Pannier size for lejog?

barney69

I currently own a pair of 20l waterproof panniers, one of which is permanently attached to my tourer (Dawes Ultra Galaxy).
This years effort will be Lejog in August over 10 days, on my own, unsupported but utilising B&B's.
The bike on its own is heavy enough @ 34lbs so I'm trying to decide whether I could get away with using a smaller pannier ie 15l or even 10l possibly accompanied by a bar bag.

What's the smallest pannier size any of you have used?

Failing this I could take all the kit I'll be taking to Evans and fill one up?

Thanks in advance
Nigel

jibi

Use the ones you have...but no need to fill to brim....
george

barney69

Thanks George but the Panniers are heavy even when empty and far from aerodynamic

pdstsp

Have a look http://ultralightcycling.blogspot.com/ - I am planning my unspported lejog in May around the "credit card touring" - the guys extreme but there's plenty of good thinking to adapt - I'm looking at the compression bag strapped to the seat post method.

Paul

andymiller

What George (jibi) says. You won't save much weight by going for smaller panniers and they definitely won't be any more aerodynamic.

If you can get it all into one pannier (if you're staying in B&Bs you definitely should be able to) then only use one pannier.

Put the money you save towards a lighter bike.

An even more minimalist approach might be to put everything into a drybag and simply bungee it to the top of the rack. alpkit.com do good ones.

Well there are some useful tips on the ultralightcycling bloke's website but keep a degree of scepticism - and keep in mind that you can take weight-weenieness too far. eg:

Washing. In everyday, non-cycling life I don't use much toiletries; water, soap and tooth paste do it for me. So it's easy for me to give up on them on a cycling tour. Beside that I like to cycle alone and I am free of any social restraints, including body odor. If people don't like the way you smell, whose problem is it anyway: yours or theirs? I do like to shower or wash at the end of the ride, but if there is no such possibility, it's no disaster: I know the sweat will dry out in an hour, leaving the dry, crisp layer of salt that I lick off and replenish the electrolytes that were lost. I used to carry liquid detergent and tooth paste in film boxes taped to the bicycle, but stopped doing so after I realized the pure water is enough to make me feel fresh and clean (even for shaving and brushing teeth).

[...]

On the other hand, it pays off to wash your stuff. The dirt, sweat and dust collect in the tissue and make clothing up to 10% heavier. Or even more. My old bubble wrap sleeping pad (which I never washed) is almost twice heavier than the new pad of the same dimension (135g vs 72g). Of course, the same applies when you wash yourself. I'm still not sure why I feel good after a wash: because I am clean or because I am lighter?

Hoopdriver

I used a Carradice Super-C saddlebag, with Bagman rack, and a Super-C handlebar bag for unsupported B&B touring and find it works just fine; I've done LEJOG, C2C, Hadrians Wall and Lon Las Cymru all that way, no worries.

pompy

Hi Barney,

I have been experimenting with my kit and how much space I need (leaving LE the week after you I think) and I have managed to fit it all into a rackbag, 11 litres I think. Biggest weight and space savers are flip flops instead of shoes (you won't be walking much each evening I'm guessing!) and binning a big lock for a tiny 90g retractable cable lock from Lifeventure. A rackbag will also mean the load is nice and aero.

Hope this helps and hope the training in going well!

Mark.

barney69

Thanks hoopdriver and Pompy.
I won't be taking even flip flops tbh as in the past on 3 day rides I've got away with wearing my cycling shoes ;-)
I like the sound of the retractable lock - are they secure enough for an overnight as well as stopped outside a shop? I realise that's a loaded question.
I need to grab my 'stuff' and head on down to my local Evans (who seem to have big range) and check it all out.
Yep, training is going fine thanks and yours?
Regards
Nigel

pompy

Re: lock, when I stop overnight, I am planning to store my bike securely indoors or in a garage (this will be a question I ask on booking each night's B&B) When I stop for lunch and flapjack breaks etc, I plan on being close to my bike, when going into shops it will obviously be left for short periods but this cable lock will prevent it being taken unless the thief has tools with him, in which case, any lock would be vulnerable. Guess it's a personal choice, it will save about a pound in weight if that helps.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lifeventure-Cab ... 831&sr=1-1

Some models have 3 digit combinations and some 4, they all seem to retail for £7-11 so no bank breaker.

I agree with andymiller in terms of fitting everything in one pannier. Having a pair means you will end up filling both and possibly taking more stuff than you need. I'm limiting myself to just the rack bag (and a small toptube pack for phone, wallet etc) then I know I won't take more than I need. Mind you, I am doing the ride on a single speed pompino so weight is a bit more of an issue!

Training going good thanks, did 63 miles yesterday, bit sore this morning!

edward1948

hi - i did lejog alone unsupported last june - hotels/pubs.

carridice tour bag on qr fitting plus a bar bag. total 20 ltrs. worked out fine with flip flops etc etc.

bag has built in rear guard - used my 'shorter' alu/carbon with 53/39 x 12/25. next year i'll use a compact c/s. i'm 63. enjoy yourself! go as light as you can!

goood luck

ed

Blacktemplar

I'm doing LEJOG in June unsupported on a road bike, and have picked up a nice 16L Topeak MTX rack bag with drop-down pannier sides on FleaBay for less than half the cost of a new one (as well as the QR rack and tour frame sides).

I'll travel as light as possible, with flipflops & one change of "eveningwear" plus 2 spare sets of cycling kit. I would suggest taking as few tools as you can get away with, and a lightweight cafe-stop combination cable lock. Edinburgh Bike Co do a good one.

Definately worth looking on the'Bay if you're going to buy something specifically for LEJOG.