cheap AND safe...?!
yes, the combination of both is possible. we're of the school who believe that travelling with inexpensive gear saves you money which keeps you on the road longer. we rode for 44,000 kms. from Canada to Chile with hiking boots, soft panniers, no gps, cell phone or guidebook and were totally fine.
There's nothing worse than seeing some pompous rider with all the fanciest gadgets and gear with their head buried inside the pages of a lonely planet following the backpacker trail. this is why we travel without all that shit...to escape into the real pulse of the country and discover each place by surprise, with nobody making up our minds for us.
i understand the safety factor, and yes, tires and a poorly running bike should be taken care of, but i see no need to spend thousands of dollars in hard cases and kevlar gear.
go dirtbag and live the experience day by day!
and always keep 'yer knees in the breeze!
T&T
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