Bicycle Mechanics - How do I choose a rack/panniers?

Hello,

When I get my new bike, I've decided to buy one or two panniers. The Delta Waterproof Panniers (http://www.rei.com/product/47848812.htm) caught my eye. We don't get a lot of rain here, but I like the fact I can put my books and stuff in it, put on the backpack pad (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47849023&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1&addon=717274-717277&ext_cat=undefined), and have an instant backpack.

I'm going to be commuting between my apartment and university mostly, but also doing some light grocery shopping. I still want something I can take off and leave at home when I want to go on the trails.

Would this be a good solution? The panniers are a bit pricey, but one shower could ruin my books/papers and I certainly don't want that! I also like the backpack pad quite a bit. However, I have no idea how to choose a rack. I'd like something I can put these on, as well as a smaller pack for the trails.

Can anyone offer their ideas? Thanks!

Hello,

When I get my new bike, I've decided to buy one or two panniers. The Delta Waterproof Panniers (http://www.rei.com/product/47848812.htm) caught my eye. We don't get a lot of rain here, but I like the fact I can put my books and stuff in it, put on the backpack pad (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47849023&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1&addon=717274-717277&ext_cat=undefined), and have an instant backpack.

I'm going to be commuting between my apartment and university mostly, but also doing some light grocery shopping. I still want something I can take off and leave at home when I want to go on the trails.

Would this be a good solution? The panniers are a bit pricey, but one shower could ruin my books/papers and I certainly don't want that! I also like the backpack pad quite a bit. However, I have no idea how to choose a rack. I'd like something I can put these on, as well as a smaller pack for the trails.

Can anyone offer their ideas? Thanks!

If your bike has eyelets for a rack, why not just get the Delta (http://www.rei.com/product/11068471.htm?) rack that REI sells. It's cheap, relatively light and strong. I have it on a couple of bikes and haven't had a problem. Just about any of the ones that REI sells will work for what you want. They would work for heavy touring too.

If you don't have eyelets you could go with a post mounted rack. Just make sure that you get one that won't allow the bags to swing into the wheel. I'm not a big fan of post mounted racks but they work well enough for small loads.

Stuart Black

You can get rain covers for panniers and most of them are at least water resistant, but of course won't protect anything in a downpour. Make sure that pannier has a locking system that ensures your panniers will NOT fall off even off the roughest of bumps.

For example the Serratus panniers at MEC have these
http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/Cycling/4012453.jpg

and a hook.

Don't skimp on the rack, you'll regret it later. You have the eyelets to mount a rack? Planning to put fenders on to? It's probably easier to buy a rack at the LBS if they aren't overpriced, you can check out if it'll fit and see if fenders will clear etc. Mine were really helpful in this regard.

Post mounted racks = bad.

Post mounted racks are OK for light loads like a sandwich, but not for heavy loads like books. You need to make sure that the bottom front of the bag doesnt hit your heels when pedaling. Some panniers are longer than others, and some panniers are cut away at the bottom front.

The blackburn EXP (or one of its cheaper clones) is a good design. It is triangulated in all directions so is very ridgid, but its isnt heavy.
I will 3rd the idea of a good modern clip-on mounting system. Avoid the old hook and elastic systems.
Its hard to recomend that bag without closer examination. Is the mounting firmly attatched. Are there any stress points that wear quickly, is the stiffening light and strong. Is the heel clearance sufficient.