Axiom Panniers

[TopBike]

Hey everyone,

I'm setting out on my first long tour this June (Penn State Route Y, Underground Railroad, Transamerica, Western Express). I still need a set of panniers and I recently came across Axiom. I was going to buy a set of Champlains for the rear rack and Lasalle's for the front. The only problem I've heard so far is that the Champlains may actually be too big (65L), even for touring. The Lasalles are 40L.

Would I be better off putting the 40L panniers on the rear rack? Also, are 40L panniers too much to handle on the front? Thanks in advance

-Rich

topbiketouring.org

[Tourista829]

40 to 65 liters in rear and 15 to 30 liters in the front, depending on your bikes chain stay distance and wheelbase. I wouldn't go over 35 pounds, in the rear bags without counter balancing them with low riders to attach front bags to.

[TopBike]

We're riding 09 Fuji Tourers, I forgot to mention that in the original post.

Axiom has panniers ranging from 65L, 40, 30, 20, and a few others mixed in as well. The 65 and 20L's are rear-specific

[vanvalks]

The Champlains have compression straps so you can make them smaller if need be.  The extra volume is nice if you have something that is light but bulky--a synthetic bag, for instance, that won't compress much.  For the money, they are a great deal--I have a set and the quality is first rate.  They are basically a one big bag type, top opening, with a couple of smaller zippered pouches on the outside.  They are very water resistant--not waterproof like Ortliebs--but come with bright yellow waterproof covers that are easy to get on and off.  As long as you watch out for the temptation to fill the extra volume with "goodies" that you don't really need, they are a great choice for touring.

Bob

[sjp5107]

My uncle has these panniers and we only ever use two panniers, Using four panniers is taking way too much stuff. He had plenty of room for everything and plenty of room on grocery stops. In my opinion, they are plenty big for rear panniers, get something small for front if you really need the extra space.

[TopBike]

thanks for the input everyone. I'll likely go with the Cahmplains and the 20L Axiom panniers for the front rack.

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