Hi everyone, this is my 2021 Kona Lava Dome and i would like to get in to bikepacking with it. It's a pretty good bike in my opinion, the only problem being the saddle, really really uncomfortable for long rides. What could be a good cheap alternative? Also I'm thinking of getting a naturehike cloud up 1 as a tent, is it any good? Last thing i would like to know is what could be an optymal setup with this bike ( on a tight budget😁).
by Kindly-Print-5210
5 Comments
Saddles are a very personal thing and what works for others might not work for you.
Even $200 saddle could be the most uncomfortable torture device. Get measured for your sit bones and buy the correct size.
Go to a bike shop or bike fitter that does seat bone measuring and get an appropriate saddle. Some cyclists spend their whole life without finding a comfortable saddle… It really depends on your individual shape and no matter what someone says or recommends, it may or may not end up working for you.
Get measured, buy an appropriate saddle. Try it out. Wash, rinse, repeat.
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As for other details… make sure the bike is tuned, no imminent failures and get on pedaling.
A rack on the back and a backpack strapped down is all you realistically need on luggage.
As for the tent, they seem to be decently enough well regarded. Don’t see why not go for it.
I lucked out with a Velo Orange touring saddle that I got for $20 on sale. But just because it works for me, it might not work for you because peoples butts are different.
WTB