• Final shake down ride today before 5 days in France (stage 4&5) then to Oudenaarde and Ypres. I opted for the rear rack and waterproof bag strapped to it. It’s very stable and secure. Front left fork for tent and sleeping mat, front right for cooking kit and food for first night. Sleeping bag in the bar bag. On the rack are some off bike clothes and change of on bike clothes, towel and a down jacket. The frame pack has the tent poles and other odds and sods.
    Pretty sure I’ve got too much of most things.

  • What's the reasoning behind not having panniers on the rear of this? I know they're not on trend, but panniers would bring the weight a lot lower on the bike than a bag perched on top and make the ride much nicer.

  • As much as anything to try different configurations. I rode with panniers previously and for this trip I was a bit worried I’d just fill them because I had the space.

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