So I figured this would be the best board to post this on, even though it may not be specifically a long distance question. But touring people would say panniers, and the commuters would say messenger bag.
I ride a Giant OCR Composite bike. Great ride. Super comfy. I haven't done anything over 100 miles at a time yet.
What I am struggling with though is storage space. For most shorter rides I can get away with my current setup with a small seat wedge and jersey pockets. But even this time of year (with the temp changes) it can be hard to store extra layers as it warms up.
Now I don't have a need to cary a lot of stuff. But sometimes more than can fit in the jersey pockets would be nice.
My bike isn't designed for racks, so I have kicked around these 2 options
1. Seatpost rack with trunk bag. Pros are that it is cheaper than a Carradice, considering I already have a trunk bag and only need the rack. Cons I guess would be limited weight capacity (shouldn't be a problem) and I have heard they can be annoying, especially when climbing out of the saddle. There may be other cons that I don't know about.
2. Carradice bag. They seem cool. And probably may ride a bit easier. Cleaner to install and remove when not needed. But much more expensive than option 1.
any thoughts?
-D
PerpetualMotion
03-06-07, 07:28 PM
I just spent a few weeks thinking through the same question. Nashbar has a pack & rack system that has two bags, on close out for $30, which is what I ordered. I can't find the catalogue, but if you call nashbar and ask them for the winter close-out items, they should be able to help. (1-800-NASHBAR).
You can use either or both bags. One is ~160 cubic inches, the other is ~80. If your seat is tall enough, you may be able to use it with your wedge. I haven't gotten mine yet, so I don't know.
Also, I noticed this on their website, also for $30.
Hope the link works! (Oh, well it didn't.)
supcom
03-06-07, 08:24 PM
Some more info that may muddy the water:
If you have a carbon seatpost, be advised that rack manufacturers caution against using a seatpost rack with a carbon post. So, if you go that route, consider (strongly) getting an aluminum seatpost.
A Carradice bag requires either bag loops on your saddle or an SQR seatpost mounted quick release. If you have a Brooks saddle, chances are you have the bag loops. Otherwise, you'll need to use the SQR mount or get some bag loop adapters (wallbike.com has them). If you have a carbon seatpost, check before buying an SQR mount as you may need to replace it with aluminum.
BTQ, I use both Carradice and seatpost rack bag (not at the same time!) depending on my mood. I have the Pendle and camper longflap. The Pendle is easily my favorite. It's not too big and not too small and has stood up to about five years of good use with no sign of letting up. The Carradice definitely has character.
derath
03-06-07, 08:37 PM
No carbon seatpost. So I am safe there. I would need the quick release though, no saddle loops.
-D
chipcom
03-06-07, 08:44 PM
The Pendle is also my favorite, with the smaller Barley a close second. I have SQR mounts of 4 of my 5 bikes, so I just pop the bag on whatever bike I am taking out. But on my road bike, I wanted another options, something lighter and that didn't tend to flop around while climbing out of the saddle. I opted for a Moots Tailgator (http://www.moots.com/ticomp-tailgator.php). It's a ti seatpost rack with a small bag attached to the top and bottom. About 400 cubic inches of space, light as a feather and doesn't flop around. It's also pricey, but about the same as a Carradice AND SQR. You can click on the two left-most pics in my sig to see each of them mounted on a bike.
Machka
03-06-07, 10:35 PM
I vary between a small "baggie" which just contains tools and is bungie corded to my rear rack, a trunk bag on my rear rack, and my Carradice attached to my Brooks and resting on my rear rack. It just depends on how much I want to carry ... for a century, 200K, or supported 1200K, I'll stick with the "baggie". For a 300K and a supported 600K, I'll go with a trunk bag. I tend to use my Carradice on 400Ks or unsupported 600Ks now.
ConstantRider
03-07-07, 12:56 AM
Here is a link (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=66&subcategory=1006&brand=&sku=14181&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Wedges%20%26%20Frame%20Bags) to the Nashbar pack system that PerpetualMotion mentions. It's basically a knock-off of the Moots system that Chipcom has. The bags aren't as big, and it's not as light, but for $30, it's a great way to get more storage capacity than a seatbag offers, without having to go all the way to a Carradice if you don't want to be carrying that much weight.
Also, while I like the look of the leather straps and buckles on my Carradice Barley, it can be a hassle opening and closing them all the time, especially in bad weather when you're wearing thick gloves. I haven't got it yet, but I just ordered an Ostrich bag (http://www.velo-orange.com/ossabag.html) from Velo-orange.com. It looks similar to a Carradice, but has canvas straps w/o buckles and it seems like it will be a little more easier to access. At least that's the excuse I used to rationalize buying yet another bag.
supcom
03-07-07, 07:13 AM
Also in the Carradice vein are the bags offered by rivendell (rivbike.com) or Frost River (frostriver.com). Frost River used to (still does?) make bags for Rivendell. Then there's the Giles Berthoud bags available at Wallingford Bike Parts (wallbike.com).
Any of these sources sell quality bags that will withstand a lot of use and abuse.
Carbonfiberboy
03-07-07, 08:16 AM
It's an image thing, too. Carradice people are often a particular type. Don't get me wrong, some of my best friends use Carradice bags. (:-)> Lots of bags out there. The largest non-rack bag is the Jandd Mountain Wedge III. You don't have to use the shock cord stays that come with it. I just bought a seatpost rack/bag combo, a Detours High Tail, sold by REI. It's very light for what it is and works well. Best of all, no abrasion source on the seatpost.
supcom
03-07-07, 10:38 AM
It's an image thing, too. Carradice people are often a particular type. Don't get me wrong, some of my best friends use Carradice bags. (:-)> Lots of bags out there. The largest non-rack bag is the Jandd Mountain Wedge III. You don't have to use the shock cord stays that come with it. I just bought a seatpost rack/bag combo, a Detours High Tail, sold by REI. It's very light for what it is and works well. Best of all, no abrasion source on the seatpost.
So what particular type are we?
chipcom
03-07-07, 11:10 AM
So what particular type are we?
Classy of course! :p
thebulls
03-07-07, 12:36 PM
...
A Carradice bag requires either bag loops on your saddle or an SQR seatpost mounted quick release. ...
Another alternative is the Bagman Quick Release, which has bag loops built in. Wallbike and Peter White both sell these.
kokomo61
03-07-07, 12:40 PM
I ride a Giant OCR composite bike.
No carbon seatpost
Are you sure? Which OCR composite do you have? I've got a OCR C2 with a carbon seat post, and a check of Giant's web site shows that all the composite bikes have carbon seat posts, including some of the aluminum frame OCR's (OCR 1 and OCR 2)........
BTW, I checked with Topeak's customer service - the RX and MTX BeamRacks are NOT for use with carbon seatposts, however....according to their customer service response, the new DynaPack seatpost rack is.....although they don't have any docs up yet on the Topeak website to support that. I've yet to find any seatpost rack that IS compatible with a carbon seatpost....I'd love to find one though - I want to ride my OCR C2 in the AoMM, but I need to carry more than will fit in my current seat pack.
stapfam
03-07-07, 12:52 PM
I ride a Tandem fitted with Disc Brakes and to fit a Pannier rack is not on. Especially as it is offroad aswell. I use a seat post mounted rack and a top bag. Be warned though that there is a low limit to the weight that can be carried on the rack. I do ride offroad and I due to the number of spares I have to carry for the tandem- I use the top bag loaded to about 8 lbs on all rides and with it going up to 12 for the long ones. It took me 3 attempts to find the seat post rack that would stand up to this weight without falling apart, and I also bent 2 seat post's at the same time. Seat post problem is now not an issue but Pic attached (I know it has a slick tyre but I also do road rides aswell on this thing)
Machka
03-07-07, 07:28 PM
Classy of course! :p
Thank you!! :)
.
late
03-07-07, 07:33 PM
Machka,
I got a Barley last year. Ditching the rear rack softened the ride.
So now I want to try a front rack. What panniers are those?
How big do you think I can go with front panniers?
derath
03-07-07, 07:41 PM
Are you sure? Which OCR composite do you have? I've got a OCR C2 with a carbon seat post, and a check of Giant's web site shows that all the composite bikes have carbon seat posts, including some of the aluminum frame OCR's (OCR 1 and OCR 2)........
BTW, I checked with Topeak's customer service - the RX and MTX BeamRacks are NOT for use with carbon seatposts, however....according to their customer service response, the new DynaPack seatpost rack is.....although they don't have any docs up yet on the Topeak website to support that. I've yet to find any seatpost rack that IS compatible with a carbon seatpost....I'd love to find one though - I want to ride my OCR C2 in the AoMM, but I need to carry more than will fit in my current seat pack.
I'm pretty sure when I took my seatpost out it is actually carbon wrapped aluminum. But I would have to pull it out again to double check.
-D
late
03-07-07, 07:45 PM
I'm pretty sure when I took my seatpost out it is actually carbon wrapped aluminum. But I would have to pull it out again to double check.
-D
Hi,
I have a standard Bagman, which grabs onto the seat rails. It works quite nicely.
This is the bag I have. It is smaller than you would think from the description, but big enough to hold plenty of junk. Get straps for the top, you can tie a jacket there.
Machka,
I got a Barley last year. Ditching the rear rack softened the ride.
So now I want to try a front rack. What panniers are those?
How big do you think I can go with front panniers?
The panniers are Axiom LaSalles ... and they are about as big as I'd want to go for front panniers at 40L.
IMO they are very good panniers. I've had mine for years and they've withstood a lot of abuse.
kokomo61
03-07-07, 09:13 PM
I'm pretty sure when I took my seatpost out it is actually carbon wrapped aluminum. But I would have to pull it out again to double check.
-D
Hmmm....maybe mine is too.....which OCR do you have?
bbaker22
03-08-07, 11:29 AM
I've tried just about all the combos (Carradice Barley, rack w/ panniers, rack w/ trunk, nashbar tailgator-like system, messenger bag).
For larger than a seat wedge, less than the kitchen sink, or just additional room to a camelback, I really like the nashbar tailgator-like system. I barely notice it is there (no sway, very light, no thigh rub, etc).
Last year, I rode the White Rim trail (near Moab) in a day (~100 miles offroad) and the combo of the nashbar system and a large camelback was just the ticket. For mid-distance rides where I need additional space for rain gear, powerbars, etc, I think the Nashbar tailgator-like system works well.
baker
mitchel
03-08-07, 04:59 PM
I use a Klickit (Vaude) which is almost as big as a Jandd trunk bag and clicks onto a seatpost mount. It's removeable.
I use a Thomson seatpost. They're strong. I've been using the Elite, but I am going to try out the Masterpiece which is lighter.
Since I have Shimano shifters, the cables get in the way of any large handlebar bag, but I can get away with the little Cannondale handlebar bag to carry essentials, cue sheet, and control card.
Check out the Vaude Hi-Tail:
http://www.foldableflyer.com/desire.html
Here's a better picture:
http://www.mikesbike.com/pages/access.html
derath
03-09-07, 05:06 AM
Hmmm....maybe mine is too.....which OCR do you have?
C3 2005
Carbonfiberboy
03-09-07, 08:00 AM
I use a Klickit (Vaude) which is almost as big as a Jandd trunk bag and clicks onto a seatpost mount. It's removeable. <snip>
Check out the Vaude Hi-Tail:
http://www.foldableflyer.com/desire.html
Here's a better picture:
http://www.mikesbike.com/pages/access.htmlThat "Vaude Hi-Tail" is the same thing as the "Detours" unit that I just bought at REI, but at a better price than REI's. No wonder that Detours didn't show up on Google! REI changed the name so you can't find their competitors. Excellent unit, anyway. Unless you have a frame over 54 cm, I don't think the big pack will fit between saddle and fender.
vik
03-09-07, 08:22 AM
I have both a Carradice Barley and a Axiom Rack Trunk. The Carradice is a lot nicer and would be my choice if I could only have one.
kokomo61
03-09-07, 10:29 AM
C3 2005
For the 2005 models, looks like they're identical...
OCR C2
Giant Composite w/ micro adjust, 27.2
OCR C3
Giant Composite w/ micro adjust, 27.2
Now I guess I need to take another look @ the seatpost. Maybe I CAN do an MTX or DynaPack......
roadfix
03-09-07, 11:54 AM
Right on! I'm classy! :D
kokomo61
03-10-07, 02:42 PM
For the 2005 models, looks like they're identical...
OCR C2
Giant Composite w/ micro adjust, 27.2
OCR C3
Giant Composite w/ micro adjust, 27.2
Now I guess I need to take another look @ the seatpost. Maybe I CAN do an MTX or DynaPack......
I took mine off for a look...it's a carbon post, not aluminum wrapped by carbon. If I want to use a seatpost rack, looks like I need to pick up an aluminum seatpost......
derath
03-12-07, 06:06 AM
I took mine off for a look...it's a carbon post, not aluminum wrapped by carbon. If I want to use a seatpost rack, looks like I need to pick up an aluminum seatpost......
Now I'm gonna have to look at mine. I can't remember. I have worked on so many bikes this year.
-D
thebulls
03-12-07, 11:45 AM
That "Vaude Hi-Tail" is the same thing as the "Detours" unit that I just bought at REI, but at a better price than REI's. No wonder that Detours didn't show up on Google! REI changed the name so you can't find their competitors. Excellent unit, anyway. Unless you have a frame over 54 cm, I don't think the big pack will fit between saddle and fender.
I love a conspiracy theory as much as the next person, but I don't think REI has much to do with preventing Detours from showing up on Google! And I don't think REI changed the name, either! Their website is:
http://detours.us/
Once you find it, there website is pretty nice. But the strange choice of URL doesn't make it easy to find.
Scootcore
03-13-07, 12:55 AM
barley by carradice all the way...and you dont really need the saddle loops on the brooks, i use them but my friend george just looped up over the saddle rails and it works great.....
kokomo61
03-13-07, 01:17 PM
Back to an earlier point......since many of the seatpost racks don't work with a carbon seatpost......
Is there any problem swapping out for an aluminum seatpost so that I can use one on long / century rides with a seatpost rack?
bmike
03-13-07, 01:52 PM
I'm using a Carradice SQR Tour. Road tested it for a cold century and really like it.
This replaces a large Ortlieb saddlebag and bento box combo... often strapping a jacket under the seat / atop the Ortlieb.
Lots of room... almost too much. We'll see how this goes as the brevet season starts.
bmike
03-13-07, 01:52 PM
Back to an earlier point......since many of the seatpost racks don't work with a carbon seatpost......
Is there any problem swapping out for an aluminum seatpost so that I can use one on long / century rides with a seatpost rack?
You may find the hassle of switching isn't really worth is and just leave the aluminum post on the bike.
InTheRain
03-14-07, 11:09 AM
+1 for Carradice saddlebags. I have the Pendle with a bagman. I have a brooks B17 saddle with the bag loops. The bagman keeps the bag off of the seatpost and gives it a little more support if you're carrying a little bit heavier load (keeps the bag from swaying.)