| Comparisons. |
Touratech
Hard Panniers |
Andy Strapz
Soft Expedition Pannierz. |
| Capacity |
35 and 41 litres |
2 x 35 litres. |
| Cost |
A lot. |
A little. |
| Weight |
The frames and panniers are very
heavy. |
Much, much lighter. |
| Bike handling |
The centre of the frames is behind
the rear axle. The panniers weight therefore acts as a lever so lightening
the front end.
|
The centre of the panniers is in front of the
rear axle.
The better handling was immediately apparent and feels far better. |
| Waterproofness |
Originally yes but after a while
no.
They leak for two reasons:
- around the top seal because the lids are distorted.
- through gaps between the bottom and sides. When I discarded them
I could put my fingers through the gap which extended half way around
the bottom. |
Waterproof inner liners inside wax covered commercial
lorry canvas. |
| Security |
Lockable with one key.
Upgraded locks fitted by Overland Solutions. |
Difficult to make lockable but I don't see this
as a problem. |
| Robustness |
The aluminium cracks and distorts.
The panniers were rewelded twice but cracked again. |
Commercial truck canvas is tough. |
| Cleanliness |
The aluminium covers everything
in a fine black dust which can only be avoided by anodising or sticky
back plastic internal liners. |
The inner liners keep everything clean. |
| Mounting |
Only using the Touratech frames.
The frames have cracked a few times.
|
Throwevers only require a light frame to keep
them away from the exhaust. |
| Crashes. |
The strength of the frame transfers
all the crash impact to the rear subframe.
My subframe is now about 5cm off centre. |
The soft luggage absorbs impacts and doesn't
distort the subframe. |
