Advice on panniers for cycle touring

[GwersyllaCnau]

Not sure if this is the right place to put this.

I'm interested in getting into a bit of cycle camping/touring and have no idea about panniers. If there are any cycle campers/tourers out there, what panniers should I be looking at? Could you recommend any? can you fit panniers on the front with suspension forks?

[jus_young]

I do not think you will be able to use front panniers on a bike with suspension as the frame for the pannier set usually bolts on to the axle and bike frame, the suspension will give unwanted movement but there could be a setup out there that I have not heard about.

I use a Topeak setup on mine. The rear frame is fixed very securely allowing for a top and side bag configuration where the bags can be unclipped when required. There are also attachments for lights as the usual saddle stem point will now be covered.

[Dan XF]

I don't think youl'll get panniers to fit suspension forks. The ONLY panniers worth getting are the ortlieb ones. I have a set of the motorcycle ones they do and they are fantastic. Have a look at the evans cycles website for ideas then go on Ebay for a second hand set. Not cheap but you can pop them off the frame and use them as a rucsac. very popular with the folding bike brigade for commuting

[Dan XF]

I think they were used by that nutter who cycled the world and then got bored so cycled highway one from Alaska to Southern Chile.

[El]

I picked up a great cycle bag from Tesco last year.it clamps on to the handle bars and on to the handle bar stem, it is easily big enough to fit a Swedish army cooker in..and only cost about £8 I think.

[Whistle]

Simply ... Yes it is possible but quite pricey ... See Old Man Ultimate Lowrider

hope linky thingy works ... http://www.thebikelist.co.uk/reviews/components-accessories/old-man-mountain-ultimate-lowrider

But why not try a Handlebar Harness or Sling ... You can make one yourself quite easily and cheaply or make it as sophisticated as you like ... See my take on a Handle Bar Harness here ...

http://www.bikeandbivi.co.uk/php/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=361

There is a link there that takes you to my Flicker account with more annotated photos ...

I can load a full bed roll comprising sleeping bag , bivi bag , self inflating sleep mat , ground sheet , two army style tarps (pop 'em together for a big double) pegs and guys ...
or a Large Exped Dry Bag with what ever you want in ,
usually sleep bag , Banshee200 , sleep mat and solo cook system ...

Hope that helps or inspires !!!

Cheers Whistle

[shakya]

i have ortliebs very good

[Martin]

i have ortliebs...

Sounds painful.:D

Martin

[shakya]

ha ha :)

[shakya]

going biking in west Scotland in June can wild camp without too much hassle there

[Metal mug]

Panniers can be expensive; I got a set of rear panniers from Lidl last year and they are as tough as old boots. They only cost about £16 and I use them most days and they seem to be wearing well. :)


You might be able to get a set on ebay as I'm not sure how long it'll be till Lidl has its annual cycling sale.

[GwersyllaCnau]

Thanks for the advice, found these in halfords

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_72 9207_langId_-1_categoryId_236256

[El]

Did you buy those halfords panniers Gwersyllacnau ?

[GwersyllaCnau]

Not yet mate. Just bought a snugpak underquilt and dd tarp each for me and my son. All spent out on gear for a while.

[Wham666]

I went touring round the Shetland islands last year with my hubby and the dog and we used bike trailers for the gear and supplies. Worked a treat and easy to balance out, the dog got kicked out on the hills which made it easier. ;)

[El]

Im looking in to panniers myself, my son and I will be doing some weekend camps via cycles.

lol @ Wham666 poor dog lol

[Trebz]

In my other life I do this:

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=258143

:-)