Originally Posted by
Altair 4
Thanks, EKW for that link to Bestbuy. Never would have thought to check them out.
I'm prepping for my first tour for this summer (early July) - a short three day, credit card tour on GAP. I'm going to pack light - no camping gear. Do you think the Ortlieb front panniers, loaded on a rear rack would be sufficient? I'm thinking I'll have a change of riding clothes, a single set of "off-the-bike" clothing, plus a pair of sandals. I'd also pack rain gear, toiletry kit, tools, spare tubes, extra water bottle (or two), and trail snack/energy food.
I wouldn't have thought to look there, either. I hope they go on sale like that again. That's a crazy markdown from regular retail.
According to their website, the volume for the Ortlieb back rollers is 2440 cu. in. That's almost exactly the same volume I have in my current set of panniers - Axiom Lasalles. While I haven't been touring with them yet, I can say that the back rollers w/ their statec volume seem like they would be mor ethan sufficient for the load you have in mind. The front rollers w/ 1/2 to 2/3 the capacity of the bigger bags would be so-so, but seems like it would probably be enough. Especially since with no camping gear you could throw your sandlas in a plastic bag and bungee them to the rack.