Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Panniers for recumbent touring.

« on: November 27, 2010, 10:22:10 am »

Thanks for all the advice, folks. I actually managed to catch a ride to Calhoun Cycle in Minneapolis recently and so got to try out some of the bags in question. The Ortliebs, as attractive as they are, are only compatible with European-style racks. The Radical bags were less attractive, and weren't compatible with the wide Vision mesh seat anyway. I fell in love with the Arkel RT 60s, agonized over whether I should purchase them, but in the end chose not to because the capacity seemed to come up just short of my needs. The TT 84s weren't on display but seemed the likely choice. However, I balked at the price (nearly $600 with rain covers and taxes) and so found a good deal on a pair of Jandd Mountain Expedition panniers with rain covers on ebay and went for it sight unseen. They should arrive in a few days. Let's hope I made a wise choice!

2

Gear Talk / Re: Panniers for recumbent touring.

« on: November 18, 2010, 10:37:42 am »

Thanks for the advice.
On my upright tours I've used Madden panniers (no longer in business) front and rear, which as best as I can figure add up to approximately 80 liters. I keep all my camping gear up top in the rear and don't calculate that into the equation. I've never maxed out the Maddens but, since I will be carrying more this time, want at least that much capacity in the bags. So Susan, the Ortliebs wouldn't do.
So far, I have the Arkel TT-84s (seemingly perfect for my needs, but so expensive!--84l), Radical Design large side panniers (if they're even compatible with my bike--70l), and the Jandds (reasonably priced but doubtful they live up to their spec claims of 112-163l!) in the running.
And David, yes, I will hop on over to Bentrider and see what I can find.

3

Gear Talk / Re: Panniers for recumbent touring.

« on: November 17, 2010, 08:48:09 pm »

I ride a Vision R40 with uss. The steering mechanism is below the frame so no chance of a mid-ship pannier option. The Arkel TT-84 is also on my list now. Seems like the largest bag available this side of what the Jandd claims for the Mountain Expedition.
I've always toured on uprights with panniers front and rear. This time around I will be carrying the usual full-camping gear, plus a small computer and a modest amount of filming equipment, so the larger the better.

4

Gear Talk / Panniers for recumbent touring.

« on: November 16, 2010, 07:34:37 pm »

I am planning a long tour on a swb recumbent (re: can only get panniers for the rear) with a fair amount of gear. I am looking for the largest rear panniers available (I am avoiding the trailer option) and am a bit confused. The specs on the Jandd Expedition panniers mark them as having WAY more volume than any other option (an inconceivable 6800/9950 ci), yet these ridiculously high #s for volume don't seem to correspond well to the bags' actual dimensions. Otherwise, I am also curious about the new Ortlieb recumbent bags and the Arkel RT-60s. Again, according to Jandd's specs, the Expedition panniers ought to be able to swallow nearly THREE TIMES the volume of either the Ortliebs or Arkels, but just looking at the pictures, this doesn't seem possible. In fact, given the bag's dimensions, the Ortlieb ought to hold more than the Jandds. I am fairly isolated and so don't have access to a shop that would carry any of these bags, so cannot easily see them in person. Can anyone give me advise?