Rack & Pannier Advice for Short Person
09-01-07, 11:14 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Rack & Pannier Advice for Short Person
I am a new commuter and a short female. I ride with my seat all the way down. I am uncomfortable riding with a backpack and would like some advice on a rack and pannier or trunk bag that would be suitable for a short person. I would be carrying my lunch, a change of clothes including shoes, and some other items such as keys, wallet, folders and sometimes books. I would like something fairly economical, but am willing to pay more for something that fits. Unfortunately I am not a DIY type of person, so I would need something pretty simple. Any suggestions?
09-01-07, 11:32 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Coquitlam
Posts: 2,538
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Most any rack/pannier combination shouldnt have any problems. There are some trunk bags that sit very high that would interfere with a saddle mounted too low.
Currently im using a trek interchange system thats held up pretty good for the cost.
Currently im using a trek interchange system thats held up pretty good for the cost.
09-02-07, 12:21 AM
#3
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,082
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Call Wayne at The Touring Store for ideas about racks and a pannier. He's very knowledgeable, extremely helpful, and an all around good egg.
https://www.thetouringstore.com/
CONTACT ME BY PHONE . . . Call TOLL FREE 1-800-747-0588 and ask for Wayne. You are encouraged to call ANY day, including weekends, between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM, Mountain Time in Colorado. I am usually near the phone when you call. If I miss your call, leave your phone number and I WILL get back to you as soon as possible. If you get voice mail, I may be on the line, so keep trying or leave a message. Please speak carefully and REPEAT your phone number. If I can't understand it, I can't return your call. I know, that's obvious - but it has been a problem recently!
https://www.thetouringstore.com/
CONTACT ME BY PHONE . . . Call TOLL FREE 1-800-747-0588 and ask for Wayne. You are encouraged to call ANY day, including weekends, between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM, Mountain Time in Colorado. I am usually near the phone when you call. If I miss your call, leave your phone number and I WILL get back to you as soon as possible. If you get voice mail, I may be on the line, so keep trying or leave a message. Please speak carefully and REPEAT your phone number. If I can't understand it, I can't return your call. I know, that's obvious - but it has been a problem recently!
09-02-07, 05:26 AM
#4
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: ohio
Posts: 15
Bikes: trek 1000, trek 7100
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
On some racks they can be adjusted to be higher where they bolt on the frame at the back wheel. It will give you more foot clearence when pedaling on wider bags. I have a small frame - 43 cm. Until I arranged things, my ankle would hit the pannier bags with every pedal stroke.
I'm 5' even and have had little problem. However my seat is fairly up there on both my road and hybrid. Just to be sure, is your seat low because that's what actually fits? Are you getting a full proper leg extention when pedaling? Most people who start out riding have the seat too low. When the seat is in it's proper place it's very likely the rider will have to dismount when stoping.
I just want to make sure your bike fits you. Riding on a bike that doesn't fit can bring pain over even short distances. And makes cycling much more work than it has to be. Then you're tempted to give up. It took a long time - years - to get my road bike adjusted to where I can ride pain free. I gave up on it for a long time.
I'm 5' even and have had little problem. However my seat is fairly up there on both my road and hybrid. Just to be sure, is your seat low because that's what actually fits? Are you getting a full proper leg extention when pedaling? Most people who start out riding have the seat too low. When the seat is in it's proper place it's very likely the rider will have to dismount when stoping.
I just want to make sure your bike fits you. Riding on a bike that doesn't fit can bring pain over even short distances. And makes cycling much more work than it has to be. Then you're tempted to give up. It took a long time - years - to get my road bike adjusted to where I can ride pain free. I gave up on it for a long time.
Last edited by tismyself; 09-02-07 at 04:57 PM.
09-02-07, 06:54 AM
#5
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Posts: 18,209
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
Originally Posted by lljean
I am a new commuter and a short female. I ride with my seat all the way down. I am uncomfortable riding with a backpack and would like some advice on a rack and pannier or trunk bag that would be suitable for a short person.
) and look over their stuff. Ask questions and tell them EXACTLY what you're looking for and what you'll be carrying. They should be able to get you equipped. Your height shouldn't be a problem.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
09-02-07, 01:50 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: England
Posts: 12,948
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
The only real issue when fitting a rack to a small frame is that the seatstay threaded eyelets can be very low. Any bike shop should be able to fit some extra long struts that angle down to the eyelets. This does eliminate the triangulation on the rack and reduce stiffness but for a light commuter load it wont be a problem. Basically it is the bike shop poblem.
When fitting the bag to the rack, try and find a quick-release locking system rather than hook and elastic. A bag with a heel cutout angle can be mounted further forward for better balance. You only need one bag for commuting and this is usual practice, it doesnt affect balance. Some people use a rack top bag.
When fitting the bag to the rack, try and find a quick-release locking system rather than hook and elastic. A bag with a heel cutout angle can be mounted further forward for better balance. You only need one bag for commuting and this is usual practice, it doesnt affect balance. Some people use a rack top bag.
09-03-07, 10:06 AM
#7
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
On some racks they can be adjusted to be higher where they bolt on the frame at the back wheel. It will give you more foot clearence when pedaling on wider bags. I have a small frame - 43 cm. Until I arranged things, my ankle would hit the pannier bags with every pedal stroke.
I'm 5' even and have had little problem. However my seat is fairly up there on both my road and hybrid. Just to be sure, is your seat low because that's what actually fits? Are you getting a full proper leg extention when pedaling? Most people who start out riding have the seat too low. When the seat is in it's proper place it's very likely the rider will have to dismount when stoping.
I just want to make sure your bike fits you. Riding on a bike that doesn't fit can bring pain over even short distances. And makes cycling much more work than it has to be. Then you're tempted to give up. It took a long time - years - to get my road bike adjusted to where I can ride pain free. I gave up on it for a long time.
I'm 5' even and have had little problem. However my seat is fairly up there on both my road and hybrid. Just to be sure, is your seat low because that's what actually fits? Are you getting a full proper leg extention when pedaling? Most people who start out riding have the seat too low. When the seat is in it's proper place it's very likely the rider will have to dismount when stoping.
I just want to make sure your bike fits you. Riding on a bike that doesn't fit can bring pain over even short distances. And makes cycling much more work than it has to be. Then you're tempted to give up. It took a long time - years - to get my road bike adjusted to where I can ride pain free. I gave up on it for a long time.
