Cycling UK Forum

Can anyone explain the difference between the Custom and Standard Blackburn Low Rider Front Racks please.

I prefer the look of the Custom but just wonder if I could carry my tent on it as there does not appear to be anything keeping the two sides apart other than the wheel.

Thanks

Brian

http://www.godfrey.co.uk/productviewer.php?selproduct=105&Submit=Go

Try here. There are different types.

Brian

I second panniers. When I go camping I load the panniers and the rack and then for the outward and inward journeys (I usual go for a fixed base) I carry the excess in a normal backpack.

Not only is it not particularly comfortable but it makes your centre of gravity so much higher so that when you carelessly stop without unclipping from the pedals you are on the ground in no time with no chance to save yourself.

I speak from experience here.

Brian

I've also experienced this kind of bizzarre behaviour.

Me too. I was camping in Hadrians Wall campsite (can really recommend this. is in Cool Camping book and the facilities out of this world including sauna) in March last year and was the only camper on the site.

I went out for the day and came back in the dark so didn't notice but when I got up the next morning another tent was pitched cheek by jowl.

In his defence he was very quiet and as it was blowing a gale I suspect he was looking for a bit of shelter.

Brian

I love those campsites (usually on the Continent & away from resorts) where you get a private hedged emplacement for each pitch, so much better than almost rubbing shoulders with fellow campers

I was embarrassed by the size of last year's pitch in Normandy!!

Brian

Like this. Brittany last August. Bike is locked and covered with a Halford's bike cover overnight.

Brian

Odd that I left a pannier full of waterproofs and lights on the bike but they didn't take the contents.

Strange that I once used to cycle to the railway station on a really heavy old bike which I had converted from drops to straight bars and always worried that it would be really easy to unbuckle and steal the shiny purple!! panniers which were probably worth more than the bike.

Came back one night and found the lock cut, the bike gone but the shiny panniers sitting there on their own.

The bike probably went to India.

Brian

Another vote for Exustar Stelvios

Bought a pair last August and wore them straight out of the box on a long weekend tour.

Very comfortable and reasonably easy to walk in.

Brian

Bought the 2008 model (lovely blue colour) last Juneish on the net and love it to bits generally .

I took it to Brittany on a short tour last August which wasn't a great success but that was nothing to do with the bike which performed excellently.

It's a really easy ride I think and can eat up the miles.

Components seem good for the price my only slight whinge is that they use some of their own parts so when I damaged the saddle on said tour I was unable to find a replacement. Tried the forum without success and also emailed Falcon but had no response which is not brilliant. Perhaps I should have written in Korean or whatever!

Not a very expert report I'm afraid but would unhesitatingly recommend to someone looking for a good tourer at that price.

Brian

Something similar, I thought this one

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Blac ... -15294.htm[url]

It's probably heavier but it is cheaper.

Brian[/url]

Thanks for the response.

I had spotted the Blackburn MTN at sjs which seemed to be what I am after.

For me I don't think the additional front panniers would be an issue.

I use South West Trains to get to the ferry and generally am able to leave the bags on the bike as I hover around near them, it's only about 15 minutes. As you say if I had to remove all the bags it would be a bit of a nuisance.

I also leave them on the bike on the ferry which I suppose is a bit of a risk but the contents isn't really of value to anyone but me!!

Thanks for your views on the trailer.

I am still considering a purchase.

Brian

The CETMA rack looks a bit over the top for me I'm afraid and might interfere with my handlebar bag by the looks of it. Have now found the Blackburn on the net thanks and may well go for it.

Others may know differently but I think the trailer might be a problem on Brittany Ferries if my past experience is anything to go by, the area for bikes is quite limited.

I take your point about the bags but I wasn't intending on taking any more stuff just trying to distribute it about the bike a bit better. I have to say I just leave the panniers on the bike on the ferry although I do take valuables with me. So far I have only toured from a fixed point so have taken the panniers to my tent on arrival. Next year I intend to do an end to end somewhere so will have to review this.

Brian

I take your point and am seriously considering this option but as I already have rear panniers and bags I thought I might try front panniers first.

I'm also just a bit concerned about the additional complication of travelling with a trailer for instance on ferries.

Brian

Leaving aside the option of a trailer which I am seriously considering for local shopping etc what is my best option for load carrying.

Last year I went to Brittany and used a handlebar bag and a rear rack with panniers. However the bags, tent etc on top of the rack made getting on and off the bike a bit of a problem as the load was about a foot higher than the saddle.

I was therefore thinking of fitting a front rack and thought somewhere I had seen a rack where a bag or a tent could rest on the top thereby reducing the height of the rear load but I can't seem to find them in the UK and having looked at various web pages I can't see anyone using this option except perhaps in the USA.

I could pack lighter I suppose but its really the bulky items that seem to cause the problem.

I would appreciate the views of experienced tourers please.

Thanks

Brian

Having looked at the cost it seems prohibitive. Did you go independently Martin or in an organised group. Any quick hints or tips would be helpful if you have a moment.

Many thanks,

Brian