“Utility” pannier racks and bags

[Piemonster]

I’m basically trying to breathe life into the commuter (as that’s no longer a thing) by using that bike for small shopping trips.

Are pannier racks and bags much of a muchness, or are some easier to remove and refit (as they’ll be shopping bags)

Is it worth a front and rear set up to balance the weight, with half an eye on some easy touring?

[yourguitarhero]

Ortlieb ones have a nice mechanism for taking them off/putting them back on.
Generally quite robust too

[benp1]

Front rack very useful as you'll struggle for space on a shopping trip. The extra capacity will help with bulky things

Ortlieb is the general recommendation. Consider some form of basket too. I used to use the Topeak folding milk crate coupled with panniers. Have since got a proper cargo bike and shopping is a lot easier. Managed two children and a full shopping trolley with £100 of shopping the other day. That was a personal best, five big bags of food plus frozen food in a coolbag. Was a little wobbly though, used my front rack as well (which is better suited to bulky, light things as it affects the steering)

[Piemonster]

For context, the route involves a section of coastal path single track, probably 30min each way.

I think the shopping load will be limited to some degree.

The shop itself is also in an area where a good D Lock and cable are ‘essential’ addition to the weight before I’ve started.

[johnnystorm]

I've got Ortlieb Back Roller's on a Tortec rack on the tandem. No complaints so far, very easy to fit/remove, keep the rain out and haven't jumped off yet!

[voodoo_simon]

Won’t go wrong with Ortlieb (from experience) although the Vaude and Altura versions do look good when I’ve seen them (no experience)

Maybe a basket up from? I’m sort of basket curious but yet to have the need to test such a system….

[darbeze]

I have a Blackburn rear rack with large Crosso waterproof panniers and a Blackburn Outpost rack on the front with small Crosso panniers.

I deliver my bread with this setup and it works really well.

I bought the rear rack and panniers in 2010 to ride in Iceland, and they are still going strong.

Here is the Crosso website, although I didn't buy direct from them. Simple hook attachment has never failed and spares are available.

https://crossobags.com/product/dry-60-panniers/

Cheers,
Si

[Loki]

I like the Ortleibs, my old commute used to take in a section of trail center, I used the smaller size, I also picked up a second spare lower hook to help hold the bags in place, exactly what the newer Garvel versions do.

[javatime]

Will pm you re Tubus Logo rack !

[Piemonster]

Racks sorted courtesy of some Bezos vouchers.

Ortileb Back City Rollers are at SJS for £70

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/luggage/ort ... -40-litre/

Presumably that comes with everything I need?

And any reason not to?