Originally Posted by
Redneckroofer
Just got back from 18 mi and I love everything about this bike, the brakes do need some attention and the saddle will try to kill me if I go much longer. This bike was easily the highlight of my weekend
Did you get the hubs and bottom bracket greased up?
One other thing- about the backpack... you've got the proprietary racks for that model and size of bike- use them. Not only does the backpack hold the heat and sweat against you, but the weight is on YOU. When I first started commuting and running errands with the bike- I always used a backpack. I remember the first time strapping my stuff to the rack and not even noticing that I had a load.
BTW- for tires- I'm assuming those are 27" wheels... IMO- the 2 best touring bike tires in 27" are the Panaracer Pasela 27 x 1 1/4" and the Sand Canyon 27 x 1 3/8".