Touring with rear twin baskets instead of panniers?
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Touring with rear twin baskets instead of panniers?
I've spent the majority of the year commuting trying to get myself in shape to tour. I installed a Wald twin rear basket a few weeks ago. So far, so good. I have some dry bags as well as a few backpacks.
Has anyone ever tried baskets for touring? In theory is should work just as well as panneirs as I still have a huge platform on top to strap my tent and more gear.
I would like to hear some input on this.
Has anyone ever tried baskets for touring? In theory is should work just as well as panneirs as I still have a huge platform on top to strap my tent and more gear.
I would like to hear some input on this.
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I saw a picture somewhere of folks using plastic buckets as panniers, so I see no reason you couldn't use baskets. As long as it is secure it should work fine.
If you do, be sure to post pictures for us to check out.
If you do, be sure to post pictures for us to check out.
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do you find your wald bskets heavy ? I got some to replace panniers for day to day stuff, but they do add weight to the rear of the bike, it feels like, making it harder to lift in and out the house.
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I don't see why it wouldn't work. I was on a long tour, many years ago, and we came across an elderly couple touring on 3 speed bikes with baskets. He had front and rear baskets, she only had a medium sized front basket. They had been on the road for over 9 months when we met them and were headed for Mexico. IIRC they were from Ohio, this was back in the late 70's.
Aaron
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It could work. Panniers are mostly a convenience and to lower the center of gravity. I've seen people touring with a bunch of backpacks, buckets and even trash bags bungee'd to the racks. Try it and see. Oh, and post pictures.
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Yeah, I have a few dry-bags from my canoe days. If I figure correctly, I can fit a dry-bag to each side and strap my tent bag plus maybe my sleeping mat on top. I bought the larger of the Wald baskets and I had to do some mods to it to make it fit correctly. I want to add at least a handlebar bag before doing much beyond an over-nighter. Come spring I want to add a front rack with panniers.
I live a car-lite lifetsyle so I am always playing with my options on hauling lots of gear and groceries. I will post some pics in a few days.
Thanks for the replies thus far.
I live a car-lite lifetsyle so I am always playing with my options on hauling lots of gear and groceries. I will post some pics in a few days.
Thanks for the replies thus far.
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I put Wald folding baskets on the back of my daughter's college-commuting comfort bike. They are heavy! You can tour with just about anything, and these will probably work fine. However, they're a long way from ideal. Take them touring if you want and enjoy. If you find you like touring you'll probably be getting something more suitable in the future.
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[QUOTE=10 Wheels;11666889]These worked:
Looks like the pictures were taken on the road so it must work.
Sure looks like a bad case of heel strike.
Looks like the pictures were taken on the road so it must work.
Sure looks like a bad case of heel strike.
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Of course the baskets will work. Ppl tour hauling their gear in just about everything imaginable. Even garbage cans! I'd hang two more on
a front rack, and off course one on the handle bar.
Panniers are popular because they are specifically designed for toting touring gear. Not the lighest way, or the cheapest way, least in
the short term, but the most practical when everything is considered.
The cat litter bucket panniers are probably the best alternative to bags. Inexpensive and waterproof. Plus, you'll have a stool and table at camp.
a front rack, and off course one on the handle bar.
Panniers are popular because they are specifically designed for toting touring gear. Not the lighest way, or the cheapest way, least in
the short term, but the most practical when everything is considered.
The cat litter bucket panniers are probably the best alternative to bags. Inexpensive and waterproof. Plus, you'll have a stool and table at camp.
#13
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I'm in the "it can work but...."
I'm sure there are worse things, and if your tour is short (e.g. 1-2 weeks) it probably will work ok to use baskets with waterproof stuff sacks.
However, there's a reason why you don't chisel with a screwdriver. Well-made panniers (or a trailer) are the optimum method to carry your gear. They keep the weight low, they'll protect your gear, and they're easy to manage. You don't have to go crazy and buy a left nostril inhaler, but I see few justifications to use anything other than the right tool for the job.
I'm sure there are worse things, and if your tour is short (e.g. 1-2 weeks) it probably will work ok to use baskets with waterproof stuff sacks.
However, there's a reason why you don't chisel with a screwdriver. Well-made panniers (or a trailer) are the optimum method to carry your gear. They keep the weight low, they'll protect your gear, and they're easy to manage. You don't have to go crazy and buy a left nostril inhaler, but I see few justifications to use anything other than the right tool for the job.
#15
Every day a winding road
If it is all you have and don't want to spend the money then go for it. I see a couple problems.
1. Heavy as others have said previous.
2. They don't compress. If you need to squeeze through a small opening like a gate for a MUP you are pretty much out of like.
3. Usually not easily removable. (See item #2). If you want to ride the train you would have a problem (at least in places like Itay where you hang your bike)
1. Heavy as others have said previous.
2. They don't compress. If you need to squeeze through a small opening like a gate for a MUP you are pretty much out of like.
3. Usually not easily removable. (See item #2). If you want to ride the train you would have a problem (at least in places like Itay where you hang your bike)
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I like that way of putting it. Think of whether what you are doing is trying to do a job with the maximum of pleasure and the minimum of fuss and whether you are willing to trade dollars for the favor.
Backpacks, kitty litter buckets, trash bags, wood boxes, milk crates, pelican cases, and numerous variations have been used for economic reasons, because the owner needed to carry something unusual (think expensive camera equipment and pelican cases), or just to prove you could. I've even seen pictures of jerry-rigged pet carriers.
Of course if the choice is between panniers and no tour and use-what-is-at-hand and a tour, hey that's an easy choice.
Backpacks, kitty litter buckets, trash bags, wood boxes, milk crates, pelican cases, and numerous variations have been used for economic reasons, because the owner needed to carry something unusual (think expensive camera equipment and pelican cases), or just to prove you could. I've even seen pictures of jerry-rigged pet carriers.
Of course if the choice is between panniers and no tour and use-what-is-at-hand and a tour, hey that's an easy choice.
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I have no problem with baskets...I don't use this bike for touring but it would work. To me touring is more a state of mind, than the equipment involved. FWIW I tour on several different bikes including old 3 speeds.
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
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"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#18
Walmart bike rider
Steve, I use the exact same thing you use... and it works great.... And with the metal baskets, there are a billion ways to put stuff on it and hold it down via rubber straps. Plus it's much much cheaper than panniers.
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#20
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I have toured with a wald basket on the front of my bike and it worked out great. Just make sure you get a bungie net to hold everything inside.
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Thanks for the great replies!! Lots of great thoughts. Maybe I should add a few details....
For starters, this rig is what I have to work with at the moment. Before going on any trip, even an over-nighter, I will be adding a handlebar bag and maybe fenders.
Also keep in mind I am a commuter first, trying the touring thing second. At this point I have a budget and it ain't too big. So whatever I but must be practical for commuting.
Come late winter, I plan on purchasing another bike if the touring hobby really takes hold. Then we'll do it right, panniers and racks front & rear plus all the other lovelt accessories. Until then, this is what I have to work with.
Please keep the replies coming. This is very helpful!!
For starters, this rig is what I have to work with at the moment. Before going on any trip, even an over-nighter, I will be adding a handlebar bag and maybe fenders.
Also keep in mind I am a commuter first, trying the touring thing second. At this point I have a budget and it ain't too big. So whatever I but must be practical for commuting.
Come late winter, I plan on purchasing another bike if the touring hobby really takes hold. Then we'll do it right, panniers and racks front & rear plus all the other lovelt accessories. Until then, this is what I have to work with.
Please keep the replies coming. This is very helpful!!
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it'll work fine, I'd refrain from feeling obligated to filling them to the top, if the extra weight is somehow debilitating to handling or rear wheel strength you're already overloaded. You might consider a stuff sack/dry bag under the bars (straight bars?) instead of a cantilevered handlebar bag as a more economical way of carrying gear and if you want a bag for accesible items look at smaller bags that can mount on the stem or front of the top tube.
https://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FMBHP
https://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FMBHP
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Hi Steve-
I've been on four short (5-9 day) tours using two folding rear Wald baskets. They've worked fine. In many ways great. They are rigidly attached to the bike, so they hold the weight without sway. I usually put an inexpensive UL daypack across the top of the rack/baskets, which I use for my highest value gear (expensive shelter, sleeping bag, inflatable pad, camera, ...). This gear is mostly bulky but light, so I notice no effect on handling. At stops, I carry the backpack and leave lower value but needed stuff on the bike. This minimizes theft risk.
The multiple bags stuck in baskets do seem to less convenient than panniers would be. They are also somewhat less durable, at least for light weight bags. This is of little importance in a 1-2 week trip, but would certainly matter in a global adventure.
My pair of folding Wald baskets weigh, I've read, about 6 1/2 pounds. (The folding baskets are particularly heavy, so yours might be lighter.) I use quite light dry bags, so I'm only paying a 2-4 pound penalty over panniers. Many tourers carry all kinds of things which add a few pounds to the weight, so don't sweat it. Of course, you should keep their weight in mind to avoid overloading your rear wheel. The greater weight risk, though, comes from your ability to easily carry a HUGE amount of stuff on top of them. Don't over pack just because you have the room to bungy yet another object on that large, flat, solid area above the rack and baskets.
I've used these baskets nearly every day for 3 1/2 years for commuting and utility purposes. They don't care about rain, they don't get stolen, I don't need to put them on and take them off. They are ideal for these purposes. They are also perfectly serviceable for touring.
I certainly wouldn't buy baskets ONLY for touring. Actually, I might if cost was a huge consideration. Baskets are much cheaper and much more versatile for other bike uses. Panniers are definitely more convenient for touring and lighter over the long run, especially on long trips. However, if you already have the baskets, then just go out and tour.
For what it's worth, replacing my baskets with panniers was not very high on my touring equipment wish list.
Jim
I've been on four short (5-9 day) tours using two folding rear Wald baskets. They've worked fine. In many ways great. They are rigidly attached to the bike, so they hold the weight without sway. I usually put an inexpensive UL daypack across the top of the rack/baskets, which I use for my highest value gear (expensive shelter, sleeping bag, inflatable pad, camera, ...). This gear is mostly bulky but light, so I notice no effect on handling. At stops, I carry the backpack and leave lower value but needed stuff on the bike. This minimizes theft risk.
The multiple bags stuck in baskets do seem to less convenient than panniers would be. They are also somewhat less durable, at least for light weight bags. This is of little importance in a 1-2 week trip, but would certainly matter in a global adventure.
My pair of folding Wald baskets weigh, I've read, about 6 1/2 pounds. (The folding baskets are particularly heavy, so yours might be lighter.) I use quite light dry bags, so I'm only paying a 2-4 pound penalty over panniers. Many tourers carry all kinds of things which add a few pounds to the weight, so don't sweat it. Of course, you should keep their weight in mind to avoid overloading your rear wheel. The greater weight risk, though, comes from your ability to easily carry a HUGE amount of stuff on top of them. Don't over pack just because you have the room to bungy yet another object on that large, flat, solid area above the rack and baskets.
I've used these baskets nearly every day for 3 1/2 years for commuting and utility purposes. They don't care about rain, they don't get stolen, I don't need to put them on and take them off. They are ideal for these purposes. They are also perfectly serviceable for touring.
I certainly wouldn't buy baskets ONLY for touring. Actually, I might if cost was a huge consideration. Baskets are much cheaper and much more versatile for other bike uses. Panniers are definitely more convenient for touring and lighter over the long run, especially on long trips. However, if you already have the baskets, then just go out and tour.
For what it's worth, replacing my baskets with panniers was not very high on my touring equipment wish list.
Jim