Took the plunge today, bought a rack and bag/pannier!!

[Gez73]

Been thinking about this for ages and finally decided with the imminent arrival of what counts for Summer in these parts, it was time I retired the rucksack and bought a rack. Have used an Altura seat-post mounted bag before but decided to put the fixtures on my frame to good use and set up a rack and bag/pannier for my commuting to work. Will be handy for the Manchester to Blackpool night ride later in the year too. Have gone for Topeak MTX Trunk Bag and Super Tourist DX rack. Fitted on without a hitch and the side pockets actually become decent sized panniers if needed. Halfords doing a 3 for 2 on most accessories so have finally purchased a decent track pump too. I might have gotten the pump for free as a consequence of the offer. I will get my slightly more inferior SKS one to work next week and leave it there. Any tips or hints about pannier use I could use would be appreciated. Thanks Gez

 

[sabian92]

Just be careful wheeling your bike around with them on, I've already ripped one pannier doing that and not being careful. Watch how you distribute the weight too - make sure it's even on both sides.

Enjoy your new found freedom either way!

 

[Gez73]

Thanks for that sabian92. I figured there would be issues with uneven weights. The side panniers are quite lightweight and will only be used for lighter bulkier items. They fold into the pocket on the side of the main compartment of the bag anyway so are not ideal for heavy use. Will try to remember the new dimensions when wheeling the bike about with the side panniers in use. Will be very happy to spend the Summer without a rucksack on my back. Gez

 

[fossyant]

Same system I use for my commute day in day out for two years. Tough enough, but they need a waterproof cover if it hisses down - ordered my cover via the web from Halfords, and got my MTX's from the store).

 

[G-Zero]

Just be careful wheeling your bike around with them on, I've already ripped one pannier doing that and not being careful. Watch how you distribute the weight too - make sure it's even on both sides.

I fitted a single Altura pannier to my Crosser and never had any probs with all the weight being on one side of the bike, or are you referring to the effect that it would have on the Topeak itself ?

 

[snorri]

Actually, uneven weights can help your cornering, if the outward route has mostly right turns, then load up the right hand pannier and reverse that for the homeward route.

 

[G-Zero]

Thanks for that sabian92. Will be very happy to spend the Summer without a rucksack on my back. Gez

Good move and not one that you'll regret

I binned the rucsac in favour of a rack and pannier last year and it made a massive difference to the quality of my commute.

 

[fossyant]

PS I've carried some serious weight in them too - careful packing though as the weight is quite high.

 

[Gez73]

The bag seems well up to the task and I use Topeak stuff for almost all my accessories with the exception of lights and computer (Cateye). Got the Joe Blow Sport II pump today too. Will look into a rain cover in the not-too distant. If I get anything like two years out of the kit I'll be very happy indeed. Will keep you all informed. Gez

 

[johnnyh]

I've used that set up for 3 years now, and have toured with it too. Never had any problems and still going strong - beats the heck out of a rucksack!
I always keep a black bin back in each side pocket, then I have a little waterproofing if needed

 

[fossyant]

Mine, in the office.....

 

[Gez73]

Thanks for that G-Zero, like clip-less pedals it's one of those things I never felt I needed to do but I will probably be well pleased that I did in time. I've bought and collected that much stuff over the years that I never thought I was serious enough to need but have used and at times needed just the same. Gez

 

[Gez73]

Your office has a fireplace? Mine only has a Bunsen burner!! Still handy in winter and the Boiler house is a gift.

 

[fossyant]

Your office has a fireplace? Mine only has a Bunsen burner!! Still handy in winter and the Boiler house is a gift.

Yeh, old building. Fake plant was left in there from previous person. Adds a feature. They used to be in use many years ago - might just set the smoke alarms off now.

 

[cyberknight]

least you get to keep yours indoors and you have heating ,the only place where we have any temperature control is where we eat otherwise we sweat in summer and freeze in winter .