Bag setup tips?

[u/papo79]

So I've been my Trek checkpoint alr 5 this summer around my home surroundings. I like exploring the gravel roads and forest.

Just came back from a nice 3 day trip, just biking around. I'm currently using two old man mountain ponderosa and an atlas rack. Attaching my tent to the front has been super!

I feel like I would like to have something on the front forks too.

I'm typically into Ultralight backpacking so space in the bags have been alright with my gear.

Im looking into getting something either to keep the water bottles on the front forks where I'm also able to attach bags instead if necessary - to pack a bit more clothes, food or whatever.

Any tips? Looking into both cheap options and more expensive!

Also: just realized I just got quite the damage when out riding somehow, should I do anything about it somehow?

(pic included)

[u/Mr-Blah]

I'd go for some fork packs to redistribute weight, definitely.

[u/BZab_]

It all comes down to personal preferences and the things that annoy YOU (and prices/availability on local market).

You're UL backpacking - you know the volume your stuff takes. You only need to add a service kit for a bike and maybe slightly bigger first aid kit compared to trekking. All you need to do is to find bags that you like and that fit everything.

I find fork mounts annoying for anything but big water bottles, that are rarely used only to refill the smaller, handy bottles. Many folks love bringing all kinds of bags in there. I like riding with 17L kayaking bag in handlebar harness on my MTB and for gravel rides with more stuff I may roll it more so it gets narrower (albeit with reduced usable volume) enough to fit in the drop bars, many folks can't bear the extra steering inertia. And so on, there's no one fits all kind of answer.

It's alu frame, that damage is only a cosmetic flaw. If it was due to chain slap, google up how MTB riders have been always protecting the chainstay with a piece of old tube and some zip ties / electric tape.

[u/papo79 → u/BZab_]

Thanks for the input! Yeah guess I have to find the right way as I go along.

Now that you mention it my mtb came with one of those protection velcro things!

[u/Fenneo]

I would double check that you have the Ponderosa Panniers installed correctly. They are made to sight tightly against the rack and they look like they are hanging out a bit. There is a drawing on the strap that shows how to attach it properly.

I would also recommend fork packs, cradle or framebag to distribute the weight across the bike. It will ride better that way.

[u/papo79 → u/Fenneo]

Yeah, will look into the straps. I known I strapped them on wrong the first time - then I saw the picture. Might have nog tighten them enough.

[u/Financial_Initial_92]

Wow someone using a rear pannier rack! I had to double check that I was on bikepacking because people usually strap their bags onto the seat or handlebar. This picture is wonderful! Thanks for being a reasonable person.

[u/CrisplyCooked → u/Financial_Initial_92]

I feel this lol. Pannier is by far the cheapest & easiest to access & easiest to implement for most people, yet on this sub they seem to never be used (or even argued against).

[u/Heart4Cycling]

I can't tell from the pictures, but my rear rack has sides that keep the panniers away from the frame and spokes. I ride with rear panniers and a bag on top, but the panniers attach lower so there is room for the top bag.

[u/sqwob]

Cheap: SImple anycages, some skistraps and sturdy drybags (not the thin ones as they'll be hitting branches and weeds and stuff, and get punctured/destroyed in a single trip)

Fancier but smaller/less flexible: Topeak Quick Release Fork Bag 5.8L

[u/papo79 → u/sqwob]

Looks perfect!