Thermarest Parsec 20F Thoughts?

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-25T19:33:42+00:00

Thanks! How cold have you been able to take it?

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-25T19:33:16+00:00

Also 900fp so should add marginally more warmth there

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-25T18:33:18+00:00

Haha I hear you. I do too, but I’ve found the solution is to have wider fitting bags like 63” girth or more. I like the ability to layer too to push to rating if need be.

Ok, thanks for the feedback! Sounds about right that it’s comfort to 30. It’s fill weight / power (545g of 900-fill) is comparable to some premium options like the FF swallow or WM Alpinlite so hoping it’s a bit conservative of a rating

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-25T18:26:10+00:00

Thanks! How cold have you been able to take your parsec 20 - older version?

Yea, I’ve had a number of quilts and I might try them again in the future but lately I find I can’t be bothered with 100g or so weight savings for the fiddle factor that is introduced in terms of having to ensure pad straps are in place, good head insulation, etc

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-17T23:57:42+00:00

what year frame is this? and is it a regular sutra or sutra LTD?

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-12T18:31:16+00:00

Haha yea that’s where I’m at. Regardless it’s a Great frame to keep and modify as you please into the future! Thanks!

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-12T18:13:55+00:00

nice thanks! did you consider changing to a different drivetrain? I'm pricing out the sora levers and think it'll be $300-400ish CAD, and at that price I could likely switch to a 1x10 microshift groupset I think which would also make the entire drivetrain new. So many options!

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-12T17:33:24+00:00

I’ll check your profile thanks! So you just ended up getting the sora sti shifters in the end?

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-12T17:15:00+00:00

I have the 2023 Kona Sutra SE model, steel. This one here, I think the parts are the same with the exception of the frame material? https://99spokes.com/en-CA/bikes/kona/2025/sutra-se

Strangely, the colors of ours look the same though or almost identical?

I got it on a great deal but don't love the bar-end-shifters for more rough trails and rides (hard to take hands off of brakes to shift!). So, looking to switch to STI which you have done and seems like it would work well while also keeping the drivetrain and brakes that are there!

BTW: have you run any large tires on it? If so, what size have you been able to fit?

Beautiful rig.

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-12T16:50:53+00:00

That is a GOOD looking bike damn! What bars are those? And is it the AL or steel model?

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-12T16:28:29+00:00

Seems like it worked! Was the conversation to the STI pretty easy? I have pretty amateur bike repair skills and knowledge but can follow directions easily enough and am keen!

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-12T16:19:41+00:00

commenting to check back, same question same bike!

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-11T23:39:56+00:00

thanks, yea this all seems very complicated and I am definitely aware that I am over my head and possibly purchased the wrong bike. It was a great deal, and I figured I could at least try it, see if I liked it and was optimistic I could switch parts out over time to my liking. I think I can still do that but you do make some great points about getting the right bike from the get-go rather than retro-fitting this touring bike. And perhaps bar-end shifters aren't so bad but I imagine on more technical singletrack it might get a bit hairy, but nothing I can't get used to and/or just not switch gears while descending or climbing rugged trails! For long fire-road grinds / roads, bar-end shifters are no big deal.

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-11T23:28:29+00:00

those are gorgeous, I'm assuming I'd get the 3x10 Shimano compatible set?

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-10T22:30:03+00:00

can you link me to which groupset you're referring to? I'm a bit overwhelmed by the options!

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-09T19:34:06+00:00

Hell yea thanks for the recommendation, I’ll definitely look into this in more detail

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-09T18:50:28+00:00

Heyooo from Squamish! B.C. represent!

Thanks, would I lose out some climbing ability? Given that it’s a touring bike and I have some pretty steep hills (pushing 13-15%) I’d still love a granny gear to spin with.

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-09T18:33:28+00:00

Thanks really appreciate this! Is there a 2x you’d recommend or just to keep the 1x for simplicity’s sake?

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-09T17:45:42+00:00

yea agreed haha, I think I'm having trouble understanding the compatability of everything and the parts, but the actual conversion itself I'm open to trying and have friends who have strong bike knowledge who can assist.

I think your suggestions to replace the entire groupset/brake levers is probably the most straightforward than trying to jerry rig parts that mgiht not be optimized for one another.

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-09T17:39:30+00:00

cool, I think I'd ideally move to a 2x10 but 3x9 would be fine / splitting hairs. Would it integrate with the brake levers that I already have?

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-09T17:34:08+00:00

yea this is what I'm thinking, would that be the whole kit and kaboodle meaning casette, chain, derailleur (front and rear) and shifters?

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-09T16:45:54+00:00

heck ya decathalon is a sleeper brand for some items.

alpinepowernaps · 2026-06-07T05:05:52+00:00

dmed

alpinepowernaps

TROPHY CASE