Front Rack and Panniers
08-09-05, 08:46 PM
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Front Rack and Panniers
I'm considering purchasing the Tubus Tara front rack for my Trek 520, but I'm hesitant to invest $200-plus for a super-nice set of front panniers so early in my touring career (this is my first summer "on the road"). I have had great success with the Trek Interchange rear rack/pannier system during my last two trips, and I really appreciate the price range (roughly $100 for the combo). Does anyone know whether the Trek Interchange panniers would fit comfortably on the Tubus Tara rack? Anyone have pictures? Thanks!
08-10-05, 05:39 AM
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I don't know very much about the panniers/rack system you are talking about. I can tell you, however, a very useful truism: Most of the people that have toured many years have most likely tried several combinations of racks and panniers. I believe one gets what one pays for.
That said, I have tried Blackburn racks, Specialized racks, and some generic racks. I've only broken one (front rack). I have also toured with Performance rear panniers, Cannondale rear panniers, Arkel GT30 front panniers and Specialized front and rear panniers. Even different combinations of each. Last year I put two rear panniers on the front rack and two rear panniers on the back. 600 miles. All worked fine. I'm fairly abusive to my rig.
The higher end racks and panniers are built to take more abuse and heavier loads. Much of the decision depends on how much you will abuse your panniers and racks and how heavy you load it.
The Trek setup will probably be just fine. After a few years and some wear and tear on that system, you may find you want to replace your set-up with a higher end set. You also may find that your current set-up works just fine. Either way, you can't go wrong. UNLESS you spend BIG bucks on a really nice rack and pannier set and stuff them in the closet!
That probably didn't help much.
That said, I have tried Blackburn racks, Specialized racks, and some generic racks. I've only broken one (front rack). I have also toured with Performance rear panniers, Cannondale rear panniers, Arkel GT30 front panniers and Specialized front and rear panniers. Even different combinations of each. Last year I put two rear panniers on the front rack and two rear panniers on the back. 600 miles. All worked fine. I'm fairly abusive to my rig.
The higher end racks and panniers are built to take more abuse and heavier loads. Much of the decision depends on how much you will abuse your panniers and racks and how heavy you load it.
The Trek setup will probably be just fine. After a few years and some wear and tear on that system, you may find you want to replace your set-up with a higher end set. You also may find that your current set-up works just fine. Either way, you can't go wrong. UNLESS you spend BIG bucks on a really nice rack and pannier set and stuff them in the closet!
That probably didn't help much.
