Front Panniers

[Martin Rees]

This might be a stupid question but are there specific types of panniers to attach to front wheels or is there a rack or something that is needed. im looking for something like what they have here but just wondered how I attach them to the front forks.

any help greatly appreciated.

 

[marcusjb]

You need what is known as a low rider rack. However, that usually requires a front fork that has the correct bosses (a fork that has screw holes half way down the blade and eyelets on the dropout). There are kits and ways to make them work on forks that aren't suitably equipped.

What fork do you have?

 

[steveindenmark]

What bikes have you got Martin?

Fitting racks to bikes that do not have lugs on the front forks can be a PIA. But otherwise Tubus do very good frontvracks and Ortleib make very good front roller panniers.

Your LBS will advise you.

Steve

 

[Sharky]

I've never used front panniers, but I have used handle bar bags. These are easy to fit and easy to remove. Have you already exhausted this option?
Keith

 

[Bodhbh]

If you've got rim brakes and the rack bosses on the fork, it's should be fairly simple. If you've got disc brakes and/or no bosses it means you either have to bodge or use a rack designed for discs/no bosses. Some racks can mount via the brake bosses. I use an Old Man Mountain Low Rider, which fits pretty much any fork - disc, suspension, no mounts - and only takes 10 or 15mins to mount (I refitted mine last night). However I'm sure they're other, cheaper options nowadays. Rack manufacturers generally have mounting instructions buried on their websites somewhere, so you can see what you're getting into.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

As a rule, there is a classification called 'front' and 'rear' for panniers and usually the front panniers are smaller and the rear panniers larger. There is nothing stopping you using 'front' panniers on your rear rack or indeed if needed 2 sets of rear panniers, with one set going on the front rack. But as a rule, more of the weight should be on the rear of the bike than on the front...

This being my OH's bike when we were trying to cycle around the world.

However, I now commute with front panniers (as above) on the rear rack... It is simply a volume 'exercise' nothing more.

 

[Ticktockmy]

There are for and against with regard to low rider racks, I found with low riders when I was using them on some of the off road tracks in Scotland a few years ago, that they would ground out if you had to travel along tracks that had been badly rutted heavy Vehicle use or they snagged on the heather, also at times when fording streams they acted as a brake, whereas with panniers fitted to the higher rack it was much better riding although I find they do effect the steering more than low riders.and low riders look more long haul tourist.

 

[andrew_s]

If you don't have bosses (bolt holes) on both the inside and outside of the fork blade, the front rack should connect the left and right sides with an arch over the top of the wheel. If you've just got outside bosses and the two sides aren't connected, the rack or pannier can twist into the spokes and cause a crash.

 

[stoatsngroats]

We toured Guernsey for a few days with these and Ortlieb front panniers, and they were fine. We had 2 on the rear too, and for the 2 of us for a couple of days allowed us to carry all we needed....

We had no issues with the bags getting in the way!

 

[Nigeyy]

Another option is a front rack -similar to a rear rack, but installs at the front. I did think I wanted front panniers, but found this was a perfect solution -allowed me to put my tent at the front, as well as using a front bag, allowing for a really nice weight distribution. I'd heard that low rider panniers are better for a lower centre of gravity, but got to be honest, I can't tell, nor have had any problems. I certainly feel this is a pretty stable setup for me.

 

[Gravity Aided]

When touring, I used full height racks, front and rear. which did not require any special forks and allowed me to put articles and luggage atop the front rack as well. I've never had issues with balance from this set-up. I'm testing low riders again with my Specialized Sirrus next year.

 

[MichaelW2]

You have front racks which are low ride, mid-ride and platform. Off roaders prefer a higher mount. Platforms are useful for desert explorers, for carrying jerrycans.
Some racks come in 2 separate parts, one for each side. Others have a connecting loop which adds greatly to stiffness. Even if you have suitable fork eyelets for separates, hoop style is better.
Tubus Tara is a popular, minimalist, strong, stiff rack. Mounting hardware for forks lacking eyelets is available.

Modern panniers hook onto racks using quick-release locking mechanisms such as Rixen and Kaul, Ortleib. Non-locking hooks, velcro, hook and elastic and nylon straps are obsolete.