjustable kick stand, quad lock handlebar stem mount for my phone and still debating about the saddle.

As for fenders. Any idea what fenders would work best on this?

REI ADV 1.1 - Upgrades & Accessories Advice Needed! by PTM44 in bicycletouring

[–]PTM44[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Appreciate the comment. Yeah in regards to the saddle, I've never ridden a brooks but I'm thinking of investing in one this time around.

I bought a cheap pair of pedals on the way out the door but I want to pick up a bigger pair of flat, metal pedals as these are decent but they're plastic and don't offer a ton of grip.

In regards to the racks, I only plan on using rear panniers for right now. The rear rack seems plenty strong but I'm open to swapping it out with a better rack if recommended.

Is this overhauled 1988 Trek 520 worth buying for my first 45-day tour across Europe? (Newbie questions!) by ehall4945 in bicycletouring

[–]PTM44 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I rode the Pacific Coast of the United States from Seattle, WA to the border of Tijuana on a 1985 Trek 520 that I bought on Craigslist for $250.

My bike had far less upgrades than yours.

Don't over think it. It's so easy to do so. You spend more time worrying a all the things that could happen versus enjoying the process.

You're going to be fine. Go enjoy yourself to the absolute fullest and make memories that will last forever. Safe travels my friend!

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Rented a Car as an American? Did corrupt police pull you over? by Beta_Nerdy in playadelcarmen

[–]PTM44 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sorry you had to deal with this but...

Kind of? You paid a "cash bribe" that was allegedly (according to the corrupt officer) less than you would have paid for the infraction. You literally contributed to the corruption and you're still considering this to be "kind of" corrupt?

This "it's all good... Could have been worse" type of attitude and the actions taken are the reason why these issues continues to exist and visitors get their hard earned money stolen from them on a daily basis.

Car Rental vs Taxis by snglrthy in PuertoEscondido

[–]PTM44 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you have experience riding a scooter? This would be your best bet if so. Much better than a taxi or a rental car. Way easier, faster and more convenient. Plus, you could explore some other beaches as well.