hi all ,

what options are out there for a very small front pannier for use on a lowrider rack on a light touring set up ?

J

First in:

Ortlieb front rollers

There are various sized dry bags.

Here is a source I used in researching options.
https://bikepacking.com/index/panniers-for-bikepacking/

Some descriptions mention not intended as front and/or for lowriders, but read through for more info.
I currently have Ortlieb front rollers on either my Salsa Down Under racks or the Tubus Tara racks, depends on which bike I take.

The Ortleibs aren't small ((unless they have a new model out I don't know about.) I have 2 pairs of the old fronts (1999 and 2008) I could tour nicely with just those two pairs.

Ben

I know "small" is a relative term but these don't seem large to me, and btw, these are on a smaller frame and a 26" wheel.

You don't have to fill your panniers full.

Carradice top tube panniers? at around 3.5 liters.

Ortlieb Gravel Panniers.

These are the cheaper, lighter weight version of Ortlieb front rollers:

https://www.ortlieb.com/sport-roller-city+F6002

those are dope, never seen them before. In some ways these would be better than a handlebar bag....

robow, the original post. Bold and italics mine.

I've used a (pre-bikepacking) roll-top Ortlieb saddle bag (large version: 4l) and that was a succes. I had to take off the quick release of the bag and replace it with an improvised hook system. Simple but effective and non-destructive, it's a saddlebag again right now. Did three 5000 km + tours with this set-up. The "pannier" looks bigger in this pic than it actually is.

I know right? They are a re-release from the 50's funded by the Rough Stuff Fellowship. I kind of want a pair but I don't really have a bike that I really need them for.

I have to think your knees will be banging on these all of the time.

(Following the "wisdom" to place more weight up front): I put my smaller bags on the back and larger on front low riders. Works for me!

vintage panniers are often small, and while they are not water proof or have other features like modern panniers, I prefer them for the front. You can pack your stuff in a plastic bag to keep it dry. eBay usually has vintage panniers.

I once tried a Salsa holder shaped like a big bottle cage. It might have made a reasonable small front pannier, with a small stuff sack in it, but mine was very soft steel and tended to distort if even reasonable force was applied.
Currently I have a pair of Ortlieb front rollers which must be small. Pretty much every time I pack/repack, I wish they were a little bigger

I agree with robow, the Ortlieg Front Rollers are relatively small. This picture gives you a sense of scale compared to the sie of the rrear panniers.


My wife rode across the U.S. using a set of Ortlieb rear panniers and a rack pack for her camping gear. She used Orlieb Packer Plus bags which are a little larger than the Front Rollers.


What are using the "small" front bags for?

I think that will depend on the length of your top tube. They only take up 10 cm (less than 4 inches) on your top tube. If you're banging your knees on that your bike is probably too small.

I have a set of Delta “compact panniers” that are fairly small.

Doug64, I really wish you wouldn't post that photo of that particular most lovely Cannondale, as I had a chance to pick one up and didn't...... and of course have regretted it ever since. Ha

I'll apologize in advance for not really answering the question, but I'd consider other options before going to a 4 bag setup with tiny front panniers on low riders. Here are a few options, most I have tried and liked okay.

1. Using a bar roll with no front panniers. I have done this with various setups on the back.
2. Using a handlebar bag with no front panniers. I have not actually done this myself, but it was once very commonly used and still isn't unusual.
3. Using a tiny platform front rack with no front panniers. I did this with one of those tiny racks that mount on canti brake bosses. It worked great. It has carried a variety of bags.
4. Using regular front panniers and skipping the rear panniers. I loved this setup for a light load, but abandoned it when I went ultralight and stopped using panniers altogether. I'd still consider using it depending on the bike and the load.

That was my thought as well. I picked up a set of rollers and was surprised that they were smaller than expected. Should be just fine but definitely a manageable size. Depends on what qualifies as "very small" though.

Heres what mine look like (excuse the messy shop):


Haha by the way do you think you could fit anymore frame pump on that Canondale?

geez Louise yes, and not just fabric, but metal buckles!
What were they thinking?
they clearly are going for the retro styling / different look, sort of thing, but lets face it, if this setup worked it would be very popular.

but hey, interesting idea I guess.