Sort of a problem with a lot of Niven's novels more generally, but they became travelogues to a large degree. I agree not especially dystopian (or interesting).
I always loved that about them. Not all sci-fi needs to crawl into its own navel and reveal the condition of Man. Sometimes it can just create and explore a fantastic universe.
I thought it worked better in shorter formats though. (And I was a huge Niven fan.)
Sure, I can see how that style could drag a little in long-form.