flatbar bike and panniers

baikinman

Hello All,

New to the forums as of today . I am a mountain bike rider, never having been on a road bike. I am looking at the flat bar bikes as a number of MTB riders seem to use and like them. I do not want a drop bar bike.

I currently use my 2001 hardtail Haro Escape as a commuter to work. As the bike is a bit run down needs a full service and a number of new parts (ie i see it being a $400.00+ service) I am considering buying a new commuter. Currently on the Haro I have a Tioga pannier rack and use both panniers each day, approx weight of each bag is 6-8 kg.

I am considering purchasing either a Specialized Sirrus, Giant CRX 2 or a GT ZuM 3.0.

I figure putting panniers on the GT is no issue as it uses a 26 x 1.25 tyre same as the Haro has. I am curious though if anyone who has a Sirrus / CRX 2 (or similar "skinny" tyred bike) has tried or currently does user panniers.

I am concerned about the weight on the back and the balance of the bike and the possible instability that they may cause. In winter I can use a backpack no problem but it summer i prefer the panniers.

Thanks

Scott

gclark8

Hi Scott,

Put the Felt SR 71->101 on the shopping list too. They have all the mounts on the frame. A friend fitted a rack/panniers to his SR 101 here the other night, it is all go!! I am doing the same in the next week or so.

The only caution I see is keeping the gross weight below that set by the bike manufacturer.

__________________
Cheers,
George.

artemidorus

How heavy are you? You will get away with it unless you go for lightweight wheels with slim tyres.
My partner uses 28mm tyres with Alex DA16 wheels and manages a heavy pannier or our 16kg daughter as payload on a rear rack without misfortune thus far.
Have you looked at the Avanti Blade Series?

baikinman

80kg... the avanti series are being checked tomorrow. thanks for the help so far.

Blundenb

Ive got a Felt SR71 and commute with panniers no problems. Rack mounts were all there - just bolt the rack on and ride away. Same with the GIANT CRX series. I'm 72kg, I guess the panniers would weigh no more that 5-7 kg, and Ive got Shim 550 wheels. Ive got a really smooth ride to work along a flat concrete bike track. I agree with you that its much nicer to ride with panniers than a backpack. I have found the flatbar a much better commuter than my old MTB setup for the road (rigid forks/slick tyres/tri bars even sometimes!)

Got a new rack to go with the new bike - my old MTB rack didnt fit quite right and was the wrong colour. Ive also seen several people on CRX/Specialised/Avanti flatbars with those rack/bag systems that clamp onto the seat post - they seem to have no problems either.

Happy commuting
bruce

baikinman

Well I tried the Giant and it felt a bit off, the Avanti was fantastic to ride.... couldn't find any LBS with the felt and so i opted for the "specialized Sirrus Sport Disc"... was amazed over all the bikes how great they were. And for the first time ever i actually changed into a harder gear while riding up a hill .

The LBS was a big factor in the purchase. The service i reveiced was awsome. And I am someone who will spend a little bit more money with someone who is helpful and friendly, rather than save a bit and know it went to some fool who didn't do much to help me.

It's windy and raining in sydney but woo hoo i pick up the new machine this afternoon.

I'll be adding the panniers in a couple of weeks. I want to try riding it without them for a while. Will let you know how I go.

Thanks all for your help.

Scott

Blundenb

Good one Scott - looks like a great bike. Have fun in todays better weather.

The good service LBS is hard to find - which store ?

baikinman

Cyclery Northside at Chatswood.

gclark8

HI Guys,

I picked up a new Flat Bar bike yeaterday, a Felt Trevisa. This is a Trekking bike and my second Felt, designed in Germany made in Tiawan.

I bought Michelin Panniers. I will be looking for a rack and guards today and setting it up for winter shopping and commuting to the pool. Must find an unbreakable stainless thermos for the coffee.

__________________
Cheers,
George.

till!

The chromoplast ones are good, and you dont have to get the sks ones anymore, giant do a set as well. I saw a set in at quantum bicycle manufacturers in north perth last week.

till

gclark8

Thanks Till,

they were gone when I phoned, Ill try Guildford and Angove St later today.

__________________
Cheers,
George.

SteveA

I picked up a set of silver Giant chromoplast guards for the old silver touring bike (my wet weather winter commuter) last weekend from Cyclerama. I also got a new set of brakes for the bike from Sheldon Brown and so I have been putting it all together as I get spare time this week. The silver guards look very nice on the old bike. Cost $35.

Only one issue I have found - the SKS and many other guards come with breakaway front fittings so that if something gets picked up by the front wheel and carried up between the wheel and the tyre, the whole thing will not come to a sudden halt throwing the rider. I believe this is to meet Euro standards. The Giant guards do not have this feature, but I not too concerned about it.

SteveA

gclark8

Steve, were these 26"?
I am looking for 700c x 35-45mm for the Felt. Giant have none in Aus.

__________________
Cheers,
George.