bendo
Viscount
Posts: 538 
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Post by bendo on Feb 10, 2014 10:32:06 GMT
How do you carry a load or loads when on your Viscount? Backpack? Packrack? Pics please!  Sorry about the dumb filter. This is my current commuting set-up: two rear panniers and a small handlebar bag. It's been stinking hot this summer (regularly over 40 degrees C in the shade) and it's just too hot to ride with a back-pack. Also, I prefer to have the bike carry the load. It's the same weight, but it feels lighter to me. b |
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Post by velocipete on Feb 10, 2014 15:37:34 GMT
I've never ever used a back pack,as you so rightly say,let the bike carry the load.Panniers and a saddle/bar bag keep the centre of gravity low,and your back sweat free. The last is obviously more important to you than us at this time of year.   |
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Post by Stella on Feb 12, 2014 21:03:04 GMT
I used a pannier-similar bag on my Sprint as it had a rear rack. None of my current Viscounts have a rack, but I want one tourer to be able to carry panniers. At the moment I have a lightweight rucksack which can be a bit annoying.
Love that picture of your bike, by the way. It looks proper 70s. Cute.
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Feb 12, 2014 22:49:55 GMT
Bendo, we are having proper crap weather at the moment , so will have to wait to get out to shed and take photos. I have a bit of a saddle bag/pannier fetish I am afraid and can very rarely go anywhere without some kind of carrier.
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Post by Stella on Feb 12, 2014 23:20:38 GMT
Love the new colour scheme, Jem.
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Post by Admin on Feb 12, 2014 23:30:03 GMT
Love the new colour scheme, Jem. I was trying to get the classic Viscount red but don't know enough about this kind of stuff. I'm just tinkering. Any requests , feel free- not sure if I can do them but...I'll give it a go |
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Post by Stella on Feb 13, 2014 19:20:27 GMT
Love the new colour scheme, Jem. I was trying to get the classic Viscount red but don't know enough about this kind of stuff. I'm just tinkering. Any requests , feel free- not sure if I can do them but...I'll give it a go You could put the logos in the header. :-) If it's possible, that is, but I think I remember proboards having that option. |
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bendo
Viscount
Posts: 538
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Post by bendo on Feb 13, 2014 23:48:06 GMT
 I've tried handlebar bags in different ways. This was the first version, using a VO rackaleur with a VO handlebar bag and lots of toe-straps. The cool thing about the rackaleur is that it allows any bike with a quill stem to mount an old-school sacoche de guidon. In this case it worked OK but I found it to be a pretty messy solution. And these VO bags are quite sloppy, even with stiffeners, so they flop around a bit when you ride.  Like I said. Messy. b |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Feb 16, 2014 17:09:15 GMT
I've been out today and took a few photos, one attached here. This is my daily, regular baggage. Plenty of room for rain coat,bike lock, keys, phone, snacks, tools and more. The bar bag has a nice plastic window on top for map, and I couldn't believe it when I realised I could operate my iphone through the plastic.Bonus! The rear is a Carradice and ideal size for me. It concertinas out a bit too. I have another bigger Carradice saddle bag but I am not getting on with it. I really need to bite the bullet and buy the Bagman support I think. I have a double rear pannier (with a top pouch too) made of the thinest kind of nylon that weighs nothing at all and is great for a spot of shopping when you can guarantee good weather. I also have a Dawes double rear pannier that weighs a ton before anything goes in it.I haven't used it in years and need to get it on eBay. I then have two single panniers. One is Berghaus and I bought it in a second hand shop in Norway. I love it, it is very retro. Then I have a Karrimor which is also good. I can just about get away with using these on front or back.  3 by Sooper 8, on Flickr |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Feb 16, 2014 18:43:13 GMT
ps Bendo. I love the top photo.
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bendo
Viscount
Posts: 538
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Post by bendo on Feb 17, 2014 11:08:09 GMT
...and I love that bike and that shot. So English! It looks like that stream/creek/brook/river runs right into that house's frontyard. But the bike, What a minter! as Busaste would say. Love that early Deore group. Beautiful, classic touring set up, just as it should be. Would love to see it with the Berghaus pannier, and perhaps a Gilles Berthoud handlebar bag up front!
b
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Feb 17, 2014 22:10:50 GMT
...and I love that bike and that shot. So English! It looks like that stream/creek/brook/river runs right into that house's frontyard. But the bike, What a minter! as Busaste would say. Love that early Deore group. Beautiful, classic touring set up, just as it should be. Would love to see it with the Berghaus pannier, and perhaps a Gilles Berthoud handlebar bag up front! b If the weather is good tomorrow Bendo, I will put the Berghaus on and take a few pics. Those Gilles Berthoud really do it for me, but until I find a second hand one at a reasonable price, I won't be getting one. |
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bendo
Viscount
Posts: 538
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Post by bendo on Feb 18, 2014 8:42:36 GMT
Yeah, they're OTT expensive, that's for sure. These are much cheaper and just as good, although only available in one size. It's what I have on my touring bike: cyclesgrandbois.com/SHOP/ostrc_f.htmlUse Google translate and their international order form and you should be pretty right. b |
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bendo
Viscount
Posts: 538
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Post by bendo on Feb 20, 2014 10:35:05 GMT
Here's another kind of Viscount, another kind of portaging. More of a short distance set-up! b  |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Feb 21, 2014 16:38:21 GMT
Now that's what I call a Utility bike with style!
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bendo
Viscount
Posts: 538
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Post by bendo on Feb 22, 2014 6:19:26 GMT
Thanks! And here's a variation on the saddle bag idea. Using a Japanese-style wrapping cloth, a furoshiki, with old-school leather toe straps.   It requires five toe straps and a sheet of cloth about 2'6" square. Apart from a little lateral movement (depending on size and weight of load), it's a pretty nifty portaging solution. b |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Feb 22, 2014 15:38:28 GMT
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Post by velocipete on Feb 22, 2014 18:16:51 GMT
An Ideal saddle! That brings back memories of old Major Bumsore!I had one of those in the '70's,I tried it on my solo bike,a Clifton,
tried it on my pre-war,daughter hauling tandem.God it was uncomfortable.Lashings of Proofhide,neatsfoot oil,etc,did nothing to
soften or shape it to my posterior.
However,I got a trike,Holdsworth conversion.Put the Ideal on,absolute magic!!! Riding an upright trike requires lots of movement across
the saddle,just the job.
If you've never tried a trike,other than a nipper of course,put it on your "Must do" list before shuffling of the old mortal coil.You won't regret
it.
Cheers,
Pete.
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Feb 24, 2014 17:51:29 GMT
I've been thinking of going with this relatively cheap method,( link here) a bit like that Japanese furoshiki that Bendo showed. They would have the added benefit of being totally dry. Maybe using a couple of old toe clip straps?  |
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bendo
Viscount
Posts: 538
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Post by bendo on Feb 25, 2014 20:11:55 GMT
They look nifty. Would be interesting to hear how they gp. b
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Post by Stella on Mar 15, 2014 21:08:10 GMT
I'm reading those posts with interest since I'm hopefully soon starting to build my very own tourer. Not going overboard with it as I don't want to put loads and loads of stuff on the bike to begin with, but one or two panniers on the back for a weekend away or so.
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Post by kickstandman on Oct 27, 2015 3:31:50 GMT
I've always used a Pletscher style rack on roadbikes, the attachment is evidently, much different than these others and I am in the market for a good rack at some point in time. I was looking at some rear bicycle racks, I'm not sure if I understand the attachment manner here in regards to a road bike say using typical Caliper Weinman brakes or such. What I'm saying is I don't get or understand the back arms that attach to the chainstay, maybe this is a simple question.  These are random images but the LBS does have them like this, Schwinn also has one that is not too pricey.  They look like they attach to Cantilever styled brakes vs. Caliper brakes (I think Weinman was the example). Vintage styled Pletscher rack, I've crunched a few aluminum (aluminium for our friends in UK and much of the rest of the world) racks. I've decided it's time to get serious while not breaking the bank. It is my fault, I've loaded them up too much. They aren't meant to handle much generally, good racks to keep the load light.  Blackburn rack: www.llbean.com/llb/shop/17588?feat=506508-GN3&page=blackburn-expedition-rack&attrValue_0=Black&productId=31971 that looks good as well. Any suggestions, chat is welcome. I thank all in advance for any answers, people here have really been very helpful in answering questions of which I am grateful. If this is off the beaten track here, I might post an original thread! |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Oct 27, 2015 15:30:19 GMT
I'm a big fan of the Pletshcer sprung rack - I have one on one of my bikes, and my wife has one on the Sebring.
As you say, fine for light duties such as a coat etc.
I have Showa racks (front and back)that have an adjustable mounting to fit securely with the calliper bolt fixing to frame/steerer. (these are 80's vintage but can be found own eBay etc now and again.) I like the look of them and the weight, and the sturdiness.
I have had one where the arms you show in pic above, use 'p' clips and attach to seat stays (is that what you mean?). I was never fully satisfied with them personally as they seemed to be a compromise. They also need a bit of electrical tape under them if you want to protect paint work, but either way, they seem liable to sway under heavy load, become weaker , and also work lose after a while.
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rmw
Viscount
Posts: 144 
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Post by rmw on Oct 27, 2015 17:57:48 GMT
I did originally have a pletscher as above on my Viscount. As seen in 1982. With karrimor front rack also. I had my sleeping bag bungied on the front. The rest was in the karrimor saddlebag and two small nameless panniers, plus tent bungied on the back. I broke the rack when I took it off in 1999, and it did have a nice titanium rack of some sort for a while, but now I just use a saddlebag (1970s karrimor) with a saddlebag support. You can maybe just make out in the 2013 picture, I was on my way to a youth hostel for the weekend, the extra kit is in a yellow dry-bag, and old toestraps were used to extend the reach of the saddlebag straps. I should have a picture somewhere, but can't find it at the mo of the thule strap-on rack that got my luggage to the DFR3. Attachments:
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rmw
Viscount
Posts: 144
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Post by rmw on Oct 27, 2015 18:02:54 GMT
Just found a nice 1986 picture showing the small panniers, and a small sports bag on top of the pletscher rack. Another YH trip, Edinburgh to Wanlockhead. Attachments:
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rmw
Viscount
Posts: 144
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Post by rmw on Oct 27, 2015 18:13:19 GMT
Here we are, Thule strap on rack. I have to say, it was asked to carry quite a lot, and needed to have some help from the mudguard stays. And as for getting it off again.... a lot of patience and a lot of muttering. But subject to having a good look at Thule's video and reading the instructions very carefully indeed, I would say it is quite a nifty piece of kit for occasional and not too heavy use. Luggage comprising ortlieb 'front' panniers, manky old karrimor saddlebag of yore, tent bungeed on, wrapped up in the custom rubble-sack ground sheet. |
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bendo
Viscount
Posts: 538
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Post by bendo on Oct 28, 2015 9:06:32 GMT
Great posts rmw! Love the pre-instagram fade on the shot from 1986.
I too find the mudguard stays sometimes get called into duty. That bottom rack is an interesting design. Not seen that before. b
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rmw
Viscount
Posts: 144
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Post by rmw on Oct 28, 2015 9:43:53 GMT
The Thule rack is quite a new thing. Local Bike Shop showed it to me when I was looking for something else. The Viscount used to be my go-everywhere bike, now it is my sporty bike, I did not want a rack on it any more. So a strap on rack fitted the bill to get tent and kit to DFR by bike and train.
The 1986 picture is taken with a mechanical camera, and that is a scan of a print. It really is faded! Any special effects otherwise are natural Scottish light conditions.
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Post by kickstandman on Oct 29, 2015 2:00:32 GMT
More helpful info and nice pictures, thanks.
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bendo
Viscount
Posts: 538
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Post by bendo on Nov 2, 2015 11:57:48 GMT
The Thule rack is quite a new thing. Local Bike Shop showed it to me when I was looking for something else. The Viscount used to be my go-everywhere bike, now it is my sporty bike, I did not want a rack on it any more. So a strap on rack fitted the bill to get tent and kit to DFR by bike and train. The 1986 picture is taken with a mechanical camera, and that is a scan of a print. It really is faded! Any special effects otherwise are natural Scottish light conditions. The same 'sporty' evolution has happened to my Victor. For some reason I don't want it to have a rear rack any more. However I'm thinking of trying this combination front-rack and low-rider frame. It's a bit of a gamble but if I can clamp it successfully to Victor's front fork I'll be very excited. b  |
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