Heym

Just got my RD07 AT (finally)! I'm looking at pannier options, and I'm thinking about getting the Ortlieb Saddle bags. The problem is that I have just discovered how hot the AT exhaust gets (the burn in the bottom of my overtrousers is testimony to this).

Are the ortliebs really an option, or do I need to go with metal boxes. I'm planning on doing a fair amount of offroading (Africa ).

Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Adam

The Ortliebs are very good bag, but, ideally, they need a rack to both support them and keep them clear of the exhaust. My Dommie had them when I bought it and a very good set they were too. I only took them off because I'm a fan of hard panniers and a set came up on eBay just before I left.

There's any amount of info/debate if you do some searches, and the AMH is very good on this topic, and everything else. for that matter.

Regards, Mick

I would suggest to read the recent discussion about:

Ortlieb panniers or andy strapz expedition pannierz?
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...pedition-37247

one tip, the Ortieb's made out of thinner materiel and I managed to rip a bag... well Ortlieb sales a repair kit with glue and patches in a collection of several colourers ............. creating a funny spotty patchwork after a few crashes....
About the exhaust heat..... well it's a problem with Ortlieb's !
If you find some heat resistant F1-material (cost some £36 a qm but good) you can cover the place on the bag to protect it from melting away. (ask Kim at All Wheel Trim Ltd. index + he makes engine coveres for the F1-circus if you need this heat resistance fabric)
This means the best way is to cover the whole firm foam back on one side.....

I know there are not may companies who make soft bags for bikes, but it's well worth to avoid any additional weight especially going off-road.
If you drop your bike and you end up having a limp trapped under a soft-bag, well not to bad, but a hard-box.... may not as healthy.....
May consider a MOD-Rucksack type of baggage, no more than 50 to 70Lt size, strapped on top of the parcel carrier or a big pack roll........ well I found out that if I drop my bike or have to push it in some situations, that a hard-box or "Ordlieb" gets in my way... a rucksack is easy taken off just by undoing the strap's.

take care
spooky

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Thanks Spooky and Mick.

yeah, I agree with the reasons for the soft bag (weight, ease of removal etc). The bikes been fitted with a non-standard Remus can which really sticks out, and gets incredibly hot. I'll have a look at the AMH about advice for racks. In fact, I'll see about getting some photos taken and put here, might be able to make things clearer.