djb

Hey there Mr Ham jambon, are you actually looking to get some front panniers, or just a conversation starter?
what is your idea of small, litres wise?

seems to me the ortlieb city and gravel ones are the lightest ones on the market, ----in that 25l size that is.

but then you get into drybags and non front rack stuff. But that's a whole different kettle of fish.

If serious about weight, a non low rider rack, ie platform rack, sufficiently long enough to take arkel dry lites, would still have about 20 liters but very very light panniers at about a pound I think for the pair.
but with velcro attachment, so not easy off.
I have a pair but only have used on a rear rack.
100% waterproof, super light, but not super tough, must use common sense.

realistically their main downside is not being fast to put on and take off...but 450g or one pound.....

gauvins

Bought these by mistake a few years ago. They are much more difficult to close than standard front rollers - you have to fold the top and then press the fastex in place. (Standard allows you to set fastex first, and tighten afterwards).

They are a great alternative if you typically keep them less than full, though

gauvins

Could you expand/post pics? We typically tour with front panniers (2x12.5). Ultra light. Would be curious to see and understand what are the benefits of a (I presume) bike packing setup.

staehpj1

I have done a variety of things with the U/L packing. Most of them were a little unconventional and involved strapping stuff sacks on the bike using a light rack on the rear and sometimes a tiny rack on the front. Sometimes I carry a couple pounds in a little backpack. Below are links to journal pages that have pictures of a couple of my weird rigs.
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/...id=296877&v=22
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/...=41&size=large

And a link to a page with a picture of a rig with rear rack and front panniers and a 22# base weight.
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/...id=258117&v=6H

balto charlie

My bike is too small, that's too funny. I just rode 50 miles to DC today. I tend to average 5K miles (8K km) per year, bike size is fine.
When I (and many others) stand to mash up a hill your knees get very close to the front of the top tube and handlebars. I have used a bento box on my top for many rando rides over the years and my pants often rub the bento boxes velcro strap. The Bento box is much more narrow than your saddle bags, just saying.

I guess, if you never mash, you'll be fine.

djb

The Monster Mash, it's a graveyard smash!

Oops, showing my age....

JaccoW

That's not a hard bar to reach to be honest.

Then again, I ride a 64cm frame and could go even taller.

All joking aside, I understand what you are saying. Those panniers were designed for upright English roadsters so hitting them was less of a risk.

SquishyBiker

I have a pair of Ortlieb Gravel Pack panniers - 12.5L each, and they have double bottom rack hooks, so are really stable