Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Opening a Can of Worms

I’ve shied away from this subject for some time because I know emotions run high in the area. However, because it’s so important on our self-contained tours, I feel like some time should be devoted to this incredibly important topic: how will you carry your gear? With a few exceptions, most people tend toward either a trailer or panniers. Which is better? Only you can decide.


This is an age-old debate that will not be settled anytime soon. Trailers are fantastic for tours involving rugged riding surfaces, where you may want a narrower profile and a lighter front end. Panniers, on the other hand, have lots of compartments, and you can unload them in your tent if it’s raining. Depending on your tour, you may find that one suits your needs better than the other; or, perhaps your bicycle better accommodates one or the other—either a trailer or racks, that is.

This blog entry relies a lot on reader comment. What have your experiences been? Do you prefer trailers or panniers—and why?

photo by Sarah Raz

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ON THE ROAD is posted each Tuesday by Sarah Raz, Adventure Cycling's Tours Specialist and Intrepid Traveler, and shines a spotlight on the daily delights that take place on Adventure Cycling Tours.
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Posted by Sarah, Sales/Outreach at 6:00 AM
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4 comments:

  1. I think trailers are probably a good idea if your bike is not really designed for panniers. My LHT is made with racks and heavy panniers in mind. It just feels "right" when fully loaded. Though I haven't tried it, I would think a trailer would make it feel sluggish.

    Now if I were to tour on my old 88 Centurion, I'd probably go with a trailer since it doesn't have rack mounts and doesn't have the geometry to handle panniers even if it did.

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  2. And then there’s a saddle bag and big handlebar bag if you’re willing to go with minimal gear. It may not be an option for many, but for shorter tours or those who are looking for very light weight and less encumbered touring experience…it’s an option.

    Jack

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  3. To add to Jack's comments, a frame bag kit is an alternative, too. Specifically, the full kit would be a saddle bag, handlebar bag, and a full frame bag that's built for the 'triangle' of your specific frame.

    I'm working my way toward such a setup for my Surly Pugsley, using bags from Jeff Boatman at Carousel Design Works. Great guy who puts a noticeable amount of quality time and effort into each bag. Check him out at:

    http://www.carouseldesignworks.com

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  4. Thanks for pointing out this alternative! I agree that Jeff's stuff is awesome, and we've actually recently started carrying it in our store, which is great. His pieces are lightweight, extremely well made, and very well designed.

    ReplyDelete

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