Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

Depends what you mean by classic? Wizard works for example make saddlebags in the same style etc.

BigXTop makes good bar bags. Mackworkshop I really rate, but not sure if he's still making stuff.

Few other smaller makers on here depending on what you're looking for?

spa cycles does a similar line

Wizard Works?

Classic I mean canvas waxed stuff, I thought dropping Carradice would help to get an idea.

@spotter @RonnieOatmilk @lahdelah
Thanks for the ones mentioned I will check them out for sure!
Cheerios

Ashdown Bags do waxed cotton but in more modern formats

I have an otherwise good-value USE carbon seatpost (~£35) on my gravel/bikepacking bike. Its issue is that it has a stupid seat clamp system that impedes you from snugly attaching a seatpack or drybag harness. It's particularly bad with my Decathlon Riverside one and means I can't attach the harness as securely as I'd like. Similar to this:

The length of the mounting bolts protuding so far down from the clamp get in the way of the bag. Unlike in this case:

Can anyone recommend another affordable carbon seatpost with a more sensible, low profile clamp?

Unaware of your definition of affordable, but the Ritchey Carbon Comps are usually findable under £100 and have a decent clamp.

https://www.wiggle.com/p/ritchey-comp-carbon-seatpost

Anyone have anything bad to say about the Salsa EXP Anything Cradle?

Apart from being heavier than less rigid options it looks like lower faff, secure and out the way of mtb cables.
https://www.salsacycles.com/gear/exp_series_anything_cradle_35mm

This thread should be renamed "Bikepacking bags - now featuring racks and panniers"

On that, has anyone used a Roberts Axle in order to mount a rack to a bike with no mount points?
ie. https://oldmanmountain.com/product/bike-rack-fit-kit-set811/

Was thinking about sticking an Ortlieb Quick Rack on my Stanton
https://bikepacking.com/gear/ortlieb-quick-rack-review/

The quick rack system has its own adapters for bikes with no mounts, thought it might limit the weight a bit, I can’t remember

get a tailfin you coward

Yeah, it does, but I prefer the idea of using a special thru axle so I don't have to zip tie? mounts onto the frame or whatever Quick Rack does.

moneygun.gif

(really I just don't want to look like I only ride for the 'gram)

I think they're some sort of jubilee clip type thing thats built into it, but yeah i take your point

get a tailfin you coward

Have been looking at the tailfin 10l mini panniers :/

Oof, the OMM/Robert Axle Project skewers cost as much as the Ortlieb rack!

However, the Quick Rack system seems very durable and simple, and at a hundred bucks, it’s one-third the price of the base model Tailfin rack. And even then you’re locked into the Tailfin range of bags and accessories, whereas the Ortlieb Quick-Rack can work with any drybag, straps, and panniers.

Exactly. Since I already have drybags, it seems silly to pay for the Tailfin stuff when all I need is a plain rack.

zip ties looking more attractive all of a sudden?

Their frame mounts cost extra too (£16 https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/carriers-racks/ortlieb-quick-rack-seat-stay-adapter/) so that makes it more like £70 for the axle. Ridiculous but it's made in the USA and I would much prefer the axle swap than the extra gubbins on the frame.

Oh - one thing to consider is that the OMM x RAP thing might wind up being really wide. Like, you have to put the quick rack attachment pieces onto the already-extended bits of axle

There's also aeroe racks which seem popular over here with the mtb touring crew

I've seen those on some bikes. Think they're more useful for rear suspension as they're detached from the seatpost. This is for a steel hardtail so I'm just gonna go traditional I reckon.

I assume you’ve looked at OMM?

I assume you mean for racks, because there's literally an OMM link in the post you're replying to. :)

Yeah, I looked and they were more expensive and heavier (but could carry more). I don't think I need their capacity, I'm just thinking about carrying my bigger tent.