Pannier Advice and Recommendations?

Kaipaith

I'm riding a GT Avalanche 2.0 on my commute - it's not ideal, but it's what I have. I don't really have the cash or space for anything else at the moment. At present I am carrying everything I can in a Camelbak, though soon I will need to start carrying more with me (term time - I work at a college).

My commute is about 12 miles, and I figured panniers would do the job. However for the life of me I cannot seem to find any that will fit. The bike isn't full suspension, but I don't see anywhere for the rack to be attached near the hub of the wheel. Most bikes seem to have extra eyelets where bolts could be passed through - this one doesn't.

Am I being exceptionally stupid here, or would I be better off thinking again? The other alternative would be a Beam rack, though I'm a little nervous about how secure they would be.

Any tips... and even better, pointers towards good racks?

RufusA

If you don't have any eyelets on your seat stays, then the simplest option is to get a rack mounting kit. There are various options, and luckily I haven't had to explore any, your LBS should be able to dig something out of a drawer for you along the lines of:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=14129

Another alternative is a seat post rack with pannier supports. Some are reasonably strong, but I don't think any should have more than 10kg attached, and I'd be mildly concerned with hitting that limit over bumpy roads.

Failing that try a big carradice saddle bag (seat post mounted again) or a trailer!

HTH - Rufus.

bianco

I've tried panniers and my commute is only 12 miles like yours and I find the extra weight on the bike a hassle.

I'm sure many others will disagree but I think a good fitting rucksack does the job much much better, and it helps keeps me warm in a disgusting sweaty kind of way, but warm non the less.

RossC

what about a 'Custom Low Rider Front fork rack' ? It clamps on - check before you buy if it needs to bolt in anywhere as well
eg http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-0-De ... -13791.htm
http://www.biketrax.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s79p320
http://www.amba-marketing.com/products. ... 19&pid=104
etc

Kaipaith

RossC wrote:

what about a 'Custom Low Rider Front fork rack' ? It clamps on - check before you buy if it needs to bolt in anywhere as well
eg http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-0-De ... -13791.htm
http://www.biketrax.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s79p320
http://www.amba-marketing.com/products. ... 19&pid=104
etc

Good idea on the whole, but probably not ideal as have front suspension.

I think I will visit the LBS and see what they recommend.