Equipment I can afford?

[indysteel]

We have Racktime ADDit rear racks on our touring bikes. I think you can find them for $50ish if you shop around. Our panniers are from Nashbar ( their own brand). I think we got them on sale for $25 or so. They work just fine, even in pouring rain.

[Becky]

Another recommendation for Racktime products in general. DH and I each have a set of their panniers and love them. Our racks are Blackburn, and each one must be ~15 years old, but they're still going strong.

We don't do much loaded touring, but we do commute on a less-than-well-maintained route.

[Dog]

I bought a lightly used BOB trailer off Craigslist and have used on some overnight trips.

[Catrin]

I had a Blackburn rear rack on my LHT, I think it cost me around $50 unless my memory is totally off. It is important to be aware how much weight your rack is rated to carry as there are differences. You don't want to put 50 pounds on something designed to carry 25...

[Hartmame]

Thank you!
I'm going to look into the rack time racks and Nashbar Panniers. Wait did she say the Nashbar panniers are waterproof? My daughter rode with a $12 handlebar bag from pricepoint.com; we didn't have any rain so I don't know how well it would hold up to that but she is very happy with it. I checked a while back and it looks like they are now about $6. She left it on after our long ride last summer so I'm going to go check out in the garage and see how it is holding up.

[ridebikeme]

Just to be safe, I would always pack clothing or anything you don't want to get wet in plastic bags BEFORE putting them in waterproof bags... panniers or otherwise. I've been on way too many bike tours and seen wet clothing come out of waterproof bags. Just a precaution..


http://chasecyclery.blogspot.com

[Sky King]

We carry Racktime and Ortlieb and Lone Peak (LP is higher priced but made in USA) I took the Racktime travelit's on our tour last summer, I used the smaller (fronts) but put them on the back. Racktime Addit is a really nice rear rack for a very decent price. Of course, I have also toured with an 18 liter Zimbale Saddlebag, perfect for S24O. Be happy to help and answer questions for you.