My experience was pretty much as you wrote. I 86'd the rear rack for a nicer one and added a Brooks B-17. I got some better brake pads and an adjustable stem. My rims needed truing and I replaced the tires as soon as I had my first flat ( about a week) all in all I really like my Tourist its a very capable and comfortable bike. All the replacement items were bought new so if I wanted to save even more I'm sure with the exception of the brake pads and tires I would have spent less with pre owned parts.