Touring - panniers and saddles

what have people found that works and doesnt work? im probably leaning towards a brooks saddle.

love!

Brook saddle

Axiom panniers

Brook saddle

Axiom panniers

In my best Curly impression "Hey, I resemble dat remark"

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8df20b3127cceb35745d2992500000025100AasmbRi4cs2LA

I've been having trouble with a set of Nashbar MTB panniers coming apart. In 8 months one is shot and the other is nearly so. Shock cord, handle, a clasp.

Axiom panniers, Specialized BG Alias saddle. Have had good luck with both. Thinking of trying a Brooks .

I like the Terry saddles for men - I have the Fly Ti on my fast bike and the Liberator on my slower bikes. Tried Brooks - just get too much numbness with them. The sit bones sink when it breaks in, leaving the tender part (perineum) vulnerable. Just my experience - many love Brooks.

Brooks saddle & Ortlieb panniers. Brooks saddle and a Carradice or Rivendell saddle bag is nice, too.

Oh I forgot the part about panniers - Jandd Mtn/Large Mtn for commuting and dirt-road touring, because they are so durable and compress well. Arkel T-42 and GT-30 for road use and where I need to take them on and off easily.

Brooks saddle and Burley Nomad trailer.

Brook saddle

Axiom panniers

+1

Brooks...

Panniers are moot for me at the moment. I have used an Australian brand, Torpeako, for the past five or six years. I have just bought a new pair of large rear Tiogas. I still would like Axioms.

Whatever you get, make sure the attachment system for the rack is bombproof. For me, simple metal or plastic hooks don't cut it anymore after some severe problems on our European trip. Panniers from now on will have to have a positive latch mechanism within the hooks themselves, or a central lock like the Arkels use. A pannier in the spokes of a rear wheel is not a pretty sight nor something nice to experience on a fixed-gear.

Probably the best panniers in the world are Ortlieb, so I am always being told :)

I have a BOB Ibex trailer with roll close bag, and would never go back to panniers or trailer without suspension ( eg Yak)

And, as I am english, the best touring Brooks saddle ; a Professional

george

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all of the above are personal preferences, they work for me!!

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Brooks and Ortlieb.

Brooks and Ortlieb here too.

I have a set of smallish Altura panniers for front, but they don't get much use. I can usually stuff everything I need in two rear panniers + rack + handlebar bag. For weekend trips and such I would like to get a Carradice saddle back, but they're not available locally. I'd like to see one in real life before I buy. Maybe next time I'm in London...

--J

Terry Fly and Lone Peaks.

Haven't used the LP's yet, but they appear very well made, the latch system is simple and looks durable, they go on and off easily and, this is important, they look great. The Fly is still on trial. I may opt for the Liberator, but the Fly is more comfy (for me) than the Specialized Avatar that I'm using on my road bike.

Brooks B-17 and Arkel panniers.

seems axiom panniers are the pick of the day,how do they compare to ortlieb.are the axiom fully waterproof i can see they have pockets ,ortlieb dont

Brooks professional, Ortlieb back roller plus

terry fly and ortlieb

axiom make panniers similar to ortlieb but have more choices and are a bit more affordable

Finding a comfortable saddle is SO important. You should at least try a Brooks. With Wallbike's trial/return policy, you can't really go wrong.

I had REI panniers that worked wonderfully for 15 years. I'm replacing this year with Ortliebs. They have a great reputation, and the waterproofness is desirable. So far I've bought an Ortlieb handlebar bag and ordered front roller classic panniers. The back panniers are to follow. After I've actually used them to tour I'll know more.

What I'm finding curious is the fact that folks swear by their Brooks—which needs to be protected from rain or water of any sort and Ortlieb, which their only virtue is that they are waterproof. I don't get it. But then, there's a lot of things I don't get. Just an observation.

What I'm finding curious is the fact that folks swear by their Brooks—which needs to be protected from rain or water of any sort and Ortlieb, which their only virtue is that they are waterproof. I don't get it. But then, there's a lot of things I don't get. Just an observation.

It takes about 10-seconds to cover the brooks with a slip cover or a plastic bag... so in practice it really doesn't matter that Brooks saddles aren't tolerant of water.

What I'm finding curious is the fact that folks swear by their Brooks—which needs to be protected from rain or water of any sort and Ortlieb, which their only virtue is that they are waterproof. I don't get it. But then, there's a lot of things I don't get. Just an observation.

They also arguably have the best attachment system, which is no small point.

I've been having trouble with a set of Nashbar MTB panniers coming apart. In 8 months one is shot and the other is nearly so. Shock cord, handle, a clasp.
The Nashbar Waterproof panniers seem more durable than the Nashbar MTB pannier. That said the MTB panniers held up OK for the 4244 miles of the TransAmerica for my daughter and a friend. They each used one Nashbar MTB pannier and one small Nashbar Waterproof Pannier on the front and large Nashbar Waterproof panniers. I used the small Nashbar Waterproof on the front and the Epic Pro from Performance on the back. All of those show very little wear after a Summer of touring. Cost was very reasonable since they are often on sale and you can get another 10 to 20% off fairly often if you watch. So if money is at all tight or if you are just a cheapskate like me, these may be a good choice.

What I'm finding curious is the fact that folks swear by their Brooks—which needs to be protected from rain or water of any sort and Ortlieb, which their only virtue is that they are waterproof.A Brooks saddle doesn't mind getting wet occasionally if it's been properly treated with Proofhide or similar (as manufacturer instructs). They're made in England after all, not exactly the sunshine beach of the world.

Regarding Ortliebs, they're 100% waterproof and non breathable. That's not necessarily optimal for every tour. If you put anything moist or slightly wet in there in the morning (towel, riding gear etc...) you may be in for a surprise when you open the pannier in the evening, especially if the weather is warm. I've seen not so happy reports from people touring in hot and humid climate with Ortliebs.

--J

Panniers are waterproof from MEC. I've got to replace my saddle in spring and It's going to be tough to find something great.

What I'm finding curious is the fact that folks swear by their Brooks—which needs to be protected from rain or water of any sort and Ortlieb, which their only virtue is that they are waterproof. I don't get it.

You don't sit on your Ortliebs or store stuff in your Brooks. :D

You don't sit on your Ortliebs or store stuff in your Brooks. :D

True. And nobody but me picks up on the irony? I think it's funny... ;)

I'm not direspecting anyone. That wasn't my intent, at any rate. It's just, well... ironic.