T'tech Zega Flex
 

Anyone used these and have an opinion on fucntion and crash/crushability? Seems like a great idea to me, having tried alu boxes for the first and last time.

Chris S

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A M Handbook 5, Sahara Overland 2, dvds and desert tours

http://www.sahara-overland.com and http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com

Haven't tried Zega Flex, but I'd like to hear you experiences with alu boxes!

Hi, the Zega boxes burst like ripe fruit when in collision with rocks at very slow speeds; the spot welds are not to strong. The positive side is they can be fixed very easily with a few 5 mm nuts and bolts; and a big hammer and drill.

PK

Were they the ZEGA alu boxes ?? Allot of people say there poop. Thinner than clingfilm on a good day.

Not Zega alu which I'm sure have been discussed here inside out and I used on Dez Riders (they were fine for what they are but dont want metal again).
Asking about the fabric Zegas (AMH p.75) which flex but mount on and off a rack like a box.
http://www.touratech.de/Shop/en-us/dept_687.html
Seems like a neat idea to me, curious to know if they are tough enough.
(An Advrider Zegaflex thread led nowhere.)

Ch

Zega Flex Vapor?
 

Hi Chris. And hello to all. My first post here.

I found your site because I was searching the internet for answers to the same questions you've asked about the Touratech Zega Flex. I have yet to find a soul who has tried these side bags. Please let me know if you have any info to pass on. They look like a great alternative to hard cases, but I'm beginning to wonder if they're for real! Maybe Big Foot or Nessie have a set...

Chris,

try asking your question on the Touratech forum - http://forum.touratech.de/ - it German but you can post and will receive your answers in English.

John

PS. Post under the heading "Gepäck" for luggage. (you may have to register to post but you can switch the language to English using the dropdown.)

nobody knows??
 

dear me!

seems that those Zega Flex are not very popular (checked the TT-forum too nothing on it), I always thought they would be perfect alternative for a big alu. cases that I personally hate..

may be Chris Scott could get a set (for free) to test them on one of his trips and let us know..

or even better I can volunteer myself to test them to destruction off and on road on my 12 GS if any free tests sets are out there do let me know..

gt

PS. not sure if Nick Plumb is reading this but if he isn't could someone forward this message to him ..

Well at least people have tried looking. May try Nick next time I do something interesting but I wonder if people think they're too expensive for what they are (well over 200 quid no?).

A cruder but possibly tougher alternative might be this:
http://www.andystrapz.co.uk/shop/sho...ion=full&id=25

Possibly discussed elsewhere on HUBB. Australian made canvas roll top and clip (seals like a canoe bag) - AUD280 delivered in Au or 160 quid in the UK +?

Off to Au shortly, may get me a set. All I got to do next is think of somewhere to take them.

Ch

Andy's canvas panniers
 

oh well,

I thought of them as an alternative as I didn't want to pay TT prices for something untested (think the work out around GBP 312 bags + 184 for frames).

Andy's Canvas panniers definately look good and are well made. Being canvas they don't instantly disintegrate in contact with the exhaust and they are waterproof (although I didn't test this)

I Used them (well actually my girlfriend did - they wouldn't "fit" on the GS12 due to the high exhaust) on a road trip and they were very good but for longer trips -and overlanding type travel - would prefer a frame supported soft pannier.

Ted Simon (on his second trip) used a pair strapped on his panniers frames.

seems soft pannier + steel frame is the way forward.
---
..and yes I think they are overpriced

Holy moly - 500 quid for some clip-ons! - they must have a lot sitting around.

>>>seems soft pannier + steel frame is the way forward.

It's certainly my prefered set up - I reckon the Andybagz could be made to sit on a 'shallow-L/retractable' jobbie which I like. He recommends a bar anyway to keep them off exhausts anyway. Plastic may melt fast but canvas-on-the-pipe smoulders nicely and then bursts into flames when you stop - as I found once during the rush hour on Threadneedle Street and once in the desert - see pic 23 http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com/deserttravels.
So a sit-on-frame is a good idea with any canvas. I also suspect the solvent-based proofing compound Andy recommends might really stoke things up.

Chris

Andystrapz + frame?
 

plus GBP 15.00 for inner bags (because TT zg Flext isn't waterproof)

--

"sit on frame" sounds ideal for Andy's bags and any other type of soft "throw-over" pannier..

but sounds like one has to improvise, visit a DIY store and be creative with a welding thingy.. in which case I am having second thoughts..

(or finally I found an excuse to meet Ernie)

Is Ortlieb panniers with a frame a viable alternative if you want an "of the self" soft pannier + frame set that doesn't cost a million ..

andystrapz in uk
 

PS. I spoken to David Gates last summer, is a uk based importer/dealer ??

He was very helpful and was happy to accept the panniers back if I wasn't 100% happy with them

fast and efficient service..on the phone and email

I may have paid something around GBP 175.00 for the panniers.

>>>Is Ortlieb panniers with a frame a viable alternative...

I suppose they are - same seal though while being weaterproof I get the impression they are a bit smaller and would not be as crashable as truck canvas.

I think custom-made racks are still a fact of life in building a functional overland bike which is still a minority activity. What is banged out in a factory may not suit all bikes carrying all sorts of baggage in all conditions. The trick is to not make it (or get it made) like the Forth Bridge. I have in mind those tubular racks where the flat platform hinged up when not supporting a pannier - as found on those old ex-WD BSAs or something.

Ch

Gsa
 

>>>I have in mind those tubular racks where the flat platform hinged up when not supporting a pannier<<<

... or like the standard panniers on a BMW GSA1150??
(that nobody really liked..)

I personally like the idea of a hinged platform, a lot more versatile.. eg. can remove a pannier and strap a petrol jerry on it...
--

Q: is Andystrapz canvas more crashable than cordura used in TT flex pannier?
--

gt

Recently back from Au and just opened my AndyS Expedition panniers.
First impressions good: simple, light but tough, good attention to detail - and not unnecessarily big. I reckon I could even use them on my pushbike rack.
I'd feel a lot safer with them dangling behind me on tricky off road than a metal box. The velcro throwever link straps might wear out eventually as velcro does, but would be easy enough to attach some clippy clips like the ones which close the pans.
I feel canvas (which eventually burns) is better than Cordura (which fairly easily melts) when sliding down the road.

So, adios TT Zegaflex and a provisonal thumbs up to the AS Exped pans.

Chris S

well now you have decent soft panniers
on a hinged tubular frame rack

all we need now is couple of photos..

Chris would you oblige..


g

Sorry, aint got a hinged rack yet - or even a bike to hang them from, but for pix I could not do any better than the official website: http://www.andystrapz.co.uk/shop/sho...ion=full&id=25

Ch

let's get soft again
 

I did take the Andys on a desert tour last year as throwovers for bread runs but first time out the XRL came back from town with a big hole in one pan and a melted side panel. The pans melted more than burned I recall so another single throwover to add to the collection...

Anyway, soon I'll be able to answer my original question. Just got me a pair of Zega Flexs which lock onto a frame which in turn bolts to my plain rack. Full review when I get back in November.

Ch

well?
 

you back yet?

having been successful on burning a hole on the canvas andyz pannier..

did the TT zega flex survived the C Scott treatment?

--

I have gone TT tail pack rather than TT zega flex.

I travel on a HP2 these days and the TT tail pack is big enough for all my gear and a 5 lit plastic jerry.

Although if I can find a simple rack/frame to fit I will consider the zega flex.

assuming they survive your testing..

I am and they did with a bit of help.
Give me a few days and I'll post a detailed review.

Ch

Hi there,

Any news from the review ?

I can't wait no more :innocent:

Zega Flex
 

Hi Chris,

I am looking forward to your review on the Flex bags. I've been through the same decision making matrix in terms of hard vs. soft panniers. A few low side falls in deep sand where my soft ankle has ended up under a rather hard metal pannier has given me pause to re-evaluate. And I've had the same melting experiences with softies, too. The Flex seems to be a good compromise, though it looks kind of small and wierd.

Anxious to see what you have to say.

Bill

Any ?c? on the Zega flex bags, please ?

Touratech Zega Flex review
 

Did I really say a few days? What was i thinking!

Just banged this out - will refine it later.

Adventure Motorcycling Handbook - Equipment Reviews: Touratech Zega Flex

Sorry about the delay

Ch

Great write up and as usual, totally honest and to the point.

I hope TT take the overpriced/under spec/too many gimicks points back to their development people rather than just getting silly about where they put their adverts in future. They need feedback like this rather than the stuff the bike press puts out.

Andy

Thanks Chris for the review !:clap: