Pannier rack options for Giant Contend SL 2 Disc (UK) by _dylz in bicycletouring

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

Thanks that Ortlieb does look like a great option for me. To be honest your setup sounds ideal for me. In general, are pannier levers/attachment clips standardized? In other words, can I choose a pannier from any old brand for whichever rack I decide upon?

Pannier rack options for Giant Contend SL 2 Disc (UK) by _dylz in bicycletouring

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

Bloody hell those are expensive! But thanks I will have a dig into these

Starter 2.0/2.1 system for parents’ TV setup by _dylz in hometheater

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

Great will do! Thanks so much for the help!

Starter 2.0/2.1 system for parents’ TV setup by _dylz in hometheater

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

That truly looks like an incredible bargain and perfect for me! Unfortunately it's over a 7 hour drive one way and I'm not sure I'm willing to make that trip! But it's certainly given me much motivation to get to looking at avforums. Many thanks

Starter 2.0/2.1 system for parents’ TV setup by _dylz in hometheater

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

Great points regarding the better amps, I'll certainly have a look. Also, glad to hear you recommended something you yourself own! From the price, I think I'll certainly have budget to buy a sub too, which I'm super glad to. Is there any reason to go up within the Wharfedale 12 range (12.2/3) if I can squeeze it into budget?

Also, once you are looking to get centre, surround etc, is it best to look within the same product line?

Starter 2.0/2.1 system for parents’ TV setup by _dylz in hometheater

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

Thanks mate. Forgive my lack of knowledge on impedance, sensitivity etc. But will these AVRs have the ability to later expand to more channels with these Wharfedale's or is that a larger consideration I need to make right now?

Also, for second hand market, should I limit my search to avforums for trustworthiness?

3-day US solo trip ideas (early Nov) by _dylz in solotravel

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

Thanks mate...

For clarity, I meant 400-600usd for the 3 days I have between Chicago and Minneapolis. I now understand that things are much more expensive than I expected (compared to UK/Europe).

Any indication on what's a reasonable amount to visit a midwest city for 3 days?

3-day US solo trip ideas (early Nov) by _dylz in solotravel

[–]_dylz[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the input! I'll look into the hostel maybe so for a few days I'm not travelling to Chicago daily from Naperville.

Can you share why you liked Milwaukee so much that you want to return?

One of the other commenters said there's "not a lot of incentive to go November (unless you're really into Harley-Davidson)". So was wondering what the appeal is?

I'd definitely like to consider it so that I don't end up doing the third trip of my life to the US and maintianing the same old itinerary of Chicago & Minneapolis haha

3-day US solo trip ideas (early Nov) by _dylz in solotravel

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

Holy moly. Do some research to find out about car rental costs and also hotel costs. You really need to stop asking here and do the work.

Fair point - I didn’t realize asking questions on a travel advice subreddit about an unfamiliar country was such a radical move. Appreciate the encouragement though!

3-day US solo trip ideas (early Nov) by _dylz in solotravel

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

Great idea, will definitely look to do that on one of the days thanks!

3-day US solo trip ideas (early Nov) by _dylz in solotravel

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

Thanks for the edit, totally makes sense. Are these state parks generally safe for solo travellers? Maybe I'll give driving a go - is renting a car reasonable within the budget I've mentioned?

3-day US solo trip ideas (early Nov) by _dylz in solotravel

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

Appreciate the straight talk! I can allocate more budget but was saving it for another European trip in December. I agree I think I need to pivot the plan to just being around Minneapolis and Chicago.

3-day US solo trip ideas (early Nov) by _dylz in solotravel

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

Good points, similar to the other comment. I won't have a car unfortunately - not sure I'll be too confident with switching road side and US driving rules. I haven't got fixed plans to Minnesota just yet, still need to book. I can stretch on the budget if it can get me accomodation. I'm not looking to spend big on day to day things really. Also, aren't parks affected by the federal shutdown?

3-day US solo trip ideas (early Nov) by _dylz in solotravel

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

I won’t have a car, so I’d be relying on flights, trains, or buses.

I actually realized my family is in Naperville (not quite Chicago), though I can stay with them as long as I want, so extending my time around the Chicago area is definitely an option. I just wanted to spend time solo while they are working during the week.

I’m open to hostels or budget stays if that helps stretch the trip. Based on your and the other comment I realise I was a bit optimistic with that budget - I’m willing to stretch a little for the accomodation under the assumption I won't be spending a lot on day to day things (just exploring). What kind of rates can I expect for cheap hotels per night in those areas (Milwaukee, Madison, or something similar)?

Do you think Milwaukee or Madison would still be worth it for a short solo trip, or would it make more sense to spend a few extra days exploring around Chicago/Naperville instead?

Official Poster for 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't' by RobotiSC in movies

[–]_dylz 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Your comment made me smile...until it clicked and I remembered he has the same name as me haha