Aventon Aventures with Mike Mu

 Since the rear facing light that is built-in to the Aventon Aventure is blocked by my panniers, I wanted a rear light to be mounted that was more visible at the rear.  PDW's Fenderbot Tail Light hits the mark here for $25.   It requires some drilling but took no more than 10 minutes to install.  I probably should have taken a bit more time installing it because my drill head slipped and I went with a slightly off angle mount but its OK.

 I ordered an extra battery for the Aventon Aventure.   Here's what it looks like: The cover kit plate has to be purchased separately and was $12.50 at the time of this post. The cover plate slides over the battery.  The charger rubber cover and the power button are simply held in place while sliding cover over the battery.  The small screw keeps the cover in place. Now I have to do the battery calibration to ensure proper conditioning before going off on my anticipated several hundred mile journey. Now only if I can get a replacement battery charger...

  All the other full face helmets I've tried were more for motorcycles making them quite heavy for a head my size.  That's one of the big deciding factors in choosing the Smith Mainline Helmet. Protection: Complete Koroyd coverage for lightweight, energy-absorbing and ventilated impact protection, MIPS Protection System reduces rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head. Fit: Three washable cheek pad kits, two crown liners and two neck rolls let you fine tune the fit. D-ring chin strap fastener for a snug fit. Integration: Designed for ultimate integration with Smith performance goggles for maximum comfort, venting and storage convenience. AirEvac ventilation system integrates with Smith goggles for fog-free lenses. Features: 21 fixed vents for consistent airflow. Adjustable visor. Hybrid X-STATIC / Ionic+ performance lining for odor resistance. Weight and Certifications: (Size M, MIPS) 27 oz / 770 g. CPSC CE EN 1078 and ASTM F1952 downhill certified.

  Deal Going On Now Here. This is perfect for most people.

I use the Thule Easyfold XT which I purchased at REI (currently on sale for $799) .  Pictures here show the method I connected without the optional Fat Tire straps .  Yes, you should get the Fat Tire strap kit for use with your Aventon Aventure.  It comes with 2 keys to access the 3 lock cylinders that are built-in (two to lock the bikes to the rack, and 1 to lock the rack to your hitch (supports both 1.25 and 2 inch hitches). Stats wise it claims it can handle 65 lbs a bike.  I remove the battery while mounted so that I easily fit inside this weight limit requirement.  Note that this extends out further because I have a hitch extender/riser/dual setup. It completely folds down so that you can access all tailgates. It includes a ramp which stows inside the unit.  But you can also get an extended ramp too if you have a taller vehicle.  The included one works fine with my Subaru Crosstrek as well as Hyundai Palisade.  Note it will take a little practice till you get it tuned just right,

 OK, this sale is awesome.    Nothing is held back, just stuff being out of stock.  20% off all accessories is a great way to get that extra battery pack or parts.  Sadly, the charger I need is still not in stock.

 OK, the REI annual Labor Day Sale is in full effect.   Good once a year prices on lots of items. As I stated in the above video, I went and got the Burley Nomad Cargo Trailer , and the Burley Nomad Rack add-on from REI and just put it together and took it out for a test drag. The rack itself was a bit of a pain to install because not all the required hardware was included.  Namely the bolt securing the main portion was too short for a current generation Nomad. My plans are to put a solar panel on the rack.  Only a 50 watt fits so its not going to do much more than trickle charge the battery.   I'm going to need to add some lights to the trailer.  But for now the pedals , and built-in lights will have to do.