After 1979 -

The hippie trail largely ended in the late 1970s primarily due to both the Iranian Revolution resulting in an anti-Western government, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, closing the route to Western travelers.

$750 - $1,000 for the prebuilt? $400 for the DIY option?

I know mechs are known for being expensive, but yikes. This looks cool and it seems like a novel idea, but it’s hard to rationalize that purchase when there’s Kenesis or Moonlanders selling at ~$400.