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  #1  
Old 3 Apr 2007
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Locking touratech bags
Hello,
I need a good idea.
I like my Touratech aluminum panniers but there is no good way to lock them.

The latches are fine for holding the lids on but not much else.
A screwdriver would defeat them.
ideas anyone.
bill
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  #2  
Old 3 Apr 2007
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I wouldn't be too worried about somebody opening the panniers. After travelling with the same TT boxes for years - one of the last trips was around southern Africa for 1/2 year with one of the highest crime rates in the world - I never ever had any probs. There weren't even locks on the lids. Sometimes I turned the locking mechanism in the latch just that they couldn't be opened easily.

But I never left the bike parked on the street overnight. The only time somebody fiddled around on my bike and I was robbed was on a guarded campsite. I bet the nightwatch was snoring away as happily as I was ;-)

Hans
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  #3  
Old 3 Apr 2007
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Sorry can't comment on Touratech as I used Metal Mules, which have a fairly secure built-in locking system on the lid, which also secures the pannier to the frame. Far superior to the TT's in my opinion.

But if I think that there is likelihood that someone may be interested in what I have inside my panniers, I pass a cycle lock through one of the tie downs on the lid and thru the pannier frame.

Whilst I appreciate that this would not deter a professional, it sure keeps our light fingered friends at bay.
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  #4  
Old 3 Apr 2007
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As Vaufi says
there is no way to really do this with bog standard locks- I changed my TT locks to stainless steel ones but they still rely on the 'catch-over-an-aluminium-lip' and a screw driver can still defeat them.
If you are worried, perhaps a trip to the alumium welder to build and weld 'loops' for a cable like an adjustable Cobra lock ( B&Q) to go through might be a possibility.
Else, go the Metal Mule way- which has a proper lock on.
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  #5  
Old 3 Apr 2007
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I've got Metal Mules which have a good locking system on them already, but if I leave my bike somewhere unsecured, I have a long length of chain (for which I made a protective cloth covering) which I pass through my tie downs and through the frame for extra security.
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  #6  
Old 3 Apr 2007
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I have Happy Trails alum panniers. They feature a levered latch w/ hole for padlock. I rarely use a lock on them, but when desired these are perfect (although I wrap the locks w/ elec tape to minimize rattling). I suspect you can purchase said latches from HT or from whomever makes them.
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