Pannier Manufacturers INSANE?
#1
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Bicycling Science MIT press said that low mid axle rounded FRONT panniers make a bicycle more aerodynamic then no panniers. Yet we get manufacturers promoting boxy rear panniers - which without front panniers make the frontend light and the bike more difficult to handle. Even supposed front panniers the designs look at best like folding boxes. Yet the height of fashion is the Louis Vuitton Eclipse Backpack that with the right attachment system would be the perfect aerodynamic pannier. Well at least the boxy pannier would hold more boxes...
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#2
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Wow interesting! I saw a guy with two front panniers and nothing on the rear yesterday, looked like a very experienced rider.
#3
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Front panniers at least for the street can be put low at mid axle. One hardly feels the weight of the low front pack, the packs are largely sitting on the front axle; the steering feels slower but steady. Low packs on single-track trail hit rocks and logs. Rear racks and panniers are put high to give the derailleur clearance. But the lower the weight and more towards the middle the better the balance. So low front packs only are a lot better then high rear panniers only.
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I think the boxy ones are more for groceries, etc., not for everyday commuting use.
#5
Jet Jockey
I bought a set of the Trek Basic Panniers a little while back...as a backpack sweat elimination measure. I was so excited! On my first commute, once I got to work...SNAP!, the bungie that secured the bottom of the pannier to the rack popped out of it's anchoring. Lifespan: 50 min. So. I went back to the bike store and exchanged them. Very excited again. Put them on my bike...SNAP! Same thing. Lifespan: under 10 seconds. I attempted to post a review on Trek's website (they didn't post it, surprise) and I also wrote their customer support and explained in detail exactly what happened and challenged them to publish my negative review on their website. The guys response was something to the effect of "you're right, we won't publish your review, but that's because my Basic Panniers work for me." Great, thanks. No solutions, no real reply, just "mine work for me". Crazy? DON'T BUY THE TREK BASIC PANNIER. Thank you for listening to my rant.
#6
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I commute with box-shaped basket panniers. They fold flat against the side of the bike when not in use, and I can fit a full bag of groceries in each one, or books, or packages, or whatever. Can't beat the convenience.
I should say that I'm more a utility cyclist than a sportif type. I have a short commute (3.5 miles each way) and I use my bike for shopping and errands as well. But for me the baskets are an excellent choice.
I should say that I'm more a utility cyclist than a sportif type. I have a short commute (3.5 miles each way) and I use my bike for shopping and errands as well. But for me the baskets are an excellent choice.
#7
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Originally Posted by banzai_f16
I bought a set of the Trek Basic Panniers a little while back...as a backpack sweat elimination measure. I was so excited! On my first commute, once I got to work...SNAP!, the bungie that secured the bottom of the pannier to the rack popped out of it's anchoring...
"Affordable rack mounted bicycle pannier. Ideal for students, commuting, or touring.
1,440 cu. in. (25,194cc) capacity per set.
New, stronger cord for rack attachment."
[Bolds mine] Apparently the word has gotten around and they (claim) improved the bungie. The shop may have sold you the older model.
1,440 cu. in. (25,194cc) capacity per set.
New, stronger cord for rack attachment."
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"The bicycle is the perfect transducer to match man's metabolic energy to the impedance of locomotion. Equipped with this tool, man outstrips the efficiency of not only all machines but all other animals as well." Ivan Illich ('Energy and Equity')1974
#8
Senior Member
I find adjusting to the changes in my bike's steering from adding and removing front panniers (from and slow and steady to twitchy and responsive) to be FAR more irritating, distracting and potentially unsafe than the relatively minor changes in handling and weight distribution that result from adding and removing panniers on my rear rack. The only difficulty is occasionally losing my grip on the bike when trying to wrestle it indoors with one hand on the door and one on the stem. If I tilt it too far by mistake, the weight makes it very difficult to rebalance. Still, it's a lot easier than switching back to having no front panniers - the first few minutes are a bit frightening!
I suspect that most people who recommend front panniers alone have never used them. If I'm using one set of panniers, they go on the back. All of this goes double if I only need one pannier. One pannier on my front wheel? That would be insane and very, very stupid.
I suspect that most people who recommend front panniers alone have never used them. If I'm using one set of panniers, they go on the back. All of this goes double if I only need one pannier. One pannier on my front wheel? That would be insane and very, very stupid.
#9
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I like my single red boxy pannier on the left just fine. I can't imagine commuting with the backpack/pannier illustrated above. Doesn't look too practical. It's slightly easier to mount/dismount and dig in rear panniers as well.
#10
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Originally Posted by Longhorn
I think the boxy ones are more for groceries, etc., not for everyday commuting use.
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#11
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Originally Posted by lilHinault
Wow interesting! I saw a guy with two front panniers and nothing on the rear yesterday, looked like a very experienced rider.
#12
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I prefer the boxy ones, too. I hate fumbling with zippers. I can even toss stuff in while I'm in motion with the boxy kind.
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Originally Posted by grolby
I suspect that most people who recommend front panniers alone have never used them. If I'm using one set of panniers, they go on the back. All of this goes double if I only need one pannier. One pannier on my front wheel? That would be insane and very, very stupid.
#14
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It works on asphalt, but they have to be well balanced. However, trying that on two different bikes, I can tell you it depends a lot on the front-end geometry (trail, rake...), because I have one bike (Trek 520) where handling is fairly load-neutral whereas on one other bike (Vélo Sport) it doesn't work at all.
But don't try it in gravel. Even on a good bike, the bike will want to go straight and will refuse to turn, even if there is a curve.
But don't try it in gravel. Even on a good bike, the bike will want to go straight and will refuse to turn, even if there is a curve.
#15
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I have ridden with front panniers and a large rear seat bag for 20 years; I totally prefer the handling. When my small panniers attachment cord got weak from age I rode for years with only one front large pannier - I didn't need more room. You steer slightly off and become acustom more easily then you might imagine. But there is one place I don't like the one front pannier is when I am doing jumps off curbs or onto curbs, the bike gives a little wierd side jerk when landing - but it has never caused me to fall. However I repaired the small pannier attachment and I'm back to two small panniers with my large seatbag. This way I can still pickup a modest number of groceries on my way home from work. When I know I am doing major shopping I go with front panniers and the Bob Yak bicycle trailer - I can easily haul 125# of stuff - but it is certainly slower.
#16
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I keep my 12 Volt 4 Amp Hour battery in the seatbag. When I am sure I won't be out at night I leave the seatbag, and dual NiteRider light and ride with just lowrider front panniers. It never seemed a problem at all. In fact - wow - it feels so light without that massive battery that low front panniers alone is my favorite way to ride.
#17
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I have to admit that when I take off and ride the bike with no panniers - the bike does feel twitchy and responsive - and to me a bit wierd - yeah, it feels like a racer - but even here I have done it enough that is still easy to ride, and dreamy easy to jump up on curbs.