rucksacks

bice

Anyone got experience of those rucksacks that have a wire frame to keep them off your back? They're pricey, but are they worth it? I've been pannier-ed till now.

Anonymous

I've just started using one - Deuter Race. It definitely has a less sweat-inducing effect than my other 'on-the-back' Deuter.

The Deuter Race doesn't hold loads of stuff - but that's a good thing because it means less weight on your back.


Here's the chap

alfablue

I have a BerghausFreeflow rucksack. It certainly works brilliantly in keeping the back cool and dry but I would never choose a backpack over panniers for cycling. They can induce backache, they can interfere with a helmet at the back preventing free head movement, and they can feel unstable and top heavy. Panniers are the best solution.

bice

new bike wont take panniers though. still use them on a commuter

Anonymous

Wingnuts are highly rated too, though i've never tried one.

System_1

Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op own range Revolution Stow bags are fantastic. I've been using them for about 6 years now and only replaced the original one last year when the zip broke through trying to cram too much stuff it it and I used that as an excuse to upgrade to the bigger Stow Expert. I've still got the original, as with a new zip it'd be as good as new.

They're identical to Vaude's own cycling range but in better colours and £10 cheaper. Very very comfortable too, you hardly know you're wearing it. Keep in mind though that you will still get a sweaty back. The mesh helps but it's not a cure, though I expect this is the same story with any cycling ruckack.

ride_whenever

alfablue wrote:

I have a BerghausFreeflow rucksack. It certainly works brilliantly in keeping the back cool and dry but I would never choose a backpack over panniers for cycling. They can induce backache, they can interfere with a helmet at the back preventing free head movement, and they can feel unstable and top heavy. Panniers are the best solution.

It's horses for courses though, I wouldn't dream of using panniers for mtbing, although i dream of them for commuting. If you rucksac is interfering with you helmet then it isn't the right size/fitted properly.

alfablue

ride_whenever wrote:

alfablue wrote:

I have a BerghausFreeflow rucksack. It certainly works brilliantly in keeping the back cool and dry but I would never choose a backpack over panniers for cycling. They can induce backache, they can interfere with a helmet at the back preventing free head movement, and they can feel unstable and top heavy. Panniers are the best solution.

It's horses for courses though, I wouldn't dream of using panniers for mtbing, although i dream of them for commuting. If you rucksac is interfering with you helmet then it isn't the right size/fitted properly.

Well of course it is too big, and I have used a smaller one for mtb'ing, but for my commute it wouldn't offer enough space. Yes indeed, horses for courses, but for road riding panniers are better IMHO. I was responding without really having any idea of the intended use.

Monty Dog

I've been using a Deuter Race X-Air for 6 years and it's still going strong - it was expensive at £50 but it's well made and really comfortable - I wouldn't want to use any other sort of rucksac for any heavy efforts - it's great for running too. Size-wise I can squeeze in a change of clothes, a towel and have enough room for lunch - leave the shoes at work!

BUICK

+1 for the Revolution Stow. I have panniers too but when I'm doing a light commute or similar the backpack makes more sense and on long rides I can carry extra food and water (it's compatible with camelbak bladders and similar). It's a bit more 'aero' than panniers on a windy day too!

hugo15

Another Deuter Race X user here. I like mine a lot.