_dylan

Now that I'm out of school and the GF will have the summer off (before she begins her PhD), we're looking forward to some nice weather to take the Raleigh Sports(es) out for some summer picnics.

In the past, I've never required panniers for the bicycle, but if we intend on making a habit of this, I will indeed require them. Anyway, I wanted to come back here and ask anyone what they would recommend? Or, if you'd recommend something different, I'd love to hear that as well.

I may also need a black rear rack for it, so if you have any favorites, I'd love to know about those, too. I have an older Pletscher rear rack that was painted black--so that should do, in any case.

Thanks in advance. The bike is a 64 Raleigh Sports, black, if that helps you with the aesthetic.

Velognome 

The Mrs. and I take our R. Sports on picnic rides. Two large saddle bags hold a cotton sheet and all the various picnic needs just fine. No real need for panniers or racks

oddjob2

Find a wood wine box, polyurethane it and tie it to the Pletscher on with zip ties, perhaps with foam underneath to keep it from rattling. Google wine box bike rack for images

_dylan

Velognome, Love it. Would only need to get one, too, because she already has a basket at the front of hers.

_dylan

Oddjob, Some of these are freaking awesome. Now I have to make another decision.. haha

big chainring 

My wife and I used a wicker picnic basket, flat kind like a suitcase, for years on our Schwinn Twin tandem. The tandem had a front rack. I used a couple bungee cords to hold it in place. Most memorable was a 4th of July picnic/fireworks show in Grant Park, Chicago. That was yikes, 30 years ago.

_dylan

Hoping this one is memorable. Right now the plan is to pop the question.

Scooper

I like panniers, and use them on week-long charity rides as well as for weekend credit card touring.

Mine aren't exactly vintage looking, but they're very functional.

nlerner

I carry everything on my front rack:

eschlwc

i recently picked up the banjo brothers grocery pannier for my g.record grocery getter. its black and red accents look great with the moto's classic paint, and it was only $30 shipped.

i use an old blackburn rack i polished to look new.

crank_addict

For the picnic rides, depends on the bike. Have a variety including one quite elaborate with padded vinyl protecting contents. I suppose should take a pic of it next time, but it includes plates, wine glasses, silverware, matching blanket... other schtuff. Mounts behind the saddle or handlebar.

But the one depicted here was just before I sprayed it jacabean brown and clear urethane. Mounts on/off in seconds.

_dylan

That is awesome. Did you make it yourself?

FrankHudson

Do you find the aero fairing boosts you average speeds?

nlerner

I often find myself going backwards pretty fast when I encounter a strong head wind.

Velognome 

Panniers or baskets?

_dylan

Originally, I was thinking panniers--but after seeing/reading this post, I'm beginning to lean towards baskets. Kind of considering buying a legit picnic basket (with all the bells and whistles) and finding a way to attach it to the rear rack.

Edit: A concern of mine is killing the bicycle's aesthetic, or making it look too feminine/hipster-y for my tastes. Right now, both bicycles are pretty classic looking. Trying to toe the line without crossing it--because I know she'd dig the look and enjoy the pictures. haha

Right now, though, I think I'm leaning towards a darker stained basket that I can attach to the top of the rack. OR: maybe something like crank addict's "basket pannier."

icepick_trotsky 

I think something along the lines of a Carradice Kendal would look great on an old Raleigh.

Kendal Panniers

MZilliox

Great thread, some cool ideas. Loving that Kendal Pannier, what rack is it mounted on? I love your setup Icepick.

crank_addict

Thanks- The Pletscher rack's are light duty use only but I dig its vintage look, casting details and so the basket panniers is ideal. Plus the basket assembly is easy swapping between our other bikes with a Pletscher rack.

Fun for putzing around in college town, we do a little window shopping, pick up bakery goods / picnic. Have to say, when my wife is out on this Raleigh Twenty, it gets compliments from all ages and not only from cyclist. Funky, retro stylin' whatever thing.

Can't take credit for making all of it.
The baskets are acquired for near nothing from Goodwill, probably have $4 in this entire lot. I spend a little time to modify, use a heavy gauge wire, clean and then a spray coat. Maybe an hour invested.

I've made a few versions and gifted. The variety, styles and dimmensions is vast so you have to picture in your head on how to make them work, often requires partially taking them apart. If you choose to go like a pannier mount, keep in mind about heel clearance for pedaling.

For simplicity I suggest find one to fit on top of a rack. I prefer the ones with a lid. We've acquired some really nice picnic baskets, never used fully equipped with nice china, utensils for under $10. Thats the everyday deal and even found some for half that. To mount, weave some machinist wire or perhaps use some old leather belt and buckle... also at Goodwill for 99 cents.

They work fine in the rain too. Water runs thru them but to keep contents dry, I use campers dry sacks.

crank_addict

This set, also acquired from Goodwill was $9. Brand new. More contemporary and suited for our Santana tandem, attaches to the bars or rear of saddle. Room for a small blanket, bottle of wine, Thermos and sturdy but lightweight plastic dishes, drink glasses. Rather tidy so we usually remove the blanket and secure on the outside, the inside is insulated and where we put the snacks.

peugeot mongrel

Panniers are great, the good ones are quite pricy & probably well worth the money if budget allows.
If you are going to carry stuff rigging up for it makes it a lot more fun.

I felt like I had to try cheaper ones and have been very happy with them. They have held up very well commuting daily for a couple of years.

They are Axiom Seymour DLX and were about $60 delivered for the set 2 years ago. The clamping system is far superior to other cheap sets I looked at. After using them a lot I still feel that way. They have held very well up but I haven't abused them. I have filled them full with all manner of heavy stuff. My son-in-law has a Ortlieb set that is obviously made heavier and really waterproof. Mine would be water resistant, like a lot of them. I actually like my clamp system better than his.

A sturdy rack with rails to hook on to and some side bracing to keep them out of your wheels is a good idea. Mine is a Cannondale. On close out it was only $20 shipped. It's a great, simple, light and sturdy rack.

crank_addict

I have to chuckle a bit about Goodwill. We acquired the picnic / basket stuff for the bikes but also that original Raleigh Twenty was only $9! Surely was sad looking but after replacing the tires, brake pads, lube and clean-up, its a fun rider. The kids love it yet fits a wide range of size. The pics are older and now have a Brooks on it.


More from Goodwill. We picked up a beautiful tea set made of china and has British Airways logo and artwork. I forget exactly what it cost but was under $10.

romperrr 

I'm a fan of cannondale racks and all the colors they come in.

jr59

What kind of rack is that?

jr59

What kind of rack is that