hurrah, no more sweaty back for me.......

[Origamist]

I do like the look of those carradice saddle bags but I think I would need something around the 12L size as that is what my single pannier bag holds. I have looked at the bags that size and think they look a bit large to be hanging off the back of the saddle.

The pendle, nelson and SQR tour are all around that size and you might get a bit of sway when out of the saddle and fully loaded, but it has little effect on the handling of the bike. If you're worried by the aesthetics of a med sized saddlebag, stick to your pannier!

 

[MacB]

Very nice Potsy

By the way, if anyone's considering Carradice v rack and panniers I found that there was no weight difference between a rack and a lightweight rack top bag compared to a Carradice and Bagamn support.

 

[BentMikey]

If you're worried by the aesthetics of a med sized saddlebag, stick to your pannier!

Class bit of sarcasm, LOL!

 

[theclaud]

I did the same a while back. Unfortunately the bike isn't so light so it now weighs an absolute ton with a pannier on. The bike feels worse but you get less tired without the rucksack on for a few hours.

Ha! Did that lop-sided thing finally hand in its dinner-pail? It's not the pannier that weighs a ton - it's all that clobber you carry around.

 

[Davidc]

I made the change from backpack to panniers when I started to use a bike to get to school!

I get a sweaty back without a backpack, using one I get saturated, so hate using them if I have to.

For a long time I had a big leather saddlebag, but a mouse chewed it up and I've never replaced it. I may buy one of the Caradice ones sometime.

 

[fossyant]

My new set-up for commuting duties-enough room for me to carry all my essentials now,plus the side paniers fold up when not in use for a sleaker look.

[attachment=369:100_0393.JPG]



Which is one of these -[attachment=370:rxtrunkbag_exp_open.jpg]

attached to one of these-[attachment=371:rx_sideframe.jpg]

Oi....that's the same as mine , although I got the super tourist rack in black. A month or so in now and it's been great - still don't like the look of panniers generally, but it's saving my shoulder from further pain - needs must. Seems shower proof, although might just get the waterproof cover for winter.

Capacity is just fine for commuting

 

[potsy]

Oi....that's the same as mine , although I got the super tourist rack in black. A month or so in now and it's been great - still don't like the look of panniers generally, but it's saving my shoulder from further pain - needs must. Seems shower proof, although might just get the waterproof cover for winter.

Capacity is just fine for commuting

Well I managed to fill mine up with all sorts today,1st day back to work so had a few extras to take in.
I'll probably get the cover as well,and as for the 'look' of paniers it's not as if you can see them is it? Don't forget Foss you're getting on a bit now and they suit your age group well

 

[fossyant]

Don't forget Foss you're getting on a bit now and they suit your age group well

You can go right off some folk.....sheesh............

Well at least I'm still a member of BC and not CTC

 

[ianrauk]

The main thing I like about panniers on a bike is when you overtake, scalp and burn up roadies on your commute

 

[fossyant]

The main thing I like about panniers on a bike is when you overtake, scalp and burn up roadies on your commute

Add fixed gear as well.............

 

[mark i]

I agree with the comments about panniers Vs rucksac. I use an old mountain bike with panniers and the comfort when working hard is far better than a rucksac. And as a previous poster commented. When you overtake a lightly loaded bod on a roadbike the feeling is great!

It is also a good feeling when you pass a road bike based hybrid by some speed on a climb while cycling a.............Brompton 3 speed. I am quite fit this year!

 

[marinyork]

Ha! Did that lop-sided thing finally hand in its dinner-pail? It's not the pannier that weighs a ton - it's all that clobber you carry around.

I've had the panniers since the spring, it's just that I do 2/3rds of my mileage and 4/5ths of rides on the clunker (not used the rucksack since). The rucksack is still around for the occasional other ride. It will be retired soon as I'm thinking of getting a carradice saddle bag and carrying less, it is just that I am not sure which one to get and rather confused about the ins and outs of the things.

 

[ianrauk]

Bloody Hell Paul, just throw that poor excuse for a rucksack away and treat yourself to a new one from Argos or somewhere.

I've had the panniers since the spring, it's just that I do 2/3rds of my mileage and 4/5ths of rides on the clunker (not used the rucksack since). The rucksack is still around for the occasional other ride. It will be retired soon as I'm thinking of getting a carradice saddle bag and carrying less, it is just that I am not sure which one to get and rather confused about the ins and outs of the things.

 

[fossyant]

I thought that rucksack had exploded, Alien style.................

 

[c2c]

well, my new rack and pannier, one week on, is working great for me. glad i made the swap from a rucksack, but now i cant make my mind up whether to have the pannier on the left, or the right. decisions decisions........