Author Topic: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags  (Read 16351 times)

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Offline dkoloko

Panniers and Lightweight System Bags
« on: November 04, 2011, 10:08:37 pm »
Tried on another list to get recommendations of combination panniers and lightweight (rackless) system. Had a lot of referrals of lightweight systems, but no combination system as I want.

Problems with setups seen so far,

Not combination system, two panniers plus equivalent of two more panniers in lightweight (rackless) bags, which is what I want.
For mountain biking, rather than primarily road biking.
Include a backpack.
Not for extended fully loaded touring, camp, cook, weeks or months.
Include DIY (home made) items, which I am not interested.

Would would be best to start, panniers on front or back; my panniers will mount either place.
Then, what lightweight bags to add?

(Be interested in any problems with lightweight systems (many seem to make bike very top heavy.)

Offline bogiesan

Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags
« Reply #1 on: November 05, 2011, 12:46:33 pm »
There is only one mountain bike system I know of that qualifies and you must have been sent there. Why don't you tell us which systems you do not like so we're not just repeating everything you've already ruled out?


I play go. I use Macintosh. Of course I ride a recumbent

Offline dkoloko

Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags
« Reply #2 on: November 05, 2011, 01:21:07 pm »
I don't understand your reply. I am not interested in a mountain bike system. I listed which failed to meet my criteria.

Offline RussSeaton

Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags
« Reply #3 on: November 05, 2011, 01:57:21 pm »
Adventure Cycling sells a light weight system that does not use racks.  Its sort of intended for mountain bikes.  But there are no rules saying you can't use it on a road bike.  A large saddlebag does not care what kind of a bike its mounted underneath.  A pack that fits under the top tube in the main triangle does not care what type of bike its on.  I've seen other companies selling the bag that fits in the triangle.  Can't recall who though.

http://www.adventurecycling.org/store/index.cfm/product/606_114/revelate-designs-tangle-frame-bag.cfm
http://www.adventurecycling.org/store/index.cfm/product/632_114/revelate-viscasha.cfm
http://www.adventurecycling.org/store/index.cfm/product/538_114/carousel-design-works-escape-pod-saddle-pack-medium.cfm

The Jandd Mountain Wedge 3 is also a large saddlebag.
http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FMW3

Personally I like this lightweight system.  Maybe not quite as light as the no rack methods, but simple.  A seatpost clamp rack with side racks on it.  And a large rack bag with side bags that look like little panniers.  If and when I ever go on another extended tour and stay in motels, I'll pack this way.
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/Pannier-Racks-Topeak-RX-Beam-Road-Rack-E-Type-with-Side-Frames/TOPERACK250000000000
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/Panniers-and-Bar-Bags-Altura-Arran-Transit-Drop-Down-Rack-Pack-Black/ALTUBAGP280000000000

Offline dkoloko

Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags
« Reply #4 on: November 05, 2011, 05:17:26 pm »
This is the sort of reply I received on the other list. Touting lightweight system; examples of lightweight systems; none combination system, two panniers with equivalent of two more panniers in lightweight bags, as I am looking for.

Offline waynemyer

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Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags
« Reply #5 on: November 09, 2011, 09:48:25 am »
Your inquiry is very poorly stated, and I'm accustomed to confusing requests. I had to read it about five times just to get the grammar and flow, yet I still have no clue about what you are asking.

Do you want two front panniers and the rest rackless bags?
Do you want to avoid rackless bags entirely?
Is a transverse saddlebag acceptable?

Help us help you. More context and complete sentences will go a long way.
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Offline dkoloko

Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags
« Reply #6 on: November 09, 2011, 01:51:55 pm »
Waynemyer replied,

"I still have no clue about what you are asking.

Do you want two front panniers and the rest rackless bags?
Do you want to avoid rackless bags entirely?"

I stated I want, a "combination system, two panniers plus equivalent of two more panniers in lightweight (rackless) bags". I stated, "panniers on front or back; my panniers will mount either place".

I asked for "recommendations of combination panniers and lightweight (rackless) system"

I don't understand, in view of statements above, why you ask "Do you want to avoid rackless bags entirely?".

I got one good response from a bag manufacturer that recommended using my two panniers on rear, and adding a full frame bag, a handlebar harness for a dry bag, and a cockpit bag. Combination of the three lightweight bags would give me only 2/3 of capacity of two more panniers, which is what I asked for, so maybe work for me, maybe not.

You asked, "Is a transverse saddlebag acceptable?"

If you have a better suggestion using my two panniers on front and adding a transverse saddlebag, I'd like details.

Adding to my requirements detailed in first post, I want bags to be waterproof. Thanks.

Offline bogiesan

Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags
« Reply #7 on: November 09, 2011, 08:27:09 pm »
I don't understand your reply. I am not interested in a mountain bike system. I listed which failed to meet my criteria.

Sheesh.
You did not list any  brands or companies or models that you have rejected, you only talk in vague terms.
You clearly sayt "for mountain biking" in your post and now youre' telling me you don't want a mountain biking system, which is it?

You're going to be a problem if you do not cease immediately trying to balme those of us who are trying to help you for not being able to parse your confusing and contrary statements.

Me, I'm bowing out.
I play go. I use Macintosh. Of course I ride a recumbent

Offline dkoloko

Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags
« Reply #8 on: November 10, 2011, 10:02:09 am »
For the second time I am not interested in a mountain bike system. I did not at any time "clearly" say I am interested in a mountain bike system. I did not list any "brands or companies or models" because I did not see any sense in it. For example, I stated I was not interested in systems that "include a backpack". What sense would it be to laboriously include whichever "brands or companies or models" that include a backpack?

I did not make any "contrary statements". I asked two specific questions. You never addressed either. Instead you have falsely accused me of making statements I never made.

Offline Tandem4Rider

Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags
« Reply #9 on: November 10, 2011, 02:47:56 pm »
dkoloko,

I have to admit, it did take several attempts to truly understand what you are looking for - it was not clearly stated.  I think I have it now.

Look at these folks: http://www.revelatedesigns.com/

I do not have their products and cannot testify to quality and durability, etc...  Their photo gallery shows road frames using their products.  I did not look closely to see if anyone has these bags combined with panniers.  Does not appear to include a backpack.

To answer your question about front or back panniers - to me that is a personal choice.  For me it is back first.

Offline tonythomson

Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags
« Reply #10 on: November 11, 2011, 09:13:30 am »
Just a query on these guy's set up http://www.revelatedesigns.com/
All my riding has been on touring bikes where I try to get my weight as low as possible- these guys are not only top loading but with a backpack also.  I would have thought the kind of terrain they are on all this would make them unstable, especially if the get a cross wind.  Or do they have to use more muscle power to stay upright?
Like I said I have done no touring on this terrain so it is a question  not a criticism.
Just starting to record my trips  www.tonystravels.com

Offline staehpj1

Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags
« Reply #11 on: November 11, 2011, 10:06:47 am »
Just a query on these guy's set up http://www.revelatedesigns.com/
All my riding has been on touring bikes where I try to get my weight as low as possible- these guys are not only top loading but with a backpack also.  I would have thought the kind of terrain they are on all this would make them unstable, especially if the get a cross wind.  Or do they have to use more muscle power to stay upright?
Like I said I have done no touring on this terrain so it is a question  not a criticism.
Not sure, but my suspicion is that they are packing light enough that the location of the load is substantially less critical.  That may not be the case for the OP.  Just guessing but his desire for both panniers and rackless bags makes it sound like he will be carrying a heavier load.

To the OP...  Just my opinion, but if you are carrying the equivalent of 4 panniers worth of stuff, I'd either:
A. Pack less stuff.
or
B. Use 4 panniers.

As far as the use of front vs rear panniers.  Last trip I went with smallish front front panniers only with the tent on a rear rack and was very happy with that setup.  Gear weight was about 22 pounds.  You could use front panniers with a Revelate seat bag instead of the rear rack, but I think that would probably be far from the equivalent of 4 panniers.

BTW I find that if I use small stuff sacks (I like the sea to summit silnylon ones) and really cram stuff into them I can get by with a very small volume of clothing.  Do that, use an inflatable sleeping pad (NeoAir), cull your list thoroughly, and you may find you need less space than you thought.  I know that my latest packing list is down to  15 liters plus tent and large-ish handlebar bag and I have room to cram in more if needed.  The tent might even fit inside if I leave the poles out and strapped on somewhere, but that wouldn't leave much room for food and extra water for dry sections.
« Last Edit: November 11, 2011, 10:08:35 am by staehpj1 »

Offline dkoloko

Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags
« Reply #12 on: November 11, 2011, 04:51:46 pm »
Finally, some useful replies. Thanks all.

Revelate. Eric at Revelate was the one who gave me the reply to use two rear panniers plus full frame bag, handlebar dry bag setup, and cockpit bag. As I stated, the three lightweight bags would give me approximately 2/3 of the capacity of two additional panniers, which is what I am looking for.

Just use 4 panniers. Advantage of combination setup I am inquiring about would be saving weight on bags, presuming two panniers weigh less than the three lightweight bags, and saving weight of rack.

Reduce load. For me, getting load down to 4 panniers was an effort; 4 panniers, no other bags, nothing on rear rack. As stated, my requirements are for bicycle touring, on road, camping, cooking, on extended tours, lasting weeks or months.