Hard Panniers for Transalp
 

Just purchased a 1989 Transalp a couple of weeks ago, and I am investigating hard pannier options. Currently there seems to be only two options for the Transalp in the US, aluminium panniers from either Happy Trails or Moto-Sport. I'm wondering what other options I have, are any of the European panniers available in the USA for the Transalp or have I overlooked some other companies? Jesse may be making some, but not until the fall. I would like to at least have some before the HU meeting in Revelstoke. Any recommendations would be helpful at this point.

-Dave

The Jesse ones are by far the best. There is just the one problem of course, and it is a large folding and green one. I am in the process of having my own built at present, based on their design. I can pass on the measurements and design to you if you want. Otherwise, you are welcome to my beat up old ones. I might even have a way to get them to San Francisco.

Thanks for the help, Simon. At this point I am going to try out the Happy Trails panniers. The folks at HT have been pretty helpful so far, I will post some information once I get some panniers installed...

Dave

I would be interested in the blueprints or design you're using. I am considering making a set myself. Actually, I'll be using an 8" circular saw with a carbide tipped blade to cut the sheet and then have somebody else form and weld it together. Cutting can be dangerous, don't do it yourself without proper instruction. Apparently a 4x8 sheet of 2 mm aluminum depending on grade goes for about a hundred bucks Canadian vs. the 1300 for the Jesse gear.

Cheers, Steve

I will be happy to help. Things never move too quickly here in Argentina, so I will not be finished for another week or so.

The best design is I think, the Jesses one for the boxes. I like the bevelled outside edge and ankle-saving cut-out. It maximises the use of space without extending too far outside the handle bar width. This is also better for handling, keeping the weight close to the bike.

The flaws in most of the box systems seem to be the locks and clasps. I am dealing with this by using very simple, strong hasps and hinges etc.

If you are interested, I could get a second set of boxes made up for you?

That's a nice offer but I doubt I could afford to have them shipped here. How much will it cost for you to make a set?

Every once in a while I think of staying with the soft bags and mounting an ATV rack on my bike to carry them. It would be very easy to make a hinged cage to keep my bags safe enough that I wouldn't be too paranoid.

Steve

I just bought a set of alu pannier boxes from a guy in Basingstoke . He imports them. Bough t on ebay 2X36 liter boxes under £100. You need fixing kits and racks but thats a £150 saving already email me for his address.

Charlie