Scrapser,

You should enjoy the Slipstream, very nice touring bike. Mine is a first generation Slipstream and has been used for loaded touring for years. We also have a Gulfstream that we tour with. both good bikes.


"I'm concerned about the panniers being waterproof" - You don't want your panniers to be waterproof... If they are any water that gets in stays in, If your touring and riding in the rain and if you need something from your bags, water is going to get in. Everything you want to stay dry should be put into a zip-lock bag, and then into your panniers. Anything that you have worn needs to go into another bag, or the touring funk will infect everything. I've used all kinds of panniers and the only plus I"ve found to the "waterproof" panniers is that you can use then to carry water to your camp sight.

"method of attachment used does not cause scratches to the rack itself." - I haven't found a bag yet that won't scratch or rub the rack. Some use plastic clips, and that will help, but it is still going to rub the finish on the rack. Even a cloth strap will rub the finish, we use a seat bag on the Gulfstream and the cloth from the bag has rubbed the clear-coat from the seat frame and the powder coating as well. I had thought about dipping the hooks of our bags in plastic dip used to coat tool handles, but still it's going to rub the finish.

As far as who's panniers to use. We use Arkel TT84's and a set of T-28's We have used these bags now for about 8 years with out problems. The 84's are freaking big bags for one person, but we tour tandem. You should check out the RT-60's http://www.arkel-od.com/ Arkel now offers a waterproof inner bag, but I would still get a set of rain covers with the bags. Great bags, and they come in yellow... if you ordered the stock Longbikes color