Nashbar City Box Pannier?
06-05-09 | 08:14 AM
#1
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Software for Cyclists
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From: Redding, California
Bikes: Trek 5200, Specialized MTB
Nashbar City Box Pannier?
Has anyone had experience with this pannier?
I've been thinking of building or buying a "hard shell" pannier, with locking capabilities, for around town shopping and errands, and this pannier seems to fit the bill. But before buying yet another set of panniers, I'd like to get feedback from anyone who's used 'em.
Exterior Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 9.5 inches. Interior Dimensions: 13.5 x 13.5 x 9 inches. Empty weight: 2000g
I've been thinking of building or buying a "hard shell" pannier, with locking capabilities, for around town shopping and errands, and this pannier seems to fit the bill. But before buying yet another set of panniers, I'd like to get feedback from anyone who's used 'em.
Exterior Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 9.5 inches. Interior Dimensions: 13.5 x 13.5 x 9 inches. Empty weight: 2000g
06-05-09 | 08:43 AM
#2
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Salt Lake City, UT
Bikes: 2006 Specialized Stumpjumper
Seems cool...but I wish it were designed to lock onto the rack so that you can leave it attached when you're away from the bike. After all, what's the point of having a locking box if the whole thing can be removed by pressing a single button?
Originally Posted by Nashbar Website
...When you're ready to remove the box, just push on the big spring-loaded button to release the City Box's secure latching mechanism. When you've parked your bike, carry the City Box along with the handy rubberized pop-up grab handle...
Last edited by kris247; 06-05-09 at 08:45 AM. Reason: attributing the quote
06-05-09 | 08:55 AM
#3
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Software for Cyclists
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From: Redding, California
Bikes: Trek 5200, Specialized MTB
LOL...good point. I'd probably just use some wire or cable to semi-permanently attach it to the bike.
06-05-09 | 12:58 PM
#4
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From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock
I've never used them, or any other pannier on my bicycle. But both motorcycles had hard bags, and those people that told me once you use them you wont want to give them up were right.
06-05-09 | 01:41 PM
#5
A treat for the freaks!
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Seattle area
That is a really neat bag, and it will probably sell to a good number of folks who would have made something like that themselves. I would love to hear a first-hand review from someone who has bought it.
As far as locking the bag (box) to the bike rack, it seems like that wouldn't take much work to do. You could probably just install it and then take a small u-bolt and straddle it over one of the rack arms (drilling two small holes). That way the nuts themselves would be inside the bag, and the u-bolt by it's very shape, cannot be turned from the outside.
Even easier would be to replace the screws in the rubber-coated upper brackets (the ones that look gold in the picture) with longer screws so they protrude under the bracket. You would need to assemble it that way with the box on the rack, but once you have done that you wouldn't be able to lift up on the box to get it off the rack. I hope that makes sense, becuase I can picture it better than I can explain it.
In either case it doesn't need to be Fort Knox, just enough to discourage a quick snatch and grab.
As far as locking the bag (box) to the bike rack, it seems like that wouldn't take much work to do. You could probably just install it and then take a small u-bolt and straddle it over one of the rack arms (drilling two small holes). That way the nuts themselves would be inside the bag, and the u-bolt by it's very shape, cannot be turned from the outside.
Even easier would be to replace the screws in the rubber-coated upper brackets (the ones that look gold in the picture) with longer screws so they protrude under the bracket. You would need to assemble it that way with the box on the rack, but once you have done that you wouldn't be able to lift up on the box to get it off the rack. I hope that makes sense, becuase I can picture it better than I can explain it.
In either case it doesn't need to be Fort Knox, just enough to discourage a quick snatch and grab.
Last edited by MCODave; 06-05-09 at 01:45 PM.
06-06-09 | 08:30 AM
#6
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From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock
My first motorcycle had hard bags that locked shut and too the mounting brackets at one time, but not by the time I got it. I never heard of anyone stealing anything out of them, and people were surprised to find that they were removable. And were surprised to find out that the reason so many old BMW's have bungy cords wrapped around the suitcases was to keep the lids from flying open and the bags on the bike while riding. I don't think you've got too much to worry about - I bet most people will think these bags are locked and they can't take them off the bike without attracting too much attention.
06-07-09 | 09:19 AM
#7
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Berkley, Michigan
Bikes: Commuter(s), MTB(s), bent(s), folder(s) and a road.
Checkout www.cobbworks.com for ideas.
06-08-09 | 07:41 AM
#9
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 612
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From: Berkley, Michigan
Bikes: Commuter(s), MTB(s), bent(s), folder(s) and a road.
Old suitcase from Craigslist + Arkle hook kit + www.foamfactory.com
https://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/acc...asp?fl=1&site=
