I am starting to commute on my monocog 29er that I have put skinnyish tires and a dirt drop bar on. It has no mounts so I was looking at one of the seat post mounted racks with pannier rails, and panniers. As long as I am only carrying some undies, socks and some food, will that suffice? I am concerned that the post mounted rack will not really keep panniers out of my wheel. the commute is all pavement... I have done it with the backpack, but feel it would be much more enjoyable to let the bike carry the weight.

thanks

If all you're carrying is what you say, then you don't really need the panniers. You can probably get by with just the rack and a rack trunk. That would be a lighter setup, as well. That being said, have you considered just using a big saddlebag----like a Carradice? If your saddle has bag loops then it's an easy install. If not, there are mounts available. I use a Carradice Barley, which is pretty small, but I can still stuff lunch in it and carry my work clothes home.

I have the Topeak BeamRack (http://www.topeak.com/2007/products/racks/mtxbeamrack.php) and if you could get a trunk rack or you could get the side rails that attach if you want to carry panniers. I really like the quick release mount and it has been very secure and strong for me.

I have the Topeak BeamRack (http://www.topeak.com/2007/products/racks/mtxbeamrack.php) and if you could get a trunk rack or you could get the side rails that attach if you want to carry panniers. I really like the quick release mount and it has been very secure and strong for me.

You're right about getting the weight off your back, it's a big relief.

I also have the same QR (=Quick Release) rack, and would mostly agree w/ Biker Jones.

I use mine to carry minimal loads, for things like 1 mile from the grocery store, 5-10 lbs. 12 miles round-trip to & from school, etc. (1 hard-cover textbook = 5 lbs). I also like the fact that I can just take it off when it's time for recreational riding. BUT...

It supposedly has a rating of 20-25 lbs. I guess for most situations, you MIGHT be able to get by w/ this. But one time when I actually had that much on it, and had to swerve to avoid a road obstacle, it caused me to fall into the path of oncoming traffic (fortunately, no cars were coming).

So, they're good for light loads, but I try not to put anything more than 10 lbs. on it, and look forward to the day when I can get a bike w/ eyelets for a permanently-mounted rack.

As long as I am only carrying some undies, socks and some food, will that suffice? I am concerned that the post mounted rack will not really keep panniers out of my wheel.

If that's all you're carrying I'd go with a saddlebag. I reguarly use a small Carradice Barley bag for my commute to work.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/jojisan/BarleyBag.jpg

[QUOTE=roadfix]If that's all you're carrying I'd go with a saddlebag. I reguarly use a small Carradice Barley bag for my commute to work.



roadfix,
That's a pretty nice looking bike. I like the no-decals and the utilitarian style look. What kind of frame is that?

If that's all you're carrying I'd go with a saddlebag. I reguarly use a small Carradice Barley bag for my commute to work.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c362/jojisan/BarleyBag.jpg
We have very similiar tastes. Saddle, bag, cage.

I also use a Carradice Barley for commuting, but I found that it needed a Bagman rack to keep it from swaying and hitting the backs of my legs. I can carry some spare clothes, lunch, cell phone, eye glasses, tools and other gear with no problem.

I wouldn't recommend a seatpost rack. They sit up so high that they mess up your weight distribution and balance, and I've also heard reports of them slipping (although mine never did). If you want a rack, just buy a regular one and attach it to your frame using P-clips. I tried that route as well, but prefer the Barley.