Panniers on suspension forks: yay or nay?

[Roddy.cordeiro]

I have heard quite a few conflicting views on whether panniers should be put on suspension forks or not. It obviously can be done, but some seem to think it's not "the done thing" or recommended. Is this right? Would it affect the suspension/bike performance much, even if it has a lock-out mechanism?

Cheers, Roddy

[Si]

If you can get them to mount securely then I don't see a problem. Obviously if you are riding off road over challenging stuff they are going to add to the unsuspended weight of the bike and reduce how well it handles, but no more so than putting them on a fully rigid bike.

[workhard]

I've done it, years back, when taking an MTB onholiday. Took a bit of getting used to the new handling, like most things you adapt to it. Big increase in unsprung weight I guess as the load is on the fork slider. I changed my elastomers around until I was happy and then off I went. Rack clips did keep slackening off but I kept and eye on them.

With more modern air sprung forks with all their fancy lock outs you will need to read the small print on the fork makers web site about loading though. I admit I didn't bother and no harm came to my forks (Pace RC??) and I'd think coil sprung fork would be fine.

Loads of US and European 'treking' bikes come with sus forks these days and I've seen plenty with front panniers on European roads.

[Jack]

I've been toying with this too.

I've seen these racks, which mean the panniers are part of the suspended weight (though the 1st is a tad expensive):

http://www.tubus.com/index/lang/en/rubr ... 0Carriers/

http://www.faiv.de/english/lowrider_gb.htm

Has anyone tried them?

[jdthebrit]

I've been toying with this too.

I've seen these racks, which mean the panniers are part of the suspended weight (though the 1st is a tad expensive):

http://www.tubus.com/index/lang/en/rubr ... 0Carriers/

http://www.faiv.de/english/lowrider_gb.htm

Has anyone tried them?

I use the tubus Swing.

Excellent kit. I rammed a lamp post in Rotterdam and nary a scratch (on the Tubus)

It is a swine to install the first time, but things are often a bit confusing the first time - if I recall...... nudge nudge. Lots of spanner needed number 10 I believe though someone will correct me.
Also doesn't work /non compatible with some forks. I have the nasty cheap heavy Suntour range - which is compatible (obviously!)
Also if you don't utilise the u fixings correctly you will scratch your beautiful forks - I did.

A little difficult to fit a front mudguard with them - the secret is to install the Swing after installing the mudguard - I have that German model, whatever it is - the popular one

But - rock solid tech, they work great with Ortlieb clips, great handling although they are not low riders. I've bombed down forest paths with full rig front and back 15 kgs front plus bar bag and with a little practice you then forget you've got the rig attached -until you front end a Rotterdam lamppost.

Recommended (the Swing - not the latter...)

[Cunobelin]

Carradicedo two racks that fit the bill, both made by the reputable "Old Man Mountain"

Firstly the "Sherpa" which has a matching rear suspension rack




Secondly the "ultimate" which has two loading positions:

[random37]

They also make limpet panniers which would fit on more or less any fork. I just sold a set, they were nice.

[steeleagle]

that sherpa doesnt seem to make much sense, it looks like all the weight is on the lowers? Surely all the weight has to be above the fork to benefit from any dampening?

All these racks look expensive, would it not be better/cheaper to just run a rigid fork with properly mounted pannier for touring?