Paul D said:Future posts are looking likely to include requests for recommendations
about panniers, racks, bar bags etc.
OK, I'll go first:
All panniers will hold stuff.
More expensive panniers will hold stuff securely without the risk of
bouncing off the luggage rack.
Most expensive panniers will hold stuff securely without the risk of
bouncing off the luggage rack and will be totally waterproof.
My personal recommendation is a pair of "Vaude Worldtramp Plus II",
available from gearshift. They are big, have secure fixings, and come
with an external pocket. The main compartment will survive being
chucked in a river, and is therefore no problem to use in torrential
rain. The pocket will also survive the worst weather possible but will
not stand up to submersion. To the rear of these panniers I have added
an ortlieb "bolt-on" pocket. These do not interfere with the
waterproof quality of the main bag.
I am led to believe that Ortlieb panniers are of a similarly excellent
spec.
If you want front panniers, the smaller Vaude Worldcycle II will do
the job. No pockets but otherwise as above. I don't recommend the
Halfords own-brand front rack (http://www.artybee.net/html/week_4.html
2nd photo down)
For a rear rack I recommend a Halfords own brand one - the Megaload.
This is the most adjustable rack I have ever used, being adjustable
for height above ground and fore-aft distance to allow "just enough"
heel clearance. The main reason for liking this rack is that on each
side, about two inches below the racktop is a horizontal rail. This
provides an alternative point to which you can fix panniers, which
then simplifies the use of a racktop bag (Vaude again ...) such as the
Topcase II. The lower mounting rails are by no means essential, but
they are a very nice touch since they make access to the panniers much
easier when the topcase is still attached.
Barbags: I had trouble deciding over these and sought advice from this
group. Recommended brands were Carradice and Altura Orkney.
Surprisingly the Vaude barbag was not mentioned.
I purchased the Orkney for several reasons: 1) The mounting system was
Click-Fix which is secure and simple. 2) The bag was a decent size for
my needs. 3) It was almost but not quite entirely waterproof (it has a
slip-over waterproof cover which unfortunately remains open at the
back). 4) The real decision-making point: It has a facility to mount
lights underneath, which would otherwise be obscured if they were
handlebar mounted.
My only gripes with the Orkney are the slightly inadequate waterproof
cover, the fact that the waterproof mapcase cannot be fitted when the
bag's cover is in place, and the fact that the glue holding the velcro
onto the mapcase melted in bright Scottish sunlight.
Hope this essay helps somewhat.
