Fitting a pannier rack to road bike (Raleigh Airlite 100)

[CirrusDesAigles]

After umming and ahhing about buying a new touring bike for some trips next year (long weekend in Holland, 2 weeks in Scotland) I decided I'd try a few things with my road bike first as I find it comfortable but it obviously isn't equipped to tour currently. I figured it's worth trying a few things over the winter locally and if it's looking as if all is lost, I can splash the cash on a new bike in Jan/Feb.

I've ordered some 28mm dutch perfect tyres and there are eyelets on the bike to fit a pannier rack and mudguards.

This is my bike: http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/raleigh-airlite-100-mens-road-bike-p269847 Can see the eyelets on there

Will the frame be up to the job of supporting a pannier or should I abandon all hopes and just buy a new touring one?

 

[tiermat]

Your frame will be spot on for a rack.

My neighbour recently bought a very similar Dawes, which was described as a "light tourer".

As for which rack, it depends on a) how much you want to spend and b) how much you are going to carry on it.

I, personally have a number of racks, all Tortec, one of these:

http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p24700/Tortec-Velocity-Rear-Pannier-Rack.aspx

On the bike I use for commuting and fast(er) day rides and one of these:

http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p3042/Tortec-Expedition-Rear-Pannier-Rack.aspx

On my tourer, which I use for multi-day tours i.e. when I need to carry more than just one change of clothes etc.

Beware of racks with flat stays (Blackburn are the prime culprit) as they sway like mad and make honking up hills impossible. I discovered this whilst in that little range of "hills" that separates Spain from France!

 

[CirrusDesAigles]

Would this do the job do you think; http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-super-tourist-dx-rear-rack/ ?

 

[MikeW-71]

Yep, that frame will be fine for light touring.

You say you've ordered some 28mm tyres... Do you have enough clearance under the brakes to take them? They will be taller than 23mm as well as wider.

I got a rack from Halfords, the Bikehut one. Seems sturdy and doesn't wobble about. Coupled with this bag:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fwe/top-rack-pack-ec052177

That was more than enough to hold what was needed for a 4 day tour and only added about 6kg to the bike in all. Not camping though.

 

[tiermat]

Would this do the job do you think; http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-super-tourist-dx-rear-rack/ ?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They are flat stays I mentioned in my other post. Those racks look solid enough (I have had 3) but they sway at the slightest provocation. That one is also more expensive than the Tortecs I linked to!

 

[vernon]

No mention has been made about changing the gearing of the bike. Holland is flat so no change is necessary but Scotland has some lumpy bits that would benefit from lower gearing than that fitted as standard on a a road bike.

 

[steveindenmark]

Jannie tours on her road bike. A. Trek Lexa SL. You will need to be careful with rear panniers. We can both ride her bike but you need to put the panniers as far back as possible or your heels can catch them.