Got gifted a set of blackburn panniers. Not new but never used. Came with a real basic blackburn rack. I have a Heavier duty topeak rack on my bike (50lbs capacity vs 30lbs on the blackburn). The panniers have blackburn positive locking system. It clips on the blackburn rack but the rack really secure at the bottom well with the hooks. Plus it is rated 20lbs less. The topeak rack secures the bottom much better but the tubing is thicker and the pannier top hooks are just a smidge to small to slide over the tubes. Any ideas for mounting these? I thought filling the rack or the pannier hooks but I'm afraid that will weaken them to much. I can't find any info on the positive locking system. I'm attaching pics. The lose track Is the blackburn the rack on the bike is the topeak. I also have a topeak bag that clips on that rack and a seat post rack on my other bike and masks moving or detaching it super easy so I really want to keep the topeak.
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I couldn't get the pictures to upload. So I linked to my Instagram.

Will a pair of pliers open the top hooks a bit? I can't tell from the picture how heavy the hooks are.

Maybe. They are pretty thick and plastic. If they were metal I could. I'm gOing To give it a try

Blackburns Original racks were 8mm/1/4" solid aluminum rod .. if I were taking it on, the whole (4th picture) current mounting system would be removed

in favor of one from (example) Klick-Fix .. Rixen and Kaul supply hardware to many bag makers .

a set of DIY hooks can be made from aluminum metal, for cheap at the Hardware store

Straps with cinch buckles wont let the bags bounce off like springs and bungees have .


I guess the thing on top in the middle is a catch to keep it on.

Good Luck ..

If they are plastic, don't tweak them. You may break the plastic. I thought they were metal.

Instagram Got it. The hooks were a hairs breath to small and the plastic was super thick. Sanded it out just a tiny bit and I'm good to go. I Will watch them real close but it shouldn't be a problem. If there is any issue I Will most likely order the klickfit system.