PACKS
SADDLEBAGS/PANNIERS are the ‘backpacks’ or ‘suitcases’ for your bike trip. In these small bags you can cram your tableware, tools, toothpaste, and clothes. Saddlebags have a low center of gravity on a bike, which helps the stability. They also leave the top of the rear luggage carrier free for your sleeping bag and pad (as well as group equipment-tents, pots, stoves.) Be sure to put the saddlebags on the bike with the pockets in the back. Otherwise you’ll scrape your heels as you ride.
Good deals on saddlebags can be found at www.nashbar.com. We recommend approximately 1800 cubic inches total for both bags.
SADDLEBAGS/PANNIERS are the ‘backpacks’ or ‘suitcases’ for your bike trip. In these small bags you can cram your tableware, tools, toothpaste, and clothes. Saddlebags have a low center of gravity on a bike, which helps the stability. They also leave the top of the rear luggage carrier free for your sleeping bag and pad (as well as group equipment-tents, pots, stoves.) Be sure to put the saddlebags on the bike with the pockets in the back. Otherwise you’ll scrape your heels as you ride.
Good deals on saddlebags can be found at www.nashbar.com. We recommend approximately 1800 cubic inches total for both bags.
HANDLEBAR BAG (optional)
is quite convenient for little items like snacks, maps, and camera. It makes your front wheel respond differently because of the added weight. It’s not hard to get used to and you’ll love having the accessibility of these little items rather than digging into your saddlebags.
REAR LUGGAGE RACK
attaches behind the seat in a variety of ways. The most secure ones attach to braze-ons on your seat stays. The bottom of the carrier should attach to the rear fender eyelets. Make sure you pack extra nuts and bolts that fit all parts of your carrier since these are the most common ones lost or broken.
SANDOWS
(also called bungies or shock cords) are elastic cords with hooked ends of rubber-coated steel. You use them to strap a tent, a sleeping bag, foam pad, and cook set to the top of the luggage carrier. Multi-purpose, they also come in handy as a makeshift belt or clothesline.
is quite convenient for little items like snacks, maps, and camera. It makes your front wheel respond differently because of the added weight. It’s not hard to get used to and you’ll love having the accessibility of these little items rather than digging into your saddlebags.
REAR LUGGAGE RACK
attaches behind the seat in a variety of ways. The most secure ones attach to braze-ons on your seat stays. The bottom of the carrier should attach to the rear fender eyelets. Make sure you pack extra nuts and bolts that fit all parts of your carrier since these are the most common ones lost or broken.
SANDOWS
(also called bungies or shock cords) are elastic cords with hooked ends of rubber-coated steel. You use them to strap a tent, a sleeping bag, foam pad, and cook set to the top of the luggage carrier. Multi-purpose, they also come in handy as a makeshift belt or clothesline.
