Originally Posted by
Reynolds
That's right, but I find a flat platform, CETMA-style, more versatile than panniers (I assume you use those) for urban load carrying like big cardboard boxes, especially with flat handlebar and a short stem. Front panniers look great for touring, but my fork doesn't have mountings for a lowrider.
I'm currently ghetto mounting my rear panniers under my VO Porteur rack. While not as optimal as lowriders, it's still nice to get some essentials down low underneath, while being able to strap bigger/bulkier items up top. Need to fab up the mounts on my bags a bit so they can drop down a few inches, since the rigid back of the pannier currently sticks above the flat rack by 2-3 inches. I've also found it easier to "overload" on heavier stuff. Even it out by throwing a six pack each underneath, and strap the other two up top, and the handling is better than stacking all four up top, in addition to my lock and other gear...
