Originally Posted by MichaelW
How practical is a tent in SE asia? Is it better to string a hammock between trees with a mossie net covered by a nylon rain tarp (in UK army terms, a "basha", Australian: hoochie)
The Rockhooper is a sound tourer. The only upgrade you may want to consider is the bottom bracket. This may be a low-end unit. Better sealed units like the Shimano UN-72 are not expensive.
I use 2 panniers and a detachable bar bag. Useful for keeping valuable when you leave the bike and as a map holder.
From folks I've known that have been there...SE asia can be real wet if you travel during the rainy season. So bring a tent with a good fly and lots of netting if that's when you ride. Big Agnes makes a very light weight, roomy, full netting, 1 man tent called Seedhouse SL under 3 lbs. Also DON't bring a down sleeping bag. A light synthetic bag will be bettter or even a light weight poly blanket/sheet