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Anyone know the cheapest aluminium panniers??? Anyone know the cheapest aluminium panniers???
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Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
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  #1  
Old 16 May 2009
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Anyone know the cheapest aluminium panniers???
I'm going to feel like a bit of a fraud posting this, but hey, here goes....

A fellow Derbi rider approached me today to ask where I'd got my panniers and rack from. They're TT and came with the bike, but it was a limited edition and neither are available now.

But in the past I helped a friend make a rack for his bike, so I said to the guy we could always copy my racks for his. But then I told him TT's prices, and once he'd recovered from his faint, he asked if I knew anyone cheaper. Further asking revealed he really wanted them for looks, and putting his wet weather gear in and maybe a picnic, and also as a place to put all his bike gear in safely when he's off the bike and in a café.

So they don't have to be serious off-road rugged, but if they've got the look.

See now you know why I said I felt like a fraud, cos really this is a question from an E&C wannabee.
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Old 16 May 2009
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The cheapest I have heard of that are actually OK, if not the strongest, are from a brand called Alpos.

Link to the first supplier I got from Google is here.
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Old 16 May 2009
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Well they look shiney, and I'm sure I've heard people say they're not that bad... I doubt you could get cheaper too, but maybe someone can.
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Old 17 May 2009
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Why not tell you're mate to look at soft luggage instead.

I was walking home from the pub last night and saw a GS1200ADV with a pair of TKC80's on parked outside my local and nearly gagged. I mean, what's the point of that in Scotland? You can't even ride off-road in this bloody country. Some folk take the whole 'look' thing a bit too far in my opinion.
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Old 17 May 2009
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Cheap
I bought some Mermite boxes on E-bay. I bought 4 at an average price of about$35 each. Then the work of converting ,gutting ,painting etc. It takes a lot of work to be cheap.
The good thing is that they are very well made. U.S. army spec and all. Good grade of aluminum and the other hardware is stainless steal.I mount them on a Happy Trails mount. I made a bottom fixture from nylon shaped to hook over the bottom runner of the rack and two 8mm thumbscrews hold the top on.
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Old 17 May 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeS View Post
Why not tell you're mate to look at soft luggage instead.
If he was a mate and not some bloke I just met I probably would, but I do understand where he's coming from. When the bike first came out all the publicity showed it was cans on, and I was lucky to get one of the v. early ones that came with them. Then (apparently cos TT were far too expensive) they stopped producing them with them. This guy ordered his but missed out on the boxes by a whisker and ever since has been looking for some, so there's the whole disappointment factor.

And OK so the most they'll get put in them is spare clothes, maybe a tent, and they'll only ever get used on the road, but they'll be a bit more secure, a bit more casual theft resistant, and admit it, they do look better. And the Alpos aren't even that much more than a set of throw overs.

Oh and for me they also help me get my leg out from under the bike when it falls on me - which seems to happen with surprising frequency.
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Old 17 May 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeS View Post
I was walking home from the pub last night and saw a GS1200ADV with a pair of TKC80's on parked outside my local and nearly gagged.

Off topic, I know, but....

They're standard equipment! They're not bad on the road, but I'd still prefer proper tread for tarmac!

As for the panniers, I agree with Alex: I've often seen that some overlanders use throwovers now and then, so why not a road rider using ally bins?
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Old 19 May 2009
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A little while ago there was a guy on Ebay selling ally panniers for around £120. A friend of mine bought a set, they came with a fitting kit etc. Build quality was very good and they seemed to seal quite well although he did strengthen to mounting point. Both panniers if I recall correctly were 45ltrs.

The sellers ebay id was marabu and he was based in Leverkusen, Germany if that helps anybody.

I believe he now also sells ally topboxes to match.
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Old 19 May 2009
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Thanks for that, I think I found him, so I've messaged to find out. If it turns out yes I'll see if it's Ok to post his details here.
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Old 21 May 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeS View Post
I was walking home from the pub last night and saw a GS1200ADV with a pair of TKC80's on parked outside my local and nearly gagged. I mean, what's the point of that in Scotland? You can't even ride off-road in this bloody country. Some folk take the whole 'look' thing a bit too far in my opinion.
Can't you? Oh well must have dreamt about those green lanes near my house them


Ok most 1200GSAs never leave tarmac but be careful about the size of the brush you use to tar people.

No i don't own a 1200.
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Old 22 May 2009
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Sadly no reply from the guy on e-bay, oh well, the Archos ones look good.

Now just have to find a top box to match.
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Old 22 May 2009
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Hi, a couple of years ago I got from ebay a pair of ALLIT aluminum panniers posted from Germany for £162 incl postage, they came with 'inner' bags and a fitting kit like the TT ones, although not as thick as some of the other makes, I have never found them to be a problem especially at the price, google allit panniers and check out the XRV link, Klaus can communicate very well in English and was most helpfull....try and send him a mail at KlausGrtz@aol.com

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Old 22 May 2009
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That's the same ebay seller mentioned above. he has a website at Klaus Grützner - Gepäcksysteme - Willkommen
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