Rack/trunk vs seat-post mounted bag

[Catrin]

I mentioned this in another post...

My fenders come this week :) I am trying to decided between a seat-post mounted bag and a rack with a small trunk. Panniers are nice, but they seem more expensive (aren't 2 of them needed - or my misunderstanding?)

I have the 46cm LHT, and less than 3 inches of seat-post showing. This seems enough for the High Tail ULP. Clearance between the top of my rear tire without fender and the bottom of my saddle is right about 9 inches.

Should I be concerned about that 9 inches of clearance, or would a trunk sit back far enough on the rack that it wouldn't matter? The main trunk I am interested in is 12 inches tall - and my second choice is 11. This doesn't sound like a good fit to me but what do I know?

I am really not planning to go grocery shopping with my bike - there is an interstate in the way and very high volume streets. What I have in mind is storage for brevets and centuries for the most part.

It sounds like the High Tail might provide enough storage, but is there enough clearance in the rear for a rack and reasonable size trunk? How well do panniers work with 26 inch wheels - and are two of them really needed right away?

Thanks for your enablement...errrrr....assistance in spending my money :D

[blackhillsbiker]

I had a seatpost mount rack briefly. You'd be surprised at how quickly the weight adds up when you count the bag you use, and a few things you want to carry. It kept moving around even though it was as tight as it could go. And it felt unstable. I got a Topeak Explorer rack (built for disk brakes) and I love it. I don't notice it when I ride. It can take much more weight than a seatpost mount, and the bag doesn't get in the way of my saddle. YMMV.

Deb

PS If you really want to try a seatpost mount, I have a Bontrager I could send you.

[Catrin]

Thanks for your thoughts on this. If I try a seatpost bag then it will be the Detours High Tail ULP, I have read many good reviews of it and no bad ones. While nothing is perfect, that seems a good indication.

As far as your rack/bag is concerned. Do you have much clearance between rear wheel and saddle? Do you use a trunk or panniers? If you do use a trunk/bag on top of the rack rather than panniers, does it ever hit the wheel? What size wheels do you have?

[OakLeaf]

The other option for supported rides is a handlebar bag. For stability reasons, you don't want to put a lot of weight up there; but on a supported ride, mainly you'll want a map pocket, a SMALL camera, arm and knee warmers, a change of eye protection (clear or amber vs. dark lenses), maybe a change of gloves (fingerless vs. FF), and a little bit of whatever food or supplements you need in addition to what the ride provides. Reading glasses, if you're my age. :rolleyes: Keep it under 3#. A map pocket is really nice to have, especially if you don't have GPS.

[Kathi]

I had a seatpost mount rack briefly. You'd be surprised at how quickly the weight adds up when you count the bag you use, and a few things you want to carry. It kept moving around even though it was as tight as it could go. And it felt unstable. I got a Topeak Explorer rack (built for disk brakes) and I love it. I don't notice it when I ride. It can take much more weight than a seatpost mount, and the bag doesn't get in the way of my saddle. YMMV.

Deb

PS If you really want to try a seatpost mount, I have a Bontrager I could send you.

I put a thin piece of rubber between the mount and my seatpost as recommended by Detours. Holds my bag in place nicely and keeps the mount from scratching my seatpost.

[Dannielle]

I use a rack and a trunk-bag. The bag sits behind the seat, not under it...so no clearance is needed.

I also have some inexpensive panniers that are one piece...the whole thing drapes over the rack and I can attach my trunk-bag over it (there are holes in the panniers for my trunk-bag's straps to go through and attach to the rack).

I much prefer the trunk bag to a smaller under-seat bag. I'm not concerned with weight though. I ride away from civilization, through a nature preserve, and feel more secure if I have provisions for a myriad of situations.

These are the panniers I have-
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_166967_-1_201497_10000_200350

[moonfroggy]

i have a rack trunk and i like it a lot. i also sometimes ride with just one pannier and you have to get used to the one sided weight but that can be done as well. i have a grocery pannier that i use for groceries and mail and it works fine but i plan to eventually get a second pannier to even out the weight. the rack trunk definitely holds a lot less but when i need less space and want it enclosed better than the open top grocery pannier then it works great! i also have been known to attach handle bar bags to my rack as small panniers and that works well for small things.

[NbyNW]

Trunk + rack is probably more versatile in the long run -- perhaps at some point in the future you might want to use panniers, and you won't need to worry about additional hardware.

That said, I have the Detours High Tail ULP and it has worked very well for me. Had a few early episodes where it was probably mounted a bit too low, and it brushed against my rear tire coming out of a bump (there are skid marks on the bottom to show for it!), but I have had no problems since I moved it up.

Things I put in it: wallet, cell phone, sunscreen, chapstick, lock(s), key(s), tire levers, spare tubes, bike tools, snacks, camera, asthma meds. It carries a good amount of stuff but I do have to decide what's essential.

There are times when I wish I had a rack on my bike and there are times when I'm glad I don't have one. Go figure.

[Catrin]

Thanks for the comments, it is always interesting to read different perspectives. It does sound like the rack/trunk combination might be better for the long-term. I like the idea of things going closed in.

I do not tend to go on many supported rides, I am generally out in the country by myself where there isn't anything outside of corn. And trees. Even on supported rides I take my own food - as a diabetic I am very picky about what I eat.

I can always get panniers later on should I need them.

Thanks!

[Dannielle]

Sounds like we ride similarly. I could never fit all that I need to carry inside a bag that goes on the back of the seat. I carry stuff for first aid (quite a bit...I've crashed 15 miles from anything and was made aware of how much stuff I would have liked to have handy), repair, getting caught in a rainstorm...food, bug spray, even bottles of extra water...cell phone, headphones (I don't ride on roads), keys, wallet. That all fits in my trunk pack if I arrange it carefully.

If there aren't stores around and it's a long trek for someone to come rescue you, you have to be a little extra prepared.

The panniers are handy for longer trips including the overnighters I plan to do in the future.

[Catrin]

Mr. Explorer has informed me that he likes his snazzy eye-catching bag :D He got a brand new Blackburn EX-1 rack (3 struts and holds up to 45 pounds) as well as shiny new pedals and this lovely Arkel Tailrider.

The red doesn't really match the blue, but there is black in the bag and will certainly help me to be more visible. And Mr. Explorer approves. Or is it Ms. Explorer? Hmmmm

SKS fenders will be installed Tuesday - hopefully I won't have to leave it there for installation but that might have to happen.

[blackhillsbiker]

I ride fully loaded for work. The weather on my ride home often doesn't remotely resemble the weather in the morning. Layers and options are my mantra.

When we go out for the day, I operate on the "if I didn't bring it, I'm sure I'll want it" principle. DH laughs – until he needs something and I pull it out of my handy trunk. Either way, the mounted rack and trunk bag are the best system for me.

Your new rack and trunk will be great for the sort of riding you like to do. And your bike looks lovely!

Deb

[Blueberry]

Congratulations on your new bike goodies! It's been so much fun to watch you evolve as a rider!