Congratulations on the new bike! I bought my dream bicycle as a retirement gift to my self….at age 70. It came with a curse because I’m just about to have my 7th annual retirement party. I’ve ridden most of the major trails including the Canal Du Midi across France. Because of a stroke I can not use pedal clips. Just tennis shoes for me. Thanks for your wonderful videos. One of your many top fans.
Congrats on retirement and your dream bike. Wow you’ve traveled on so many trails and so many more to com! Thanks for your kind words on my videos! Glad you enjoy them!
It's interesting that the first two comments I have read have been from men that are old enough to be your grandfather. I think that in itself, speaks well for your channel and your content, and this was the first video of yours that I have seen (won't be the last either). Like a previous commenter, I also have had a stroke, but as a lifelong cyclist, I had rehabbed enough to be able to ride about 25 miles a day when weather in Tennessee allows. There are not enough words in any language to fully express the joys, freedom, soul cleansing and sense of accomplishment that cycling can provide. Keep up the good work. And to all the 70+ duffers, keep rolling!
Aww you’re sweet. More like dad and granddad! lol I just look young. 😂 Thanks so much for the kind sentiment. You too have found that fountain of youth. I’m so glad you were able to rehab from a stroke to continue riding. And I too share your thoughts on cycling. Here’s to many more rides!
Nice to see a budget touring set up. I've got a 2015 Trek Crossrip I got used from Schellers for around $500. Good tip on the handlebar width, with all the wide gravel trendy bars out there. Also love flat pedals. Cheers!
Congratulations on the new bike! I bought my dream bicycle as a retirement gift to my self….at age 70. It came with a curse because I’m just about to have my 7th annual retirement party. I’ve ridden most of the major trails including the Canal Du Midi across France. Because of a stroke I can not use pedal clips. Just tennis shoes for me. Thanks for your wonderful videos. One of your many top fans.
Hello from Tennessee. I really love your videos. My bike is an Electra Verse. I gave $450 for it brand new in 2015 at my local bike shop. It has been an awesome ride over the years. My longest ride from home so far was only 22 miles to the closet campground. I generally ride 15 to 20 miles a couple of times a week with my longest being 24 miles around town. I happy to be able to do that. I'll be 75 in February. Best wishes ✌️
@@arthurhamlin9998 congrats to you! I always say cycling is a fountain of youth and you have found it! Your Versa has lasted like my Moto! That is so awesome! Wishing you more amazing rides!
Ah, nostalgia time! Another way to save money on bikes is to buy used. My first touring bike was a 1984 Trek 520 which was twelve years old when I bought it as a commuter/beater. But I liked it so much that it became my primary bike. As it aged, I replaced nearly every component. I even had the frame stripped and powder coated; and found replacement decals so the bike looked new. Alas rust eventually got too much and I had to retire it. Enjoy the Kona Sutra! I've been watching @matryderreviews series on his Trans America ride this year. He rode a Sutra and the bike was solid; not so much as a flat in thousands of miles.
@@joseph2535 I love that. A used bike that continually evolves is a great way to go. I’ll check out that Transam ride. I’ve watch 4-5 people travel the world on a Sutra with no mechanical issues!!!
Looking forward to seeing more on the Kona Sutra and seeing how you have it set up. I built up a custom tour bike last year. Did my first tour this summer on the Katy Trail. Thanks so much for your videos of the trail - they really helped! Can't wait to ride that trail again.
@@rsrnsrwds The Kona is pretty sweet. You did a custom bike?! Awesome. Glad you got out on The Katy and that my videos were helpful. I too will ride that trail again and again! The National standard of what a great long-distance trail is!
@@DeniseLookingOut "Semi Custom" actually, if there is such thing 😀. Was going to build it frame up with the Kona Sutra. But I found that a Masi Giramondo was very affordable and was about 80% of what I ultimately wanted in a touring bike anyway. I started customizing/upgrading from there. Got everything I wanted, except thru axels!! Close enough I guess. Have you thought about flat/alt bars? I put the Koga Denham bars on the Giramondo and love it. Many more hand positions and better for mounting bags.
Nice video, you’re wise to gain the knowledge to repair you own bike. It’s also good get a bike shop service if needed as well. Some shops up sell to a fault as I’m sure you discovered so a shop that works with you is great. None of my bikes are high end but they are solid great performers.
Two years ago I bought a cheap ($300) Motobecane gravel bi,ke for a winter beater. Ohio roads are a salty mess all winter, didn't want to trash my Surly or my Fiji, Turns out it is a super value! I have used it on trips on the Erie Canal and GAP/C&O. Does everything it should! Got it through Bikes Direct, which is is where I believe you got yours. Highly recommend.. Way too much hype in the bike industry.
@@jeffdziak6455 IKR Motos are workhorses for touring and as a winter commuter. Erie Canal and the C&O are proof they can take a beating and just keep going.
I started with whatever bike I had at the moment. Never really good enough to go too far. I have since upgraded and am on a Salsa Journeyer now. Pretty much the low end of the Salsa product line but it is wonderful. I'd rather spend the extra on travel than a much more expensive bike. Hebridean Way and Isle of Skye in 2025 for us.
@@craigclark1000 the Journeyer is a great tour bike. I was on my short list when I bought the Sutra. Wow you have some amazing trips planned! Y’all enjoy the travel! I had Eurovelo 15 on the docket for 25 but I’m not gonna be able to get away for 3 weeks straight so I’ll be doing multiple tours in the states.
Great video! I ride a used Cinelli touring bike (2019) and it’s soul purpose is for touring. It’s a great touring bike! It’s all steel and the shifter’s are on the down tube. I, too, will be upgrading eventually but I’m in no hurry. This past May, I did the C&O/GAP on it and the bike truly shines as a touring bike. It came with front and rear racks, extra spokes, bottle (gear) attachments on the front fork, on the top tube, the down tube and underneath the down tube as well. There is enough clearance to fit 38cm tires to. It’s a workhorse! I’m planning to return to the Gap in 2026, with some friends that are new to bike touring. Not sure if I’ll use the Cinelli or invest in another touring bike. Thanks for sharing!!
I’m very much into bikes I bike a lot. I even got my wife into it. Budget bikes. Now they say 500 or less is budget. But yet there are some great bikes at 500 or less. Just because they are less money does not mean they are junk or any less of an expensive one. My first bike was a huffy my first mtb was a specialized stump jumper then trek y bike I’m up to about 35 bikes. My wife has now 5 or 6. Good luck on them runners. They are terrifying to me as well. I have that old back wheel thing I use. I place iPad in front of me and pedal. It works. So it’s good to me.
@@Wannaridebikes agreed! There are so many amazing bikes under $500. That’s why I really wanted to show that they can last! I still love that Moto. Wow 35 bikes!!! You are a collector!!! That’s awesome! Thanks for sending luck on the rollers. I will need it. Your setup sounds great. Cheers.
@ yeah I used to race downhill mtb. I own classic mtb and new ones some old bikes as well. I am hoping to open a bike shop like no other. My own twist. Of it.
My road and touring bikes have all been Cheap bikes. Rode them for 25 years old,and still riding. And another bike 38 years and still riding. ALL GERMAN BIKES. ZEEMAN AND STORCK BIKES
I must add , I just moved from Florida to Kentucky. The Cycling here is superb. I'm a long endurance rider planning local tri state rides. I am planning on using your OTET videos as a guide. Thank you, and I'll see you out there...Riding..
@ welcome to Kentucky! It is so lovely riding here. Have a blast planning your OTET. I plan to do it again in the next couple years - Northbound and camp this time.
i need to transition from a mountain bike to more of a trail and city road bike but I don't have a lot of money to spend on it. I would love to get back to riding the trails around Louisville. I have a mountain bike apart in my room but would love a cheap touring bike that i can afford
@@davenelson-yd2mv if you’re looking for a cheap used bike, check out Falls City Community Bikeworks. Also BikesDirect that I mentioned on the videos has a lot of reasonably priced new bikes.
Depending on the type of mountain bike you have, you might be able to turn it into a touring bike. I have an older 29er hardtail, and I installed a steel fork, 2" semi slick tires, and SQ labs inner bar ends for more hand positions. It also has rack mounts. It's comfortable, durable, and I don't have to worry about flats or rough terrain.
In the future watch your Lighting! The window behind you created numerous problems for watching your video. Too bright, (too much light coming thru) then it causes fuzzy “dusty” appearance trying to see the front of the bike. Probably a great story about the bike but to hard to watch. Hope to catch you in the future viewing something that doesn’t take work to watch and not distracting. Good luck.
@@Just4Gordon yeah sorry about that. It’s the only time and area I had to do it. I’ll to change it up when I do these sitting videos. Most of my videos are actually touring videos. You might try checking them out instead. Here’s The Katy Trail playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLr9T2iipxdvztZWVTXnE4_6SON5lmKbU7&si=xoRGKJ3KBJQ1-hX7
Congratulations on the new bike! I bought my dream bicycle as a retirement gift to my self….at age 70. It came with a curse because I’m just about to have my 7th annual retirement party. I’ve ridden most of the major trails including the Canal Du Midi across France. Because of a stroke I can not use pedal clips. Just tennis shoes for me. Thanks for your wonderful videos. One of your many top fans.
Surly Disk Trucker
Congrats on retirement and your dream bike. Wow you’ve traveled on so many trails and so many more to com! Thanks for your kind words on my videos! Glad you enjoy them!
@@samfrazier7735 that’s a fantastic touring bike, can handle anything!!!!
It's interesting that the first two comments I have read have been from men that are old enough to be your grandfather. I think that in itself, speaks well for your channel and your content, and this was the first video of yours that I have seen (won't be the last either). Like a previous commenter, I also have had a stroke, but as a lifelong cyclist, I had rehabbed enough to be able to ride about 25 miles a day when weather in Tennessee allows. There are not enough words in any language to fully express the joys, freedom, soul cleansing and sense of accomplishment that cycling can provide. Keep up the good work. And to all the 70+ duffers, keep rolling!
Aww you’re sweet. More like dad and granddad! lol I just look young. 😂
Thanks so much for the kind sentiment. You too have found that fountain of youth. I’m so glad you were able to rehab from a stroke to continue riding. And I too share your thoughts on cycling. Here’s to many more rides!
Great video. 8 speeds is the sweet spot, plenty of range but a real chain that's robust and field repairable.
@@goonstroke Thanks. Definitely! The gear range was so great on the Moto that my new Kona has similar range.
Nice to see a budget touring set up. I've got a 2015 Trek Crossrip I got used from Schellers for around $500. Good tip on the handlebar width, with all the wide gravel trendy bars out there. Also love flat pedals. Cheers!
@@jasonshaw2065 Now that’s a find at Scheller’s! Awesome! Yeah those close bars are perfect for long rides. Yessss flats! 🤙
Congratulations on the new bike! I bought my dream bicycle as a retirement gift to my self….at age 70. It came with a curse because I’m just about to have my 7th annual retirement party. I’ve ridden most of the major trails including the Canal Du Midi across France. Because of a stroke I can not use pedal clips. Just tennis shoes for me. Thanks for your wonderful videos. One of your many top fans.
Hello from Tennessee. I really love your videos. My bike is an Electra Verse. I gave $450 for it brand new in 2015 at my local bike shop. It has been an awesome ride over the years. My longest ride from home so far was only 22 miles to the closet campground. I generally ride 15 to 20 miles a couple of times a week with my longest being 24 miles around town. I happy to be able to do that. I'll be 75 in February. Best wishes ✌️
@@arthurhamlin9998 congrats to you! I always say cycling is a fountain of youth and you have found it! Your Versa has lasted like my Moto! That is so awesome! Wishing you more amazing rides!
Ah, nostalgia time!
Another way to save money on bikes is to buy used. My first touring bike was a 1984 Trek 520 which was twelve years old when I bought it as a commuter/beater. But I liked it so much that it became my primary bike. As it aged, I replaced nearly every component. I even had the frame stripped and powder coated; and found replacement decals so the bike looked new. Alas rust eventually got too much and I had to retire it.
Enjoy the Kona Sutra! I've been watching @matryderreviews series on his Trans America ride this year. He rode a Sutra and the bike was solid; not so much as a flat in thousands of miles.
@@joseph2535 I love that. A used bike that continually evolves is a great way to go.
I’ll check out that Transam ride. I’ve watch 4-5 people travel the world on a Sutra with no mechanical issues!!!
Congratulations on your new bike. I love 80s and 90s MNT bikes so I ride a converted Gary Fisher MNT bike to a gravel/ touring bike. Awesome video.
@@rogerhart612 yesss Gary Fishers are awesome bikes for tourists. They last forever.
Looking forward to seeing more on the Kona Sutra and seeing how you have it set up. I built up a custom tour bike last year. Did my first tour this summer on the Katy Trail. Thanks so much for your videos of the trail - they really helped! Can't wait to ride that trail again.
@@rsrnsrwds The Kona is pretty sweet. You did a custom bike?! Awesome. Glad you got out on The Katy and that my videos were helpful. I too will ride that trail again and again! The National standard of what a great long-distance trail is!
@@DeniseLookingOut "Semi Custom" actually, if there is such thing 😀. Was going to build it frame up with the Kona Sutra. But I found that a Masi Giramondo was very affordable and was about 80% of what I ultimately wanted in a touring bike anyway. I started customizing/upgrading from there. Got everything I wanted, except thru axels!! Close enough I guess.
Have you thought about flat/alt bars? I put the Koga Denham bars on the Giramondo and love it. Many more hand positions and better for mounting bags.
Congratulations on getting a new bike! I'm looking forward to seeing it.
Thanks! It’s gonna last me 2 decades at least on tour!
I bought my mountain bike for$250 off Facebook market. 7 years ang going with over 5k miles! Treated myself to a new Surly tour bike last year. 😊
Wow that’s a steal on Marketplace. Congrats on the Surly. I narrowed it between the Surly and Kona. Such amazing tour bikes!
Nice video, you’re wise to gain the knowledge to repair you own bike. It’s also good get a bike shop service if needed as well. Some shops up sell to a fault as I’m sure you discovered so a shop that works with you is great. None of my bikes are high end but they are solid great performers.
Thanks. I def hear ya about upsells at shops and that’s where having knowledge of repairs really helps. Yesss good performer bikes!!! Happy riding!
Two years ago I bought a cheap ($300) Motobecane gravel bi,ke for a winter beater. Ohio roads are a salty mess all winter, didn't want to trash my Surly or my Fiji, Turns out it is a super value! I have used it on trips on the Erie Canal and GAP/C&O. Does everything it should! Got it through Bikes Direct, which is is where I believe you got yours. Highly recommend.. Way too much hype in the bike industry.
@@jeffdziak6455 IKR Motos are workhorses for touring and as a winter commuter. Erie Canal and the C&O are proof they can take a beating and just keep going.
Great video! Congratulations on your new bike! You’re proof that a person doesn’t have to spend a fortune on a bike to go touring.
@@chrislonsberry1974 thanks! That’s what I love about touring, it can be whatever you want it to be.
I started with whatever bike I had at the moment. Never really good enough to go too far. I have since upgraded and am on a Salsa Journeyer now. Pretty much the low end of the Salsa product line but it is wonderful. I'd rather spend the extra on travel than a much more expensive bike. Hebridean Way and Isle of Skye in 2025 for us.
@@craigclark1000 the Journeyer is a great tour bike. I was on my short list when I bought the Sutra. Wow you have some amazing trips planned! Y’all enjoy the travel! I had Eurovelo 15 on the docket for 25 but I’m not gonna be able to get away for 3 weeks straight so I’ll be doing multiple tours in the states.
Just stumbled upon your chanel. Nice one. Like your style and content. I'm a subscriber!
@@mikedesrochers Thanks so much. I’ll have some fun tour videos coming this winter.
Great video! I ride a used Cinelli touring bike (2019) and it’s soul purpose is for touring. It’s a great touring bike! It’s all steel and the shifter’s are on the down tube. I, too, will be upgrading eventually but I’m in no hurry. This past May, I did the C&O/GAP on it and the bike truly shines as a touring bike. It came with front and rear racks, extra spokes, bottle (gear) attachments on the front fork, on the top tube, the down tube and underneath the down tube as well. There is enough clearance to fit 38cm tires to. It’s a workhorse! I’m planning to return to the Gap in 2026, with some friends that are new to bike touring. Not sure if I’ll use the Cinelli or invest in another touring bike. Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks! The Cinelli sounds like an awesome bike. If it can shine on the C&O, it can handle anything! Have a blast when you get back to the GAP!
I’m very much into bikes I bike a lot. I even got my wife into it. Budget bikes. Now they say 500 or less is budget. But yet there are some great bikes at 500 or less. Just because they are less money does not mean they are junk or any less of an expensive one. My first bike was a huffy my first mtb was a specialized stump jumper then trek y bike I’m up to about 35 bikes. My wife has now 5 or 6. Good luck on them runners. They are terrifying to me as well. I have that old back wheel thing I use. I place iPad in front of me and pedal. It works. So it’s good to me.
@@Wannaridebikes agreed! There are so many amazing bikes under $500. That’s why I really wanted to show that they can last! I still love that Moto. Wow 35 bikes!!! You are a collector!!! That’s awesome! Thanks for sending luck on the rollers. I will need it. Your setup sounds great. Cheers.
@ yeah I used to race downhill mtb. I own classic mtb and new ones some old bikes as well. I am hoping to open a bike shop like no other. My own twist. Of it.
@@Wannaridebikesthat’s rad! Best of luck to you opening up your unique shop!
@ yeah I hope so as well. Thank you
My road and touring bikes have all been Cheap bikes. Rode them for 25 years old,and still riding. And another bike 38 years and still riding. ALL GERMAN BIKES. ZEEMAN AND STORCK BIKES
That is awesome!!!! Love that you have a bike going 38 years!
I must add , I just moved from Florida to Kentucky. The Cycling here is superb. I'm a long endurance rider planning local tri state rides. I am planning on using your OTET videos as a guide. Thank you, and I'll see you out there...Riding..
@ welcome to Kentucky! It is so lovely riding here. Have a blast planning your OTET. I plan to do it again in the next couple years - Northbound and camp this time.
WOW!
Congratulations for proving that $$$ aren't proportional to fun, utility etc!
So true! Fun can’t be measured by cost. We can get more people touring if they know it doesn’t have to cost them a fortune!
i need to transition from a mountain bike to more of a trail and city road bike but I don't have a lot of money to spend on it. I would love to get back to riding the trails around Louisville. I have a mountain bike apart in my room but would love a cheap touring bike that i can afford
@@davenelson-yd2mv if you’re looking for a cheap used bike, check out Falls City Community Bikeworks. Also BikesDirect that I mentioned on the videos has a lot of reasonably priced new bikes.
Depending on the type of mountain bike you have, you might be able to turn it into a touring bike. I have an older 29er hardtail, and I installed a steel fork, 2" semi slick tires, and SQ labs inner bar ends for more hand positions. It also has rack mounts. It's comfortable, durable, and I don't have to worry about flats or rough terrain.
Denise, this Motobecane Torino is good, but an aluminum frame, not steel.:-)
Yeah I realized after I published that I said steel. Regardless def great bike! Cheers.
Are you sure it is steel? Looks aluminium
I was thinking the same thing!
@@dquad my mistake, yes it is aluminum.
In the future watch your Lighting! The window behind you created numerous problems for watching your video. Too bright, (too much light coming thru) then it causes fuzzy “dusty” appearance trying to see the front of the bike. Probably a great story about the bike but to hard to watch. Hope to catch you in the future viewing something that doesn’t take work to watch and not distracting. Good luck.
@@Just4Gordon yeah sorry about that. It’s the only time and area I had to do it. I’ll to change it up when I do these sitting videos. Most of my videos are actually touring videos. You might try checking them out instead. Here’s The Katy Trail playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLr9T2iipxdvztZWVTXnE4_6SON5lmKbU7&si=xoRGKJ3KBJQ1-hX7