Luggage for rail journeys

DeeGee75

Hi,

I travel round by train a fair bit at weekends because it's cheaper than driving. I'm reluctant to do so, though, when my final destination isn't in the same town as the nearest station - which is a shame because I'm happy riding to work in the morning without thinking about it.

I figure that if I can carry the stuff I need for the weekend, though, I might just manage it.

To work, I just carry a rucksack. However, for these weekends I need slightly more kit.

I'm happy sticking a rack on the bike (although it has the fixings for a child seat) and pannier bags. However, I'm thinking about security of the bags if I'm leaving the bike either out of view on the train or on the platform (while having a pee or buying food, for instance)

Are most pannier bags straightforward to take off and carry around - can they convert to a shoulder bag or rucksack, for instance? Or is there a particular model which would suit my needs well? I'm travelling to run marathons, hence I need room for a change of clothes, a set of running kit, running shoes and a towel, as well as, potentially, a bit of food/drink.

Or could I get away with a 30l rucksack and still comfortably ride a hardtail MTB?

I'm open to suggestions, but budget is very tight...

TommyEss

Panniers clip on and off very quickly and simply - I don't remember seeing any without a shoulder strap either. I use Ortleib Back Rollers - which are pretty pricey, but take a look at Altura brand for more cost effective panniers. *(that said, I lucked out on my Ortleibs and bought them second hand here on Bike Radar, they were about £40 - they're still in perfect working order - very robust - so shop around!)

DeeGee75

I'll make a few trips to the LBDs this week then, to see what I can find. How is a pair of panniers likely to affect my speed?

It's definitely worth the investment compared to a biggish backpack, right?

MichaelW

Some panneirs clip on and off easily, Ortleib, Carradice Altura, these use modern, quick-release, locking systems, often made by Rixen and Kaul.
Others use velcro, hook and elastic or 3rd rate patent-evading copies of R&K hooks.
You need a rack that works with the pannier, many modern racks are stuffed full of "features" which get in the way.
Heel clip is an issue so get panniers with a heel-cutout profile, not rectangular shape.
Rolltop and flaptop closures work well. Zips closures eventually fail esp and cannnot be overloaded.

Panniers add some air resistance so take off the top racing speed but at rapid commuting speeds, you will barely notice.

rolf_f

Swings and roundabouts. Mostly I commute up to 30 miles or so using a 35 litre rucksack for stuff - which often ends up with shopping in it (much heavier load than you are talking about) on the return. If I do an extended commute with a fully laden rucksack it starts to get on my nerves a bit (mild back ache) usually after an hour but otherwise its fine.

I also have panniers - Carradice ones from Lancashire. The are good for longer distances or heavier loads but, with a like for like load, I'm a bit slower with the panniers. And they are less comfortable to carry than the rucksack though still serviceable.

The two methods compliment each other - different strengths and weaknesses etc. Either would suit your needs and you'll probably happily get used to whatever you choose!