Originally Posted by
dh024
I am running the Dry-Lites front and rear, and really love them so far. The weight of all four bags is less than the set of rear panniers I used to use, and I really prefer the balanced distribution of weight--the bike handles much better, and I worry a lot less now about putting all my weight on the rear with only 32 spoke wheels.
My first impression of them is that they are pretty small, but they appear to be more durable than what others have suggested (I liken them to a heavy dry-bag that one would strap to a rear rack). For soft-sided gear, I think they would stand up really well.
The whole system makes a lot of sense for me: I have mostly ultralight gear (tent, bag, pad, etc.), so I am not carrying a lot of bulk or weight, so smaller, lighter panniers and racks suit me perfectly. Here are some shots:
thats a neat setup, I have thought of using a front rack like the OMM ones or whatever for front use too, neat to see someone using them both front and back, as you say it must really lighten up the total weight of the bike.
A few aspects I can see these not being ideal is if you are going to be going somewhere where its really rough, ie having to put your bike down on bad surfaces all the time, or wanting the advantage of taking bags off often as I could see mucking about with the velcro could get tiring; and especially them not being ideal for overfilling with a food shop before the end of the day, especially if there are heavy cans, or sharp edged containers involved--I really do think sturdier panniers are still good to have for this (again, why I put on my old blue cordura ones).
Though it really does seem to be "horses for courses" here, and your example certainly shows the big weight win with using two sets of them. (although Mr DH, I guess last week the weight savings were offset by the heavy studded winter tires you had to put on your bike ;-)