noel s

Go with the Ortliebs for sure. Yes, they're twice the $$ but having been through the original canvas panniers (ooohhh, there's my age showing), nylon LonePeaks, Novarra (they were on sale and I had dividend left), and some other off brand, I finally settled on the big dry bags years ago. And never looked back.

1. Get organized in'em. Learn to roll your clothes and put them in a stuff sack. (I've worn suits out of these bags with few wrinkles, honest.)

2. Watch out for the cross winds. The first few times will be exciting, but the faster you ride, the more stable you are!!

3. A five gallon bucket won't fit in them, but 1 gallon paint cans do.

4. Go for the stiffest rack you can afford. It makes a difference when you're loaded as to how they'll sway. I can show you what a bent rack feels like on an old mountain bike that I overloaded.

5. It's actually much better for your body to ride without the timbuk2 attached. If you insist on it, please, get it down so it's right over your hips. That way the load doesn't prang through your back when you have to tag a curb at night you didn't see. (Been there, went to the chiropractor for two months to get it straightened out.)

6. I do have the front lowriders too, and every once in a while I have all four bags a swinging and it's a dream ride, once you're going! Think the difference between a Mazda sports car and a lincoln continental. Smooth and easy....

7. The four foot expandable bungee cords from Home Deport are worth the $2.99 for carrying home those eight foot trim boards you gotta have. (You wind up riding bowlegged, but it wears off after a few days!)

Cheers and happy packing!

PS. And yes, I can haul around 140 lbs on the bike fully loaded.

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