Rack/bag for an MTB

[bigfella]

Well as you all probably know I will be commuting into work. I have been recommended not to use a rucksack but to use paniers.

As I have an MTB, which will have fitted some Topeak mudguards I'm not 100% sure what I can do. I have see racks that can attach to the seatpost - hopefully above the rear mudguard.

This are the racks I'm looking at:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/LifeLine_Alloy_Seat_Post_Rack/5360033789/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/LifeLine_Alloy_Seat_Post_Rack/5360033789/

This is the bag I've been looking at. Just need enough to get some trousers, shirt and a towel in there so I can shower/change when I get into work. Is 7 litres tiny?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Altura_Dryline_Rack_Bag/5360029303/

 

[MacB]

BF, I've got the Ortlieb backroller classics but have also bought a rackpack. Idea being I can use just this on days when laptop transportation not required. I went for the Arkel tailrider

http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/tailrider/overview.asp

bit pricier than you're looking at, I paid £62 last week. This is 11 litres and I can, and have, put in:-

2xspare inner tubes, puncture repair kit, ready puncture patches, 2 x multitools, powerlink, chain tool, torch, spare batteries, wooly hat, heat patches in case my back gets bad, windproof gilet and showerproof long sleeve(both Montane featherlight velo ones), surgical style gloves, towel, underwear, shirt, trousers and lunchbox. This leaves one side pocket half empty and the other totally empty.

I like it because it has a totally waterproof cover that just pulls out and over, is easy to get on and off rack, 4 velcro tabs. Write ups praised the construction and longevity. It expands upwards so, unless fully laden, sits very flat on the rack.

 

[Cubist]

7 litres isn't massive to be honest. We use them on our work bikes, (Altura Arran Transits, which are very similar to the Dryline, but with additional expanding side pockets. You'll probably fit the shirt, trousers and towel in Ok, but you'll have to roll them up.

 

[bigfella]

That certainly looks like what I'm after Mac, I am just worried that the rack will sit too high. I will have a light and mudguard off the seatpost too.

I guess I could order the rack and Arkel Tailrider and if its not going to work I'll send it back.

 

[MacB]

BF, once I fitted the rack I mounted my lights at the back of that, you can see piccies in my profile albums. Panniers, rackpacks, and long tails on jackets/jerseys, can all obscure lights mounted on the seatpost, as I discovered to my embarrassment.

 

[P.H]

If it's only for 8 - 12 ltrs capacity I wouldn't bother with a rack. Carradice offer plenty of options, all built to last a lifetime.
http://carradice.co.uk/sqr-saddlepacks/index.html

 

[MacB]

Have a look at this thread re Carradice and maybe search for reviews, some swear by them some are less than impressed:-

http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=31001

 

[bigfella]

Well I've just spent a bit more ££ and bought a Carradice SQL Slim amongst a few other bits.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[MacB]

Well I've just spent a bit more ££ and bought a Carradice SQL Slim amongst a few other bits.

Thanks for the advice.

you're going to start to feel the ££££'s burn now, actually far more painful than anything you'll feel on the bike

 

[Plax]

I have the Carradice Barley saddle bag (using the SQR system). It is 7 litres. With careful packing I can get in the main compartment a pair or trousers, a t-shirt or blouse, underwear, deoderant, perfume, hairbrush, wipes, a mobile phone, my purse and my lunch (usually consists of sandwiches, an apple, a banana, a yoghurt and a bag of crisps). I've even managed to get a small towel and some shampoo in too before now, but it was bulging by then and on the last notch in the strap.
All my tools (puncture repair kit, spare tube, multi tool, spare batteries, tyre levers, disposable gloves and emergency gel) are kept in the side pockets. I have the pump attached to the bike.

 

[bigfella]

Well they say ladies are better at packing! You seem to prove that!!