Panniers/rack bags for a bit of touring and commuting

daniel_b

Hello all,

I have recently fitted 2 of these to mine and my gf's bikes:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Topeak_Super_Tourist_DX_Rear_Rack/5360022940/


And I was thinking of getting one of these topeak style rack bags with expandable panniers, for one, and using my rack bag and getting additional standalone panniers for mine.

The rackbags I was thinking of were along these lines:




Anyone used these, are they any good?

Any recommendations on panniers too?

I bought a cheap set from SJS a way back, and they are not useable, as I clip my heels on them, which ones allow them to be fitted at an angle?

Cheers

Dan

Parkey

I have that rack and it's very good.

I use these, and I'm very happy with them.

Daniel B wrote:

The rackbags I was thinking of were along these lines:

Be careful. Some of those bags with the fold down panniers are too narrow for that rack. Go for the MTX ones, not the RX ones.

daniel_b

Cheers Parkey, thought it was a bit pricey until I realised it was for a pair!

Would you say you would have room for a couple of pairs of shoes, some clothes and toiletries etc in a pair?

Dan

Parkey

Daniel B wrote:

Cheers Parkey, thought it was a bit pricey until I realised it was for a pair!

Would you say you would have room for a couple of pairs of shoes, some clothes and toiletries etc in a pair?

Dan

A week in the lake district tells me yes.

daniel_b

Don't suppose you have a pic of them on your bike do you?

Just wondering if the heel clipping problem will arise, or can you alter the orientation of them on the rack?

I also noticed the 56 litre versions for about a tenner more.

Dan

Parkey

I don't have a picture to hand I'm afraid.

I found the 32 litres easily enough for what we were doing. Shoes, 3 changes of clothing, waterproofs, toiletries, lunch, etc.

Heel clipping certainly wasn't a problem with them and in any case the hook positions are adjustable. They also sit nice and low, especially on that rack, which makes the bike less twitchy to handle.

daniel_b

What do people think of these?

Gimmick, or decent kit?

http://www.tredz.co.uk/productdetail.asp?productcatalogue=11602

Beeblebrox

I've got a Topeak quick release pannier and click on bags (first bag pictured, in fact) which are pretty roomy. I can get a pair of rugby boots in a side pocket, full change of clothes and maybe some lunch in the central bit leaving me with another side pocket for whatever.

The Topeak extendible ones look even better, mind ...

I'm a bit worried they're too easy to nick, but I guess that goes for all quick release things.


Edit - oh the pannier angle can't be adjusted, but as it only clips onto the saddle stem you can raise it right up.