I'm sure this will be a lively topic!
I think there are both DIY'ers and um the other ones out there. Not sure if there is a surge of either side, more different strokes for different folks. On our way to Nepal we met up with both types. I wonder if the two camps don't split along the classic/romantic lines?
From my own tendancies I prefer DIY for several reasons. Firstly its a stubborn self reliance thing - I was never great at delegating something which I know I could do myself. This of course leads to a complete lack of time
Its a nice (and simultanaously petrifying) feeling to be in another country far away from home sitting astride a bike you setup yourself. Knowing it inside out is also invaluable if (when?) it goes wrong. Not least of all is the money aspect - I'd sooner have another 2 months travel than a set of factory made panniers.
In Iran we had the realisation that the perfect travel bike would be a Honda CG125 (clone) with carpet bag panniers. Light, reliable, simple, economical, cheap and doesn't attract any unwanted attention.
Thats not to say I don't have my little weaknesses, that little multifuel stove was just too tempting...
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