Author Topic: Newbie on Panniers  (Read 10830 times)

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Offline toetheline

Newbie on Panniers
« on: January 20, 2006, 09:02:56 pm »
I'm a new member, and have never done a tour before, although I do ride alot.  I have just signed up for the Introduction to Mountain Bike Tour with ACA.
I have a lot of stuff to buy, and I'm not real knowledgable yet, but getting there.

I'm thinking about buying the Arkel XM-45 panniers designed for mountain bikes and their short chain stays.  I ride a 2005 Santa Cruz Blur.  What do you all think?  Sound good or would your point me in another direction.

On a side note, I bought the Big Agnes Seedhouse tent as featured in the Novemeber issue of ACA.  It is really nice.
I'm certain you have all seen these NEWBIE questions before, but we do appreciate your help :)



Offline richc

Newbie on Panniers
« Reply #1 on: January 21, 2006, 03:21:44 am »
I've got Ortlieb - I got them after reading this.

http://www.downtheroad.org/Equipment/Bikes/Bicycle_Touring_Panniers.htm

There are a lot of pannier reviews on the web.


FredHiltz

  • Guest
Newbie on Panniers
« Reply #2 on: January 21, 2006, 08:56:22 am »
And plenty of well-informed opinions right here, from long-haul riders who have used them, not just read the manufacturers' press releases. Search this forum for panniers.

Fred


Offline RussellSeaton

Newbie on Panniers
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2006, 12:39:32 am »
Someone asked a similar question previously.  A person for Adventure Cycling said they rent panniers to people who participate in their Introduction classes.  That might be a very good way to try the panniers out first.  At least figure out what you like and dislike about the set you rent.  And while at the Intro course, you can ask lots of questions about panniers from the Adventure Cycling staff.  I would suspect many of them have used many different panniers.  I would also suspect they will have a presentation on panniers and trailers.  Pro/con etc.  They might even rent trailers or let everyone try one.  And they will likely talk about the best bikes to use for mountain bike touring.  Or which equipment seems to do better than other equipment.  Call up Adventure Cycling and get a syllabus for the course you are signed up for.  Then take the course and then buy.


Offline biker_james

Newbie on Panniers
« Reply #4 on: January 23, 2006, 08:11:26 am »
My wife and I bought Arkel panniers when we got our touring bikes in 2000. Thousands of miles in all kinds of weather (usually bad it would seem) and no complaints. They are not technically waterproof, and don't claim to be (some of their newer ones are though) but water has never been a problem, even when riding all day in the rain. And they are built strong.


Offline MDeme

Newbie on Panniers
« Reply #5 on: January 23, 2006, 02:49:04 pm »
One of the reasons we assemble the gear guides is to inform our readers about products we like so I have no reservations suggesting you use the Arkel XM-45 panniers, however, not knowing the geometry or specs of your Blur, I can't say for sure that your heels will have clearance, if that's what you're getting at.

Michael Deme
Editor, Adventure Cyclist Magazine
Adventure Cycling Association
150 E. Pine St., Missoula, MT 59802
406-721-1776, x 222

Adventure Cycling Association
Inspiring people of all ages to travel by bicycle
http://www.adventurecycling.org


 

Offline bdouglas

Newbie on Panniers
« Reply #6 on: January 23, 2006, 03:38:51 pm »
Yes, we rent panniers to Introduction to Touring Course participants.  We also have BOB trailers to rent, but these cost a fair bit more to ship.

Yes, during the course one of the topics covered is Panniers and Trailers and how to pack.  Naturally the participants can ask the leaders questions about their experiences as well.

The Intro to Dirt Road Touring would cover the use of Mountain Bikes for dirt road touring.

Let me know if you have any other questions!


............................
Happy bicycling,

Becky Douglas
Outreach and Education Coordinator
Adventure Cycling Association