Road-Testing my new Ortlieb front panniers tonight, in preparation for "The Faccombe 4's'" short French camping trip in May.
I didn't like the back of my bike stacked high with stuff so bought the "Tubus Duo" low-rider rack and the Ortlieb Roller panniers to distribute the load a bit better.
I have to say that the front panniers have totally transformed the bike.
The Raven Tour was always surprisingly twitchy at the front end for a heavyweight tourer I felt. SJSC have always said that it handles best when it is loaded as designed, as a fully-loaded tourer. They are right. It's a dream, handles like it's on rails, and forces you into a different mind-set. Just sit back and take in the scenery.
Just 14 miles tonight but I can't wait to try it again, with panniers carrying all my camping gear.
Note. The front panniers were £59.99 from SJSC. That's a bit of a bargain if you ask me. They'd make ideal, smaller, rear panniers, maybe for "credit card" touring.