[CR]Re: Recommendations for racks and panniers

(Example: Production Builders:Cinelli:Laser)

From: <BobHoveyGa@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:05:43 EDT
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org, jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net
Subject: [CR]Re: Recommendations for racks and panniers

Re: Recommendations for racks and panniers (with an aside about handlebar bags)

Jerry writes:
>> Also, for commuting I need to carry a medium size laptop and a briefcase, although the briefcase might be optional. What size panniers, in litres, should I look for?

Here's a site that might help you make up your mind... it has links to just about every known maker of panniers and bags (my appologies if it has been posted already):

http://www.mikebentley.com/bike/panniers.htm

I ran across this site while looking for a handlebar bag that would be suitable for carrying camera gear on and off the bike. Lots of models out there but none seemed to be the "perfect fit." Then I started taking a closer look at the accessories that some of the bike bag manufacturers offer... Extra handlebar quick-release mounts are commonly available to allow you to mount your bag on more than one bike, but what you want to look for is a manufacturer who also sells separate mounting plates... not all of them do. The plates will allow you to adapt other bags (like a good quality camera bag, for example) to your bike. Or anything else you'd care to mount between your handlebars for that matter... beer cooler, boom box, etc. ;-) Once I started taking a serious look at camera bags as an alternative to purpose-made handlebar bags, I realized that I not only had a wider choice of styles and sizes but the construction quality was a bit better as well (many handlebar bags, in their quest for the lightest possible weight, are often too flimsy for regular use, especially things like attachment points for shoulder straps and so forth).

Vintage content:

These mounting plates are also handy for those who want to maintain a period look for their bike but who are looking for a less expensive alternative to traditionally-styled bags from Carradice or Berthould, or perhaps you just want something "different." With a bit of ingenuity one could get an older leather camera bag and adapt it for handlebar use by fitting a mounting plate and a removable strap. Leather is somewhat out of fashion for camera bags these days so they can be had quite cheaply on eBay... a fraction of the cost of a new handlebar bag, and with a nice vintage look to boot (especially if you can get one that matches your saddle).

http://ebay.com/<blah>

http://ebay.com/<blah>

Bob Hovey Columbus, GA USA http://bhovey.com/masi

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