Touring - Axiom cartier panniers (and a pannier question)?

Anybody use Axiom Cartier panniers for front panniers? They are sold as rear panniers, but wondered if you can use them as front panniers..... and for that matter, can any one tell me the difference between front and rear specific panniers? (aside from size, I'm thinking about how they mount).

I use the Axiom Lasalles and I have used them as either front or rear panniers. Mounting on either was not a problem. Are the Cartier's bigger or smaller than the Lasalles?

Axiom Cartier = 1220 cubic inches (image here: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=13968)

Axiom Lasalles = 2440 cubic inches (image here: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=13967)

So Lasalles are quite a bit bigger. I can't really see why Cartier are described as "rear", whereas Lasalles are described as "front/rear"?

Judging solely from having seen them in the LBS and messing around with them on a display bike, I'd say the placement of the hardware and their width might make them unsuitable for some front racks. I didn't actually try to mount them on a front rack but they were noticeably wider. I can take a closer look next time I'm at the bike shop if you want.

m5nardi:

if you get the chance that would be greatly appreciated, thanks. I haven't got any stores in my area that carry them -in fact, as far as I know even Harris Cyclery would have to special order them for me :( Guess, touring is just not *that* popular!

Thanks again.

Axiom is a Canadian brand ... could be why you haven't seen very many of them in the US, and may have to special order them. Here in Canada, there's at least one shop in most cities I've been in that have them.

I read some reviews, and it seems they are pretty decent. Charlene, have you had good experience with them -any criticisms, issues, etc? I have looked up your previous posts on them, just looking to see if you have anything else to add.

Do you know if they are made in Canada or made elsewhere? That would be a good incentive for me to buy some.

m5nardi:

if you get the chance that would be greatly appreciated, thanks. I haven't got any stores in my area that carry them -in fact, as far as I know even Harris Cyclery would have to special order them for me :( Guess, touring is just not *that* popular!

Thanks again.

You can also get them on eBay (http://search.ebay.com/axiom-panniers_W0QQcatrefZC6QQfgtpZQQfposZQ5AIPQ2fPostalQQfromZR2QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ2QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQlopgZQQ sabfmtsZ1QQsacatZQ2d1QQsadisZ200QQsaobfmtsZinsifQQsaprchiZQQsaprcloZQQsargnZQ2d1QQsaslcZ2QQsbrftogZ1 QQsofocusZbs).

I picked up a pair of Axiom LaSalles from one of these vendors a while back. Prices are good.