Originally Posted by giskard (Post 12653799)

Hmmm, the Arkel bags are quite expensive and don't appear to be water proof unless I shell out an extra £17 on a rain cover. I'm now thinking that the Ortlieb bags are a better bet as their cheaper and waterrpoof "out of the box"

Originally Posted by giskard (Post 12655773)

Thanks, I did think of that, but wanted to avoid the wider rack if possible.

I checked Topeak's website and the width difference between the disc and standard versions of the rack is 6.5cm (23.5cm vs 17cm), so the rack would be around 2.5" wider. Dunno if that'd be an issue given that I'd prefer to keep things as narrow as possible for my commute (squeezing through traffic etc).

Originally Posted by irclean (Post 12658051)

The Arkel bags are quite water-resistant, and I've only needed the rain cover for really sloppy weather. In 3 years of regular commuting I've probably used it half a dozen times. I think Arkel and Ortlieb are on par quality-wise and the decision comes down to features (and price, of course). Being Canadian I'm partial to Arkel since they're made here. One would assume that the German-made Ortlieb bags would be cheaper in the UK.

Originally Posted by irclean (Post 12658051)

I use the disc version on one bike and a non-disc Topeak rack on another. When equipped with my Arkel bag I notice no appreciable difference in width.

Originally Posted by giskard (Post 12655773)

Thanks, I did think of that, but wanted to avoid the wider rack if possible.

I checked Topeak's website and the width difference between the disc and standard versions of the rack is 6.5cm (23.5cm vs 17cm), so the rack would be around 2.5" wider. Dunno if that'd be an issue given that I'd prefer to keep things as narrow as possible for my commute (squeezing through traffic etc).

Originally Posted by giskard (Post 12653799)

...One question - is the top of the rack actually wider on the disc version of the Topeak Super Tourist?

Originally Posted by AdamDZ (Post 12658897)

No, that won't be an issue, your handlebar is still the widest part of your bike. And if you have disc brakes this is the best rack out there for that.

You will not be squeezing between cars so tightly that 6cm would matter. And if you do, I suggest you rethink you riding habbits before you get hurt.

Originally Posted by giskard (Post 12648980)

I'm getting a little fed up with the sweaty back syndrome on my 12 mile each way commute from carrying my work clothes and stuff in a backpack, so I've decided to invest in a rack and a single pannier for my Kona Jake the Snake. I have quite a few questions though...

Been considering Tubus racks, but not sure which to go for, their stainless steel rack costs a third more than their other steel racks but it'd be more durable and corrosion resistant. Also, are the fixings universal for all makes of bike that have the lugs/thread braze-ons as part of the frame, like my Kona has? Are there any possible screw/thread incompatibilities?

I've been considering Ortlieb rack-mountable bags, like the Back Roller, but I'd only need one, rather than a pair, for my stuff. Alternatively I've been considering a backpack that can be rack-mounted, like the Ortlieb Vario, for those times when I'm using the bag for short trips on my other (folding) bike which cant' take panniers. Are such convertible bags worth considering, given that they cost loads more?

Basically I'd looking for feedback and advice from any others out there who have a rack and panniers on their road/commuter bikes to help me choose the right rack and luggage combo.

TIA

Originally Posted by Ziemas (Post 12685422)

If you are looking for a backpack/pannier check out the Arkel Bug. I've used one for years, and can't say a bad thing about it. It's bulletproof, dead simple to mount, converts into a backpack in seconds, and is extremely comfortable on my back.

For racks I use a Tubus Logo because I like the lower center of gravity it has. There is also a cheaper aluminum version made by a Tubus offshoot called RackTime.

Originally Posted by tFUnK (Post 12685415)

If you're just doing some light commuting you don't need a rack/pannier setup for self-supported touring. I picked up an Axiom Streamliner DLX ...

Originally Posted by giskard (Post 12685673)

I like the Arkel gear but in the UK it's very expensive. Ortlieb do a backpack/pannier called the Vario which I'm looking at though I might just plump for Ortlieb back rollers and a shoulder strap for when they're not rack-mounted

Originally Posted by JohnJ80 (Post 12689319)

Tubus racks are nice ... and expensive.

Look at the Racktime racks. I believe they are owned by the same company as Tubus but are AL instead of steel and about half the price but top quality. They are light and they have high load ratings. I have the Add-it, that I use with my Arkel Bug backpack/pannier and it works really well.

Originally Posted by giskard (Post 12690403)

Someone else mentioned Racktime and I took a look and decided that the AddIt would be the rack for me from that range, but there don't appear to be any UK retailers for Racktime gear. I'm also seriously thinking about getting the Arkel Bug, yes it's pricey and doesn't include a storm cover (that's extra), but after reading what Arkel have to say about waterproof panniers (and it all makes sense), I'm no longer thinking that waterproof is necessarily the way to go...

EDIT: I did find one shop on the web that stocks RackTime but when I phoned to check, I was told that the UK distributor for Tubus had stopped importing Racktime gear months ago. Typical.

Originally Posted by giskard (Post 12686111)

Been doing a big more digging around for info to help me choose a rack and luggage, now I'm aware that heel clearance might be an issue. My bike's chainstay is 435mm long and I've seen suggestions that the bare minimum chainstay length for avoiding heel-strike is 440mm - only 5mm difference but I have large feet (euro size 48 or UK size 12+) so heel-clearance will be more of an issue. Some racks, like the Tubus Logo, allow you to mount panniers further back on the bike and I was wondwering if ther Topeak Super Tourist DX that I'm keen on also allows that?

Originally Posted by giskard (Post 12685364)

I was in agreement when I first read your comment about rack width, but then this morning I was following a guy on his disc-braked bike with a Topeak Super Tourist DX rack, and his not very fat panniers protruded a few inches beyond the width of the handlebars. That would make a difference when filtering through stationary/slow-moving London traffic.

Originally Posted by Ziemas (Post 12692848)

Go with a German online shop. There are plenty.

Originally Posted by AdamDZ (Post 12693959)

A word on waterproof panniers. I don't know exactly what Arkel had to say about waterproof panniers, but for commuting and short errands they work well. I have a set of Axiom waterproof panniers and I don't need to worry about forgetting the covers or having to pull over in traffic to put the covers on.

For longer use, however, like touring I wouldn't use them. Hot weather, ouch :( They're fine up to like 1h maybe and then they get really hot inside, and outside too btw, there is no ventilation at all.

Originally Posted by sauerwald (Post 12693974)

I have a tubus rack, and have used it for commuting daily for over 4 years now - it works great. There is a second set of rails below the deck which helps to lower the centre of gravity of your load. The fittings are fairly adjustable, and should be able to mount to pretty much any bike with the proper braze-ons. I think that the Kona JTS has braze-ons for a rack.

I use several different panniers for different things. The most common one that I use is an Arkel BUG. The Arkel BUG can be worn as a backpack (it has straps that fold up inside), but I rarely do that. It usually carries my work clothes, lunch and misc other stuff. I also have an Arkel briefcase pannier which I use when I am bringing work home with myself. And others that are used less often.

Originally Posted by AdamDZ (Post 12693206)

Would it make that much difference if the rack was few cm narrower? I really doubt that the extra width of the rack would matter. So far I had no issues riding with my panniers in NYC traffic, and my panniers are usually stuffed and I do have a shortened handlebar. And I like how the rack keeps my panniers away from my disc brakes and wheels. But I don't squeeze that tightly between cars. I know some people do, but then get a backpack or messenger bag IMHO.