Rack/trunk vs seat-post mounted bag

[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 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!