panniers

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by badgers
With the "full" suspension bikes, where the spring is in the middle of the frame, which allows the back tire to move, can you put a full rack and panniers on that?

thanks.

Try a BOB trailer... it can carry up to 70lb, and is designed for off road travel. The weight of panniers and bags is about the same as the trailer and bag. It is, in my opinion, far better than full panniers. It will work with any bike that can use a quick-release rear wheel.
www.bobtrailers.com

Martin

Will that work if I have to jump curbs and such in the city?
Thanks for getting back so fast.
I appreciate your time

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by badgers
With the "full" suspension bikes, where the spring is in the middle of the frame, which allows the back tire to move, can you put a full rack and panniers on that?

thanks.

There is a BOB trailer with a shock called Ibex:
<http://www.bobgear.com/>

or you can go with Old Man Mountain racks:

<http://www.oldmanmountain.com/>

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by badgers
Will that work if I have to jump curbs and such in the city?
Thanks for getting back so fast.
I appreciate your time

The BOB trailer would be useful in the city if you are hauling coal, fish, building supplies, but, due to its length, and it's lack of 'curb-jumpiness' (but it is fab on the trails- really!), a set of rear panniers might be the best idea. If your load is less than 15lb or so, you can get rather nice looking racks that attach to the seat post only. I use on on my town bike, and it carries my shopping etc very well... and you can mount light bags to it. About $40 or so. Have a look at...
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=2381

Martin

I have easily 20 lbs of stuff on the back of my bike each day commuting.
Shoes, clothes, brief case, a book or two, towel for my shower.

I like the stuff in the back so that when I brake hard I don't go over the front of my bike as easily.

I am looking at the full suspension bikes because it seems that suspension seatposts are a weak attempt to smooth out the ride compared to full suspensions.

A friend swears by the full suspension for a smooth ride. I am not going cross country and the panniers that I made fit all my stuff really well