Panniers / Removal

[Dr Murdoch]

I'm tempted to get some panniers, rather than clip them on / off, can I simply undo the 4 allen key bolts and remove the rack at the same time? So remove pannier + rack in one attempt?

The panniers i've seen are 'fidly' according to reviews, but the price is right.

+ I hate the way panniers / racks ruin the look of a bike.

[TwistingMyMelon]

You can, although it will probably be easier to unclip the panniers TBH

Removing a rack is easy, but I wouldn't fancy doing it too often , often you have to bend/force it to meet the mounting holes and the standard bolts supplied often aren't the best and would be easy to start rounding them off or even cross threading

Although it varies on the rack and bike, some are easier than others

Personally I would just use a large post bag like this: http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/BABANWSTXL/banjo-brot...

No good for laptops though...I wouldn't trust a laptop in a pannier though anyway

[Dr Murdoch]

Thanks and a great shout for that saddle bag. Have you got one?

I won't take my laptop, but I will need to fit a change of clothes (t-shirt / jeans) and a lunch box. Ideally some files, but that isn't essential as I can plan ahead.

I currently use my running ruck sack but it being pushed to the limit and i'm worried the zip or the seams will fail.

That saddle bag will cost the same as a rack and cheap panniers.

[TheInternet]

Aluminum eyelets will not take too well to repeated use, much care also needed when tightening. I'd get a large saddle bag (as above or Carradice perhaps), or accept a slightly less unsightly rack (Tortec Velocity is cheap, light, and about as sleek as they come). And don't buy panniers that are fiddly to take on and off if that's what you're going to do. Ortliebs are good in that regard.

Edited by TheInternet on Monday 24th July 15:51

[TwistingMyMelon]

Post above lists some good brands

Yeah I would buy a large saddlebag over panniers for commuteing : http://www.wiggle.co.uk/blackburn-outpost-seat-pac... & http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-arran-expanding-pos... look ok, as posted above Caradice are a good brand

Only thing stopping me buying one is the price and that ive got in good routine of just fitting everything I need in my jersey pockets, so havent bought one

I used to use panniers, they were good, but I found a bit overkill, as I didnt take much. I didnt mind a rucksack but prefer it without one

[Dr Murdoch]

Just a thought, are the racks that mount to the seat post ok? Obviously cant take as much weight, but i only want spare clothes, lunch and a few odds n sods.

[bigdom]

You could also just use p clips

[TwistingMyMelon]

Yeah I had one of those seat post racks . Was ok , never really used it much . I had a cheap one I got off EBay for a few quid. It was heavy (very for what it was) but seemed solid . I would worry about carrying heavy stuff on it

[shouldbworking]

TwistingMyMelon said:

Post above lists some good brands

Yeah I would buy a large saddlebag over panniers for commuteing : http://www.wiggle.co.uk/blackburn-outpost-seat-pac... & http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-arran-expanding-pos... look ok, as posted above Caradice are a good brand

Only thing stopping me buying one is the price and that ive got in good routine of just fitting everything I need in my jersey pockets, so havent bought one

I used to use panniers, they were good, but I found a bit overkill, as I didnt take much. I didnt mind a rucksack but prefer it without one

Cheaper option -

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/ROSWHEEL-...

[TwistingMyMelon]

shouldbworking said:

TwistingMyMelon said:

Post above lists some good brands

Yeah I would buy a large saddlebag over panniers for commuteing : http://www.wiggle.co.uk/blackburn-outpost-seat-pac... & http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-arran-expanding-pos... look ok, as posted above Caradice are a good brand

Only thing stopping me buying one is the price and that ive got in good routine of just fitting everything I need in my jersey pockets, so havent bought one

I used to use panniers, they were good, but I found a bit overkill, as I didnt take much. I didnt mind a rucksack but prefer it without one

Cheaper option -

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/ROSWHEEL-...

Good shout that, I might try it, least you can try the concept before spending more

[Dr Murdoch]

bigdom said:

You could also just use p clips

Sorry, I don't follow?

[Dr Murdoch]

shouldbworking said:

Cheaper option -

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/ROSWHEEL-...

Thanks

Just occurred to me it will be difficult to mount a decent rear light. I have one on my helmet but I also have on on my seat post.

[chandrew]

If you only need to carry a smallish amount of kit a handlebar bag is a good choice. My ortleib one tends to stay on the bike all the time, though taking it off is a matter of seconds. The little mount stays on the handlebars all the time. It looks like the newer versions have a clear map / phone pocket on the top. I suspect you'll pay about £60-75 for the bag and it comes with the mount.

As keen tourers we've gone through a lot of luggage and have now just got Ortleib kit. It tends to cost a bit more but is the only brand we've found to be fully waterproof.

Any bigger and it's probably a rear rack. I doubt you'll be able to get a rack off without taking the bags off first. I've never found an issue getting bags on or off after they've been adjusted correctly

Only issue with a handlebar bag could be mounting a front light (getting enough height over the top of the bag) but that will depend on the light. I have a dynamo light mounted on the brakes. However you can get mounts to raise the lights.

[bigdom]

Dr Murdoch said:

bigdom said:

You could also just use p clips

Sorry, I don't follow?

To mount a rack on to a bike, if you don't have mounting points.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=p+clips+bike&amp...

[anonymous-user]

Dr Murdoch said:

I'm tempted to get some panniers, rather than clip them on / off, can I simply undo the 4 allen key bolts and remove the rack at the same time? So remove pannier + rack in one attempt?

The panniers i've seen are 'fidly' according to reviews, but the price is right.

+ I hate the way panniers / racks ruin the look of a bike.

Personally I wouldn't worry about the look of the bike.

I have a rack & easily removable Halford's Bikehut panniers. Removed in seconds, great for work/shops etc

Its bike, not a pulling tool. I have never received any negative comments like ' you have ruined the look of that bike with those panniers '

Its a bike...

[Dr Murdoch]

Jimboka said:

Personally I wouldn't worry about the look of the bike.

I have a rack & easily removable Halford's Bikehut panniers. Removed in seconds, great for work/shops etc

Its bike, not a pulling tool. I have never received any negative comments like ' you have ruined the look of that bike with those panniers '

Its a bike...

Agreed, but I still can't deal with it, much like I don't like leaving the roof box and bars on my car.

Different strokes for different folks....

[CoolC]

Tailfin solves the looks problem.

https://www.tailfin.cc/