Pannier system update
I finally decided to go for the SW Motech quick release pannier frames and the alpos panniers 32/36 litres.
I havent powder coated the panniers as I intend to sticker them up and I have the best colour - magnesium grey
so they match fairly well.
I chose this combination as I want to remove the frames quickly and have the bike looking nice without leaving 'teeth braces' on.
There is a slight problem with the spacers that fit the new grab rail to the under seat fastenings. This was fixed by substituting the spacers for M8 washers and this solved the problem for just over 2 quid. I spoke to bybitz who offered to replace the whole kit but told them I could see how to fix the problem and they have offered to do me a deal when I next purchase from them
The panniers are nice and light, to fit them you have to drill two holes per pannier but it is very easy to do. They come with carry handles too which is a bonus.
I have ridden with them two up and can say they are great. I even had them on going across the M62 bridge by Goole in near gale force cross winds and they were spot on.
They come off easily with two twist fastenings which are acessible from the inside only. I purchased the locks and these are dead easy to fit too.
I am sorry I cannot show pictures but I dont have the facility to trim them down in size
For under 500 quid I think they are great value and dont weigh a ton. The only thing about them being so cheap is the joint welds are slightly visible and there is clear silicone on the internal joints. Like I say for the cash they are brilliant, nice round corners too.
The width comes in at 1040mm, SiJohnston has the pics of his on page 14 of this thread.
Big thumbs up from me though