How to Choose Bike Bags and Racks
efore you start packing, you'll need to make friends with the bags that carry
your gear. The type you use depends on the tour you take.
 |
|
Rear RackOn all but the very shortest day tours, you'll need someplace other than your pockets to store your gear and clothing. On some tours, tour operators or support vehicles shoulder the load. But sooner or later, you may want to carry your gear with you as you ride. At this point, you'll need a rack.
Bike racks provide the rigid frameworks upon which many of the above bags are attached. They hold the bike bags out away from your legs and the moving parts of the bicycle. Rear racks are especially popular among touring cyclists, since they can be used to store moderate to large amounts of gear in one of the most efficient and safe positions on the bike—low over the rear wheel, centered side to side.
Front RacksLike rear racks, front racks also provide a framework upon which bike bags can be hung. They're less popular than rear racks because they add weight to the bicycle's front wheel, which can affect steering and bike control. Front racks are typically used only on tours that require lots of storage space.
Unlike rear racks, front racks come in two different styles: standards (which look and function just like rear racks) and "low riders" (which allow you to mount bike bags lower on your front wheel). The benefit of a standard front rack is that it offers storage space up on top of the rack as well as on the sides. The benefit of the low-rider style (which does not have a top shelf) is added stability and control. Low-rider racks can actually increase the overall stability of your bicycle by allowing you to spread out your equipment load and counter balance weight on the rear rack.
SaddlebagsThese small-capacity bags fit directly under your saddle. They hold small items (tool kits, money, tire levers) in an easy-to-reach place, creating minimal wind resistance.
- Positives: They provide quick, easy access to items such as tool kits, money and credit cards. On short
day trips, they often provide just enough storage space for bare essentials.
- Negatives: Saddlebags have limited capacities.
Handlebar BagsThese bags attach to your handlebars using clamps or straps. They're perfect for carrying small items (maps, snacks, camera, riding gloves) in a convenient place.
- Positives: Most handlebar bags are easy to attach and remove. Some even come with shoulder
straps for use when you're off your bike. Many have convenient see-through map cases so you can refer to your maps
while riding.
- Negatives: Handlebar bags rest high on your steering column, which can affect your steering or control, especially when the bag is fully loaded. Most cyclists choose small models and fill them only partially. NOTE: Ill-fitting handlebar bags may interfere with shifting or braking.
PanniersPanniers (the French word for "baskets") attach to the sides of bike racks (which must be purchased separately). They're typically sold in pairs, so you can balance your equipment loads on either side of the wheel. Panniers attach to racks using a system of hooks and springs (or webbing). They tend to be the largest, most spacious bags available for touring. Capacities range from 800 to 3200 cubic inches per pair. Some models are waterproof and are highly regarded by seasoned tourists.
- Positives: Panniers (rear and front) hold relatively large amounts of gear, and they hold it low over
your bicycle wheels which makes riding and balancing your loaded bike easier. Panniers are also versatile. Many models
can be attached to both front and rear bike racks.
- Negatives: Panniers cannot be accessed while riding. When fully packed, they can increase wind resistance noticeably (especially front panniers) and they can affect steering and control (see the article Packing for a Tour for more details). Large panniers can be difficult to keep organized. Look for helpful features like dividers, pockets and compartments.
Rack TrunksThese roomy storage bags attach to the top shelves of bicycle racks (usually rear racks). They're typically used to hold long, large or awkwardly shaped gear items that won't fit easily into panniers. Some models offer a shoulder strap, useful for carrying valuable gear (camera, CD player) with you when you leave the bike.
- Positives: Rack trunks can be used by themselves on shorter tours, or with panniers on long trips.
When used on the rear rack, rack trunks can hold a lot of gear without adding a lot of wind-resistance.
- Negatives: Rack trunks can't be accessed while riding. Also, some may be too small to hold large items (like tents or sleeping pads) that don't fit into panniers easily. It's often easier to strap such items directly to the top shelf of your rear rack than to fit them into a rack trunk.
Which is better for carrying your gear: panniers or one-wheeled trailers like the B.O.B. Yak? It's a long-running debate. Each has its conveniences and drawbacks, and the choice is a matter of personal preference. Trailers come in a variety of styles and sizes and have multiple uses.
Positives:
- They come in handy when your equipment load is large or bulky, or when your bike doesn't accept panniers.
- They're a better bet when mountain touring along singletrack. They track well and, unlike panniers, aren't a magnet for shrubs and trees.
- Some models are made specifically for children.
- They disengage for non load biking (making them popular among touring mountain bikers).
- They attach to almost any kind of bike.
- They keep weight loads extremely low to the ground.
- Two-wheeled trailers increase your wind-resistance and rolling resistance. (B.O.B. trailers have less wind and rolling resistance than two-wheeled trailers.)
- Gear may not be as accessible as with panniers.
- They can make cycling more difficult, especially on highly variable terrain.
- They require some practice before you feel comfortable with them.
If you anticipate a variety in your tours, develop a system of bike bags that can be adapted to the tour. Start out slowly, purchasing one or two bags for your first few trips, then add more storage options as your plans get more adventurous. When deciding what kinds of bike bags to buy, consider the following:
Capacity
Start out with small bike bags (like handlebar bags or small to medium-size panniers) for day trips and light loads, then purchase larger options (like rack trunks or larger panniers) when you start needing more space. If you buy large bags right off the bat, they won't be able to hold small loads securely and they'll be cumbersome on the road. Your small bags will still come in handy on longer tours.
Adjustability
Look for bags that adjust to handle different gear loads. Features like expandable pockets, extending collars and compression straps will allow you to use the same bags to handle a variety of trips.
Accessibility
How many openings does a bag offer? How large are those openings? These are important considerations. Look for features that help keep gear organized inside, such as dividers, pockets, compartments and internal stiffeners (which help keep large bags open while you pack them). Purchase at least one small bag that's easy to reach as you ride. Such a bag gives you easy access to snacks and maps without forcing you to stop and dig through larger bags.
Balance
What's the key to maintaining good balance with a full gear load? Keep your gear as low and as centered as possible on your bike. Choose bike bags that make this easy, especially if you have lots of gear to carry. This doesn't mean you can't buy one or two bags that sit higher on your bike. Just focus most of your storage space down low and balance it as much as possible from side to side.
Water-resistance
Most modern bike bags are made out of coated nylon to protect gear from moisture. But the specific design of a bag can also affect water-resistance. Check all openings to make sure they can be closed securely, and that all zippered pockets are protected by rain flaps. Fewer openings mean less risk of leakage.
Special features
Look for useful extras like water-bottle pockets, removable fanny packs, mesh pockets for holding wet gear, clear plastic map pockets and so on. Also look for bike bags that can be converted into daypacks, book bags or briefcases for when you reach your destination.
Secure attachment to your rack
Make sure your bike bags are easy to attach and tighten down. Be certain they don't get in the way, even when fully loaded.