I plan to do the following upgrades/modifications/additions to the Trucker after it comes. I shall keep adding to the list as and when I learn about something new and useful.
A. I need to add a pair of pedals to start with. I think the MKS Sylvan Double Sided Touring Pedals is the best value for money. Have read good reviews for them on international websites. The are available on Happy Earth for Rs 2654. Let me see when I can spend that. The design is a copied one from Campagnlo. But it is a good set of pedals, they say. (I placed the order today - 1st November 2018. Will write a review once they arrive)
B. A pair of mudguards. These days they call it fender. To me they are mudguards. SKS, a German brand, looks like is a hot favourite and is available in India. I have to ensure that I buy the correct size that will be able to accommodate wider than stock tyres. These were purchased from Happy Earth and fitted to the bike in February 2019, prior to the planned Darjeeling trip.
C. A Brooks B-17 saddle. Some time in future. Not now. As of December 11, 2018 - I bought a Pro Bike Gear Griffon. Will write a review after at least 500 km with it.
D. Racks and panniers, if and when I go for long multi-day rides. I guess I will do the research then. Happy Earth stocks some Surly racks. But they are ridiculously expensive. I think the Axiom Journey series rear racks are decently priced at Rs 2500. As of March 2019, I bought a cheap carrier from Decathlon for around 700 bucks.
E. A distant possibility is to change the crank for better mountain climbs.
F. Tyres and tubes - I think I would prefer to have a Schwalbe Marathon Plus touring tyre. They come with Kevlar and are more or less puncture proof. But they cost a bomb. I must get a spare tube immediately after the bike arrives.
April 4, 2019
As of today I can tick off three from the above list. A pair of Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour, a pair of MKS pedals, a pair of SKS Bluemels mudguards and a Shimano Griffon saddle (it's not in the list though).
My current wish list includes the following
A. I need to add a pair of pedals to start with. I think the MKS Sylvan Double Sided Touring Pedals is the best value for money. Have read good reviews for them on international websites. The are available on Happy Earth for Rs 2654. Let me see when I can spend that. The design is a copied one from Campagnlo. But it is a good set of pedals, they say. (I placed the order today - 1st November 2018. Will write a review once they arrive)
B. A pair of mudguards. These days they call it fender. To me they are mudguards. SKS, a German brand, looks like is a hot favourite and is available in India. I have to ensure that I buy the correct size that will be able to accommodate wider than stock tyres. These were purchased from Happy Earth and fitted to the bike in February 2019, prior to the planned Darjeeling trip.
C. A Brooks B-17 saddle. Some time in future. Not now. As of December 11, 2018 - I bought a Pro Bike Gear Griffon. Will write a review after at least 500 km with it.
D. Racks and panniers, if and when I go for long multi-day rides. I guess I will do the research then. Happy Earth stocks some Surly racks. But they are ridiculously expensive. I think the Axiom Journey series rear racks are decently priced at Rs 2500. As of March 2019, I bought a cheap carrier from Decathlon for around 700 bucks.
E. A distant possibility is to change the crank for better mountain climbs.
F. Tyres and tubes - I think I would prefer to have a Schwalbe Marathon Plus touring tyre. They come with Kevlar and are more or less puncture proof. But they cost a bomb. I must get a spare tube immediately after the bike arrives.
April 4, 2019
As of today I can tick off three from the above list. A pair of Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour, a pair of MKS pedals, a pair of SKS Bluemels mudguards and a Shimano Griffon saddle (it's not in the list though).
My current wish list includes the following
- Lezyne Micro Floor HV (available on Amazon US)
- Brooks B17 (available with BOTS)
- Surly rack front and rear (rear first perhaps - off Happy Earth)
- Ortilieb panniers
- Garmin Edge 520
- Apidura handlebar, top tube and small saddle bag (all water proof)
July 20, 2020
Of the above list a few more can now be ticked off. Lezyne Micro Floor pump, Brooks B17, Tubus rear rack, Ortlieb panniers, Garmin Edge 130. I have to get the Apidura handlebar bag. I wonder if the rear rack and Ortlieb panniers are practical for the Himalayas and whether bike packing is the only answer. In that case a saddle bag will also be needed. But then how does one carry the tent? On the handlebar?
