![\"IMG_20190331_120354](\"https:\/\/39south.com\/tour-aotearoa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_20190331_120354-2-1.jpg\" "\\"IMG_20190331_120354")
<\/a><\/p>\nHere\u2019s the bike as I bought it.<\/p>\n
I changed the bars to Jones Bars, which is an excellent choice for comfort and provides an excellent place to attach bags and equipment.<\/p>\n Aero bars are highly recommended for comfort and position flexibility. Jones bars were trimmed as the originals are very wide! Some comfy grips added too.<\/p>\n Sleeping bag in a dry bag, sleeping mat, wet weather gear and some food in the front roll bag.\u00a0 Tent attached here too.<\/p>\n I was very pleased with my \u201ccockpit\u201d<\/p>\n The final including a rubber phone holder and a bluetooth speaker for some tunes on the road!<\/p>\n Side view on a test run to Totara Reserve \u2013 showing the Pack\u2019n\u2019pedal rack and drybag on the back and the frame bag.\u00a0 That\u2019s the Big Agnes \u201cFly Creek\u201d tent in the background.<\/p>\n The Thule pack\u2019n\u2019pedal rack was amazing.\u00a0 Solid, light and I had no issues despite some serious bumps along the trails.<\/p>\n The frame bag is convenient for quick access, but don\u2019t overfill.\u00a0 If it bulges out it can rub on your calf and cause a nasty abrasion!<\/p>\n Here is the bike 4 days into the tour.\u00a0 2 bottles in cages on the front forks and one in a bag on the jones bars.\u00a0 I used inner tubes to bungee the bottles onto the forks.\u00a0 Without the extra grip the bottles tended to bounce out at the worst moment!<\/p>\n Top tube bag for snacks etc.<\/p>\n The saddle choice was a Brooks Cambium C17 Carved.\u00a0 It was a great choice.\u00a0 I had no problems with saddle sores or abrasion.\u00a0 Just make sure you give yourself time to adapt to the new saddle.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n