Functional bikes. Not Porn not Anti

I find the Pasela TG to be the best balance in price, comfort and puncture resistance, the only trade off is simply the weight, 410g for the 32mm, but still a lots lighter than says the Marathon Plus.

Other option is their new Gravel King tyres that have a nice thread and a very reasonable weight at 270g for a 28mm.

Thought that might be the case, Randos are 570-590g each anyway so 410 doesn't seem that bad! Gravel King looks interesting but can't see anywhere they're available at the moment... will keep in mind for the future though

Soma has rails for small front panniers, I have one, good and study if not a bit heavy.

thanks that is good to know the option is there. Do you have a picture of your bike and rack? I was thinking of getting a swift bag for it at some point down the line

thanks that is good to know the option is there. Do you have a picture of your bike and rack? I was thinking of getting a swift bag for it at some point down the line

No spectacular photos, been meaning to drop it a bit closer to the tyre but haven't got around to it.

Side-on: http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewkirsfelds/12901751645/

Latest handy addition to it: http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewkirsfelds/13239259583/

Thought about the Swift bags too, wouldn't mind one but figured it's cheap to try and convince girlfriend to help me make one myself first... *adds to never-ending list of half finished projects"

thanks looks good, how have you mounted it at the top? I thought there was a fixing point for the caliper brake mount? There is also the new Chrome rack bag but it looks like it sits really high on the rack. Pretty cool if your gf can make you one.

There is, you can just see a thin silver line between the rack and the caliper bolt on the first photo, that's how it fits!

thedopestghost has one of those Chrome bags on his Pompino, if you search his recent posts you should be able to find a photo or two of it. He has a TCB rack.

After some nicer feeling tyres, been riding 35c wired randos and after something a bit less rigid. Any recommendations for something 32-37c, Paselas look like a reasonable choice but wondering if there's anything else worth considering...

Jack Browns? One of the new Compass tyres?

Jack Browns? One of the new Compass tyres?

Had a look at those and would love to try them (or go crazy and get the BG Rock'n'Roll tyres) but the shipping is a bit much. Would rather run something cheaper for a year and then pick some up when I'm out there in 12 months time.

There is, you can just see a thin silver line between the rack and the caliper bolt on the first photo, that's how it fits!

thedopestghost has one of those Chrome bags on his Pompino, if you search his recent posts you should be able to find a photo or two of it. He has a TCB rack.

I heard my name...

http://www.pedalroom.com/p/on-one-pompino-14459_28.jpg

v nice TDG how are you finding the chrome bag? it doesnt look as tall in your pic compared to others I've seen, I gues it depends how much stuff you have in it. Does it come with a shoulder strap when off the bike?

no shoulder strap, it does the job. I only really use it to carry shit to work so I dont have to use a backpack. I have had its pretty full though.

It's not the greatest bag in the world, it could certainly be more functional, but it's super waterproof and at 40L has more than enough room for my daily items.

(I did a really boring review here)

thanks thats a good review. a shame they didnt put a shoulder strap on , what a glaring omission. I would be worried about leaving that attached to a bike and wondering off. having said that I wouldnt put it past london bike thieves to steal the actual rack.

Yeah, bike theft isnt so bad in Manchester. I've had no issues leaving it on my bike whilst I nip in a shop, it's not so hard to take off though if I was leaving the bike for a while.

What alu guards would those be Vesalius?

Understand that I was referring to slider tabs, not the fenders.

Sorry, definitely missed the point.

(On a side note DK my mudguards are the Honjo alu ones)

Cheers. Some chat on what I should get has sort-of settled on those, although I'm not sure if they're steel or alu (http://www.lfgss.com/post4160439-53.html)

Honjo are alu.

Make sure you got a dremel on hand.

Thought that might be the case, Randos are 570-590g each anyway so 410 doesn't seem that bad! Gravel King looks interesting but can't see anywhere they're available at the moment... will keep in mind for the future though

Pasela folding are much lighter. I've got a pair for sale but 28c so a bit skinny for you I guess? Got em from the states for a good price including shipping. Search Pasela ProTex on ebay.

Had a look at those and would love to try them (or go crazy and get the BG Rock'n'Roll tyres) but the shipping is a bit much. Would rather run something cheaper for a year and then pick some up when I'm out there in 12 months time.

I brought my Jack Browns from Kinoko. Free shipping if you ride round there!

...there is still some creaking from the rear brake bridge clamp thing.

I glued my last leather washer to bottom of the l bracket (where it touches the guard).

It's quiet!

I'm incredibly happy not to be spending a 3rd evening fiddling with mudguards!

I really like this for some reason...

the velo orange and soma front porteur racks - what one is best or are they pretty much the same?

Soma has little attachment for mounting to wheel axle, VO has eyelet mounting.

I saw a guy walk into tesco, buy like 50 frozen pizza's (no exaggeration) and put them in 4 panniers and had about 5 miles to ride to a homeless shelter, talked to him a bit, payed for out of his own money, such a cool guy!

Very annoyed i didn't get some pictures!

epic win thread >>>
<<< fail - didn't make them himself

Just doing some browsing and spotted this RALEIGH Sojourn on spa:

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s21p3059&z=4147

Looked pretty good for the money.

A mate of mine did LEJOG on one a couple of years back. He really rated it but I suspect they're fairly heavy and steamrollery.

That's an excellent price though for that spec.

Kaffenback seems much better spec for £9 more:

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXKAFF2TIA/planet-x-kaffenback-2-shimano-tiagra-road-bike

http://gallery.planetx.co.uk/var/albums/Products/CB/CBPXKAFF2TIA_P1.jpg