Panniers - Racks - Bags - Bike Luggage

@benjam
Is this still the go to list of randonneur bags? It's two years old, but on a quick check most of these still seem to be available, and the only new one seems to the restrap magnetically attached one.

Has anyone seen an decent alternatives? Looking for one to fit on a nitto m13 or similar, rather than a porteur, so slightly skinnier base.

Your choice for good rack bags are:

Swift Industries Ozette Rando bag http://builtbyswift.com/shop/hinterland-­ozette-randonneur-bag/
Ocean Air Cycles x Swift Industries rando bag: http://createfolly.com/ocean-air-cycles-­x-swift-industries-redefine-the-randonne­ur-bag/
Inside Line Porteur http://ilequipment.com/products/velo-ora­nge-pass-stow-rackbag
VO Porteur bag http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/v­o-porteur-bag-1625.html
Ostrich Rando bag http://store.biketouringnews.com/ostrich­-f-104-rando-bag/
Acorn Rando bag http://www.acornbags.com/products/boxy-r­ando-bag?variant=21186581060
Zugster Rando bag http://www.zugsterbags.com/products/rand­o-bag
Ironweed Orpington bag https://www.velovitality.co.uk/products/­ironweed-orpington-rando-handlebar-bag
Giles Berthound GB 25 https://www.velovitality.co.uk/products/­gilles-berthoud-gb25-handlebar-bag-grey

IMO Xpac is the best combination of classic styling (it holds its shape well) and performance (it's waterproof, lightweight and tough) so I would promote the Swift or Ocean Air (which is the Swift but with some tweaks to design) but they're now too expensive due to #brexit. The ILE is the cheaper and more flexible choice with up to 42L carry capacity.

If you care about style and money is no object then it's the Giles Berthound every time, and you can laugh at anyone with anything else, they're amazing.

Now I happen to also be the oracle of front racks so ask me about that next :)

PS In this list I am looking for a bag that: attaches with minimal complication, offers accessible load while on the move and rider-facing pockets and would compliment a 2x front pannier setup for long rando/audax rides.

Ostrich from planet x

Any recommendations on the best option for a cetma/TU style front rack?

the only new one seems to the restrap magnetically attached one

Which are excellent and well worth a place on the list!

Just came across this Thule tour rack, which seems pretty pricey...

Any other recommendations for rear racks that attach to a frame with no eyelets, please?

Have you considered using p-clips?

An unrelated question, can anyone explain why mounting a rack on the front wheel would be preferable to the rear? I always thought rear panniers were the go-to option, but front seems popular here.

One advantage is that you can mount the panniers lower in the front. Putting the weight as low as possible makes for a more stable ride. I also feel like it is a better idea in terms of load distribution. There is already your heavy ass on the rear wheel so why not put the luggage on the front wheel.

I had a browse through this thread but can't seem to find good examples of p-clip setups as examples, sadly...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3452544843_5160662690.jpg

P-clips in action:

Thanks both. Looks really tempting, however should I be concerned about doing this on an aluminium frame and/or carbon forks?

Alternatively, I saw this person mounting the rack on the QR with the help of this part (name unknown?)

It's a fitting that comes with the front rack they have (a Minoura Gamoh porteur). Looks like mickey mouse.

I also feel like it is a better idea in terms of load distribution

This. Downside is that it can mess with the steering, you need to get used to it for sure and it helps if you have a frame designed for it (although not prohibitive).

The figure 8 brackets that fit onto the QR skewer also come with PDW mudguards. I don't know if they're available for sale separately (or what you call them!).

Oh, great. As I mentioned above I'm wary of putting p-clips on my carbon forks!

If anyone figures out an alternative which would work well, let me know!

Looks like BLB have something similar in store – do you know about these?

The BLB look better than the 8-shaped mounts in some ways as you could mount both racks and guards as they have more than one hole and the spaces between the holes allow for more adjustment. You could use 2 pairs of p-clips or make something yourself instead. The pdw brackets come in both threaded and unthreaded versions, ie you might need a nut.

Anybody heard from Jon at Mack Workshop recently? I bought a bar bag from him 2 months ago and it has yet to materialise.

True. My last setup with front panniers felt like a tank :D Always straight forward.

I quite like it, when you have lots of weight it can be nice to slow down the steering a little. Problem is when it becomes too slow and you struggle to turn in to corners in a timely manner.
I have a problem on the tandem when it's heavily loaded that the steering is too difficult when we're moving slowly/coming away from a stop. I end up wrenching the quill stem off-centre if I have to correct suddenly, which isn't ideal...

When I ordered a set of custom panniers off him, I found best method of contact was email, he got back in touch pretty quickly. Maybe he's been on holiday.

I have ordered a seat pack from him. Sounds like he is v v busy and he has warned me (after chasing) that there may be a little wait.

bargain: https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/mudguards/pdw-eyelet-set-for-full-metal-fenders-pair/