aalenkin

Hey guys just started the almost car-free lifestyle, problem is I have a backpack with ALL my change of clothes, extra shoes, keys etc etc. I have a road bike and its pretty light, was thinking of going with a Pannier?? dont know even if I spelled that right, or better yet if thats the way to go, any experiences, suggestions, prices? recommendations? please do let me know everyone here is awesome

gerv 

Take a look here https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/541683-backpack-rear-rack.html

mechanicalron

I don't know howe I went so long without panniers but that light road bike will need a rack and make sure you have room for the heel of your foot as your wheel base may be a tad short for big bags. The rest is price verses what works for you and the rack top will come in handy for all sorts of things.

Torrilin

Living Car-free thread on bags: https://www.bikeforums.net/living-car-free/474146-bags-bags-bags.html

Living Car-free thread on baskets: https://www.bikeforums.net/living-car-free/477481-bike-baskets-such.html

The panniers I mention in the bags thread are mostly dead. My partner uses one for his gym things, and we recently upgraded mine to a set of REI waterproof ones with about 46L of capacity. The attachment system is easier for a non-biker to manage, but otherwise I haven't ridden enough with them to tell what I like and don't like. I think they'll pass the bag of rice test, tho I'm not sure how I'll manage to come up with 25lbs for the other side of the bike .

I've replaced the tote bags with a freebie messenger bag. It's smaller than a tote bag, and works well on *and* off the bike. Mo' bettah. It's denim, so it's not waterproof. (we still have the tote bags, and they get used... just nowhere near as often) I spent a lot of the winter with a banged up knee, and this was bar none the easiest bag for me to use. Getting into a backpack when you're on crutches and there's snow everywhere is... interesting.

I still love baskets.

aalenkin

this is great info much appreciated thanks everyone, thanks for the links too!!!!!!

MichaelW

You need a rear luggage rack for panniers. Does your bike have threaded eyelets at the rear?
If it does use a standard 4-bolt fitting rack. If it doesnt you may be able to use a seatpost clamp-on rack but these are not as good.
Modern panniers have quick-release, locking clips that undo in a second and never bounce off. Hook and elastic fittings as obscelete and best avoided.
Panniers need to have tough material, good stiffening board but this need not be heavy.
Openings can be flap-top (like a large backpack), roll top (canoe-bag style), or zipper. Most zippers eventually break.
Some people like lots of compartments others like a big main compartment. Side pockets are useful.
Arkel, Ortleib, Carradice are the top performers.

aalenkin

thanks for the info, where would the eyelets be?? I dont know where to look for the ones you are mentioning any help? and that is great where they can clip in and out I dont want a permanent fixture yet!

Santaria

Sunlite is a decent, and cheap bag to cut your teeth on if you want to see if you really like them over a backpack.

Lowboys in front are better, imho, if you've got a little bit of weight, rear is good if your going to be going heavy.

Takes a bit of adjustment riding too. Center of gravity is low, turns aren't racy by any stretch.

bdi121

Try this thread, may save you a few dollars :

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...Sided+Panniers

no1mad 

https://giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bike...le/2306/32160/ Place your cursor over the image. A zoom tool should automatically start showing your highlighted area on the right. Now take a look at where the rack attaches.

mredison

If you don't have eyelets, you can use an Old Man Mountain rack. It uses a super-long skewer and your canti studs to get around the no-eyelets thing. https://www.oldmanmountain.com/Pages/...RearRacks.html