Best Pannier which is also a Backpack

[seager]

Hi,

I would really like recommendations for a pannier that is also a backpack, or a pannier which will fit a school backpack in, that:

- will not sit too much higher than the rack (because my son is still short & will have a long backpack trumpet case on his back);
- balanced on both sides of the bike (because he has a lot to carry);
- is easy to use; &
- preferably waterproof.

The bike is a 13" Trek 3500 with disc brakes.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Seager

[CommuRider]

Arkel single backpack to pannier.

http://www.arkel-od.com/us/all-categori ... bag-1.html

There's another thread here somewhere where someone was trying to find a right bike for a trumpeting student too (trumpet season).

You can get double panniers that roll up so when he doesn't require the pannier, he can place it in his backpack. I have the Brooks Brick Lane. Plenty of room and should fit standard backpack but probably too small for a trumpet.

http://www.brooksengland.com/catalogue- ... +Panniers/

But I don't know what the dimensions of a trumpet are and since it has a magnetic floppy close, it is flexible. 34 x 36 x 10cm. If you are in Sydney, you can test out my Brooks and see if it will suit your son's bike - invest in the rear rack as that is crucial in being suited to all types of bags.

[seager]

Hi,

Thanks for those recommendations. I'm the one who wrote the post asking for a solution to carry the Trumpet. We found a good Trumpet backpack, but now there's trouble carry the rest of his stuff. It just doesn't work for him to put his existing school backpack on the rack he has because it sits too high and interferes with the Trumpet backpack. It's amazing how much they have to carry in Year 7.

After investigating a little further I'm having trouble finding a pannier rack which is suitable for a 13" bike. Unfortnately the bike also doesn't have provision to attach the rack under the seat.

We live in a regional area so I can't get to a big bike shop with an extensive range. We're feeling a bit defeated, especially seeing some jealous kid punctured his front tyre on Friday. In primary school they kept letting his tyres down, so now its getting worse. So much for encouraging self reliance, environmental responsibility, and a healthy lifestyle, for a teenager!

Anyway, we'll persist. Any rack ideas would also be very greatly appreciated!

Seager

[CommuRider]

Have you thought about getting a folder which has a height adjustable seatpost and handlebar like this one which I have and is a seven-speed:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=55568

You can place a backpack on top of the rack and use an occy strap to secure it. It leaves you free to have a trumpet or another backpack to carry on your back with sufficient clearance. The rack is solid enough as it has carried 15kgs on top of it for me. I think it can carry up to 20kg.

Oyama does a cheaper 3-speed version

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=55561

Sorry to hear your son has faced mean bullies at school. Hope he takes some self-defence classes and kicks their arse next time they spoil his bike. Hope yours isn't such a narrowminded rural country area that believes culture comes in yoghurt tubs.

[find_bruce]

After investigating a little further I'm having trouble finding a pannier rack which is suitable for a 13" bike. Unfortnately the bike also doesn't have provision to attach the rack under the seat.

If you mean that the bike doesn't have the brazed on fittings on the seat stays (& I don't expect a 13" bike would) are you aware you can get seat clamps that do the job ?
One example is M Part Seat Clamp Rack Mount & you can get the same thing from Wiggle

Disc brakes can make rack mounting a bit tricky - it seems the rear caliper is almost always just in the way of where the rack would mount. Tubus have a nice solution rear rack "extension" that enables you to mount the rack a bit further towards the rear.

Not so sure about the rack for a 13" bike, but I suspect CommuRider is on the right track looking at ones for folding bikes. If I can come up with any ideas I will get back to you

Vaude used to make a Cycle 25 Convertible Backpack/Pannier but it seems to have been discontinued. There seem to be still a few left in shops though. Cheapest I could find after a brief search was Moruya bicycles at $129 + shipping.

If nothing else, this exercise should teach your boy persistance & resiliance.