Me and my SO really wanna try out bikepacking, but my daily driver is a small carbon road bike, and I'm a bit nervous if it can handle the weight and/or clearance to handle a rear pannier rack. I don't think a big saddle bag would be enough to contain our gear. What are your thoughts?
by _MrArrow_
3 Comments
Look into the Axiom Streamliner rack, there’s a version that’s designed for rim brake road bikes without rack mounts.
Also, how much gear are you needing to carry? Are you credit card touring (ie, do you need to bring a tent)? Do you need to bring a cook kit? The answer to those two questions will determine how much storage you’ll need.
Tailfin Rear Rack, if your budget allows it. If not, something similar. I’ve had this exact issue with my carbon Canyon Endurace, and you’re correct these bikes are not designed for carrying a lot of weight. It’s not that they’re carbon per se (the Canyon Grizl for example is made for bikepacking, and is still a carbon frame), but their structure just isn’t built for that, especially not panniers. Max you can do safely is a small handlebar bag, a frame bag (careful not to overload with heavy stuff, it pulls on your top tube) and the Tailfin.
The tire width and low spoke count are going to be an issue. Bring multiple tubes, both spoke lengths, and familiarize yourself with changing both.