Hi Steve,

The Zegas attach to a Touratech frame. The attachment system is such that you need exactly the right size frame.

I switched to soft panniers partly because I had to bring something back from UK to replace the Zegas and I could simply put soft panniers in a bag with the rest of my stuff. But I had been debating with myself for the previous 6 months whilst on the road about soft v hard. So many pros and cons. But what swung it for me is the amount of dirt road riding I've been doing. The metal panniers sit higher up (higher CofG). All the weight goes through the sub frame whereas soft panniers spread their weight across the pillion seat: when riding a lot on rough ground, I imagined all that stress on the sub-frame - and the aluminium on one pannier was starting to fatique and crack. I've dropped my bike plenty of times in the sand and mud, and had a couple of close calls nearly getting my leg trapped under the pannier. And unless I packed them REALLY precisely, something was always rattling inside. Stuff sacks were slowly wearing out from rubbing, and everything gets covered in black aluminium residue. And of course, I'd lost one hard pannier with all its contents because the attachment system failed, so that alone was reason enough to go for soft panniers and lots of heavy-duty straps!!

That said, hard panniers have obvious advantages which I miss. Much easier to just chuck stuff in and get things out whilst on the road. Great for sitting on or using as wind shields when camping. Easier to take on and off (but a pain in the ass to carry in and out of hostels). And more protection for you stuff inside when you drop the bike. And they provide a bit more security if you have to leave your bike.

If you are staying mainly on asphalt and good dirt roads, I'd go for hard. If you actively seek out every dirt road and crappy track going (I have an up-specced Tenere so I enjoy the rough stuff), soft is the way to go.

Might see you on the road. I'm still up in Cusco and need to head back to Titicaca to re-enter Peru and renew my visas. Then I'll be heading north.

Hope that helps!!!

Paul