DIY panniers
 

So I'm mapping out a project to make some bag type panniers, similar to the Ortlieb classic rollers. My questions is in regard to the attachment device. I have been thinking of three options:

One: Ortleib set up from their spare parts list

two: Arkel Hook Kit http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/acc...es/hookkit.asp

three: create a hook kit with things I find at the local Hardware store.

It seems to be that the Ortleib bags will attach and stay put for the most part. The Arkel style with bungee seems like it would flop around. Am I right on that?

Thanks

I have both ortleibs and axioms. The axiom mounting system is pretty simple and I think would work well for a DIY project. They use a simple bungie hook system below and metal hooks on top with a twisting tapered block to lock it in place. I also think you could get the parts pretty cheap from Axiom.

Or just get the locking blocks and top hooks and the rest of the stuff could be found or made with stuff from your local hardware store.

These bags ride very well loaded. Good luck in your project.

I am partial to the ortlieb mounting system.
Bikeforums member AllenG made a pannier out of a messenger bag using ortlieb hardware so you might want to search around for his how-to thread.

You might find this earlier discussion of secondary pannier attachments systems of use: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=361992

This link is a page on making your own panniers: http://www.instructables.com/id/How_...Bike_Panniers/

Here another DIY link for making "bucket" panniers: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=394765

Ray

Here's a link to AllenG's thread
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=236014

It would seem easier and also cheaper to make some (or just buy some) of those bin panniers.

see: http://www.cobbworks.com/

The Arkel cam-lock system keeps the panniers from 'flopping around' as you put it. It's actually quite a secure / solid system.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z...r/CIMG0867.jpg

I made this myself with an old Eddie bauer bag I had and an Arkel hook kit. Works great, does not flop around.

More pics of it and some others I have tried
http://s190.photobucket.com/albums/z...view=slideshow

thanks everyone, very helpful. I'll repost when I get further along.

FYI, you can also buy Lonepeak mounting hardware separetely (without buying the panniers). They come in packages of two pairs- I bought a set from the Touring Store for a front bag project for $22 after shipping.

Panniers and Backpacks
 

This is a simple design for backpack panniers that still function as backpacks. Does anyone have touring experience with such a design?

http://www.instructables.com/id/Back...ill-backpacks/

I used Ortlieb small parts for my camera bag/panniers (the bag is made by Ospery).

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/CP1.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/CP2.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/CP3.jpg

Bungee hook systems work pretty well with the Jandd expedition style racks... anything with that bent stay can be finangled so the elastic is looped the whole way around the rack stay and the hook attaches to a D ring on the pannier. This is very secure and works well. It's also a pain to get off the bike.

The Ortleib system works better with a Blackburn style 3 stay rack. The straight stays do not allow for the looped elastic, but the multiple hooks do fine. IIRC the Ortleib system will work ok with the bent stay racks too, so it's a bit more flexible. (hopefully testing won't come up, since atm that would involve me riding a bike that's a good 2 sizes too big)