Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

I remember when I first heard the phrase "bikepacking", it was usually aimed for MTBer who want to go off the trail for more than a day, basically a cross between touring and backpacking so to speak.

You carry pretty much everything in the bicycles, as close as possible to keep the bike from feeling side heavy, weighty steering, etc.

I only realised recently that such set-up were used for roadie, especially those who had a lightweight road bike but want to tour without making the bike go squirrely with all the rack and panniers, Jay Petervery set-up for the RAAM is one example;

The question is - why aren't we're considering such set-up more for our road/fixed wheel bicycle? it make even more sense than a pannier/rack.

Because, all practicality aside, it looks shit?

whats the question? ;-)

...because we have Carradice saddlebags and barbags.

Those thing wobble and bounce in comparison!

...we only bought them because you recommended them last year!

burns Carradices and heads to https://www.revelatedesigns.com

Heh, I still do recommended them, most especially their superb Super C series, especially if you want to do some serious heavy duty touring on.

In fact, I have the Super C front and rear pannier, barbag and racktop bag all ready to be fitted on the Thorn, just awaiting rear rack.

urinates on smouldering Super C

That how they got their distinctive smell, the smell of a thousand miles worth of cyclotouriste's urine.

Haven't I been saying all of this for the last few years?

nobody ever listens to me

You have, you just didn't made a topic about it.

...and it's less about things being 'side heavy' whatever that means? It's more to do with not having panniers sticking out to catch on the trail side, or racks to shake loose and break, or panniers to bounce and rattle off road.

You have, you just didn't made a topic about it.

Because whenever I make topics about things that involve people actually riding further than the Effra they disappear off the page within an hour! :]

It also allows people with full suss frames which won't work with racks to carry things properly.

By side heavy, when I had a couple of panniers, I do feel the weight as I corner, whether I don't with a racktop bag.

Serious Contender?

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whats the question? ;-)

+1, or is this another Edscoble vanity thread?

The question is - why aren't we're considering such set-up more for our road/fixed wheel bicycle?

Because it doesn't hold the weight low enough, giving too high a centre of gravity.

It make even more sense than a pannier/rack.

Whatever you say, Ed.

Because it doesn't hold the weight low enough, giving too high a centre of gravity.

Ahhh...the good old LFGSS 'opinion based on assumption rather than experience' eh Josh? :]

Ahhh...the good old Scott Not Scott 'getting all defensive about something he feels strongly about' eh Scott? :]

Lol.

I like the whole bikepacking idea. For off-roading I assume that I'd enjoy having the weight up high where I assume it'd feel really secure and out of the way. However, for long, smooth roads I can see the appeal of panniers too. I assume it'd feel more stable.

The right frame help make it feel more stable, but if you were to put such panniers and rack on your Diamante, it'll feel pretty unstable.

That's one advantage I can think of the 'bikepacking' notion, it certainly didn't feel unstable when I had a small framebag and moderately packed and well secured saddlebag.

^ this looks bloody amazing for fast touring. The saddlebag with section under the nose of the saddle is clever. I bet those bags weigh a fraction of the Carradice equivalent.

edit I've just noticed the sleeping bag is just hung from the tribars. Neat. edit

Since the design is similar to the one I had, it's very stable and have a huge amount of room that'd rival a large carradice saddlebag for a lots less money.

^ this looks bloody amazing for fast touring. The saddlebag with section under the nose of the saddle is clever. I bet those bags weigh a fraction of the Carradice equivalent.

edit I've just noticed the sleeping bag is just hung from the tribars. Neat. edit

proof nobody reads most of what i post ^^^

:]

Well I read ^ that ^ one because it wasn't of essay length, and contained a road bike rather than a surly snow plow.

:P

I have the largest of the carradice saddlebags with the quick release and frame. It's ok but must weigh more than 2kg all up (empty). This weight up high is more of an issue when riding fixed as I tend to get out the saddle and move the bike around a bit.