Panniers for a seat post rack

[Pompey Princess]

Hi Guys

I'm new to all this and been commuting to work on my bike for the last 4 months or so. Determined to keep it up but can't stand having a rucksack on my back so need some panniers.

Had to fit a seat post rack as I didn't have all the necessary holes in the right places for a proper one on my old MTB.

Can anyone recommend a set of rear panniers that would fit on my seat post rack? It has got side struts so I can have panniers that drop down and not just a rack bag.

Cheers!

Nicky

 

[Crackle]

Welcome PP: What kind of stuff do you have to carry and what kind of bike is it?

The usual suspects are Altura, Ortlieb, Carradice etc... but it really depends on budget and whether they're just for commuting or you're planning on using them for touring at some point.

 

[HLaB]

A friend uses a Topeak one which is a rack bag but with side pockets that easily drop down out to become panniers. He likes them.

 

[Pompey Princess]

Hi Crackle

Not a tourer yet but you never know!!! Therefore I probably wouldn't want to spend a small fortune on a set of panniers.

I commute to work - 14 mile round trip and need to carry the usual sort of stuff, diary, A4 sized folder (sometimes), lunch and a change of clothes. I have a cheapy rack bag but it's not big enough.

The seat post rack fits nice and snugly and seems very secure but of course, I haven't road tested it yet - only came in the post today!! I am off out for a little jaunt in an hour so will see how it copes on the road.

Any advice will be well received!!

 

[gavintc]

My wife used to do a similar thing when she commuted 12 miles each way and did not want a rucksack. We have a couple of sets of panniers in the house. From her experience with a seat post rack, you need to fit 2 lightweight panniers not 1 heavy one to balance the load and to stop the rack twisting when cycling. She ended using an old pair of quite small ones she bought ages ago. The danger with using big ones, is the temptation to fill them. A seat post can only take a small(ish)load.

 

[Crackle]

I'm only qualified to offer general advice I'm afraid, having not bought a set of panniers for quite a while, so consider me as holding the fort until someone with better experience comes along.

Things to consider are waterproofness, do you need pockets or one main compartment, how easy are they to get on and off the bike. Would an attache type pannier be better (A4) with strap. Also have you seen those clothes folders you can buy for things like shirts which allow you to pack blouses and shirts in panniers crease free.

Do you have a Decathlon near you? There's been a few people on here recommending their attache type bags, good value for money.

 

[Pompey Princess]

Didn't know there was a shop called Decathalon - just checked out their website though...none in my area unfortunately.

Can anyone qualify the type of panniers I can go for with a seat post rack?? I spoke to a woman at Parkers of Bolton who was vague to say the least and she seemed to think that i would have trouble fitting normal panniers to the seat post rack???

The rack is an Avenir one with drop down side 'v' posts but obviously they aren't as long as the normal types that would screw into the frame near the wheel (don't I sound technical!!!).

 

[gavintc]

It can be done, as I said my wife ended up with quite small ones - think 15-20 litre size and they fitted fine. The V section stops them swinging into the wheel and usually there is a hook attachment at the foot of the pannier that you hook onto the bottom of the V.

 

[Crackle]

Something like this for instance and this is the folder bag

 

[Crackle]

The rack is an Avenir one with drop down side 'v' posts but obviously they aren't as long as the normal types that would screw into the frame near the wheel (don't I sound technical!!!).

Looking at the pic of it, I would guess most panniers should fit as the mounting plates are adjustable. Certainly mine clip on the top tube of the rack and then have an adjustable length bungee to clip to the bottom of the vee and mine is quite an old fashioned system so I'm sure newer ones are even more flexible.

 

[Crackle]

Here's a view of an Ortlieb mounting system and you can see it's quite adjustable. I would thin you'd have no problem fitting that to your rack.

 

[Pompey Princess]

Thanks for all the tips!! Just off for a road test with the seat post rack and my small rack bag. Might try and check out a few bike shops en-route too.

Back later!

 

[Charlotte_C+ :-)]

This is the rack bag that ive got http://www.amazon.co.uk/Avenir-Pannier-Rack-Mini-paniers/dp/B000RPGOXA

Does me fine for my 4 mile commute, & it comes with a waterproof cover, plus its very secure

 

[Pompey Princess]

Well I made it back in one piece and with the rack and panniers still intact too!!

Thanks Charlotte - that's the one I've got but cannot get an A4 sized folder in unfortunately - will have another go at mucking about with what I can and cannot fit in before I look for something a little bigger.

I actually nipped into a bike shop on the way home and we tested out some cheapy rear panniers that fitted fine, but then my rack bag wouldn't fit on the top cos the panniers covered the rack bit where I need to velcro the bag on!!!

Thanks everybody for your help! This seems a really nice board and I will definitely be visiting more often!!!