Universal: Riding Bags/Luggage Thread

[splus]

Re: [UT]: Biking backpacks and Luggage Accessories.

[MENTION=18379]splus[/MENTION]- thanks a ton for that summary! I have zeroed in on the Rynox Optimus too and will get it soon.

There's simply nothing that comes close to the flexibility it offers- especially for carrying a lid, converting into a backpack. Also, if I get a plastic tanked bike in the future, I just have to swap the rear base with the suction cup one for 200 bucks extra (though a gearstore salesman also said the suction is not very effective)

I recently saw a Nelson Rigg tankbag at PRS and the quality was as good at the Rynox at best. Oh and it cost 8k!

Sent from my iPhone

Rynox tank bag is definitely really, really good. A class or even two above other Cramster-like tank bags.
I'll go for a trip on Monday so will finally try it and will report back.

The suction cups look like normal, slightly bigger, suction cups, but yes, the system doesn't "look" very confidence inspiring. However, I tried to put the bag on the tank to see how it fits, and then when I tried to lift it up it felt strongly stuck on the tank. So the suction cups look like they're holding really well.
On Monday I'll see how it holds during a ride and in high speed and I'll know for sure.
BUT, the bag also has loops at every corner, so it can be mounted like any other tank bag as well...

[albyjose]

Re: [UT]: Biking backpacks and Luggage Accessories.

How good is studds hard panniers?

http://www.studds.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ColID=435&itemID=432

Will the price includes the materials to fit it?
Can be fitted to any bike?
Does it have a lock?

[motor psycho]

Re: [UT]: Biking backpacks and Luggage Accessories.

Ordered a Viaterra Fly Camera/DSLR tankbag from their website yesterday night, since the product is not available at DSG or any other dealer in Navi Mumbai.

I own a DSLR and thought it would allow me to shoot much more easily, than to go back to the saddle bag every time. It contains straps to hold the camera in place and also a rain cover.

Total cost 2200 + 199 (shipping) = 2399 rupees paid via Credit Card.

Their shipping policy states "3-7 day shipping". Let's see how quickly I get it. Will post a complete review once I get my hands on it.

[albyjose]

Re: [UT]: Biking backpacks and Luggage Accessories.

How good is studds hard panniers?

http://www.studds.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ColID=435&itemID=432

Will the price includes the materials to fit it?
Can be fitted to any bike?
Does it have a lock?

Anyone using cramster turtle or colt?
I need some luggage carrier..don't know which way to head.
When using colt,can a pillion sit comfortably?Also which is easy to fix and remove?

[krish2778]

Re: [UT]: Biking backpacks and Luggage Accessories.

Anyone using cramster turtle or colt?
I need some luggage carrier..don't know which way to head.
When using colt,can a pillion sit comfortably?Also which is easy to fix and remove?

I am using turtle its a tank bag.
But personally i would suggest rynox optimus, works kewl.great quality and more capacity, unless you are going for really long tours, the optimus will hold most of your stuff without any problems.
Turtle is also stable even in heavy cross winds of TN i tested it, but honestly its outdated design and ergonomics could have been much improved, all of these points is taken into consideration in rynox


Cheers
Ride Safe
Krishna

[brad_desouza]

Re: [UT]: Biking backpacks and Luggage Accessories.

@splus- thanks a ton for that summary! I have zeroed in on the Rynox Optimus too and will get it soon.

There's simply nothing that comes close to the flexibility it offers- especially for carrying a lid, converting into a backpack. Also, if I get a plastic tanked bike in the future, I just have to swap the rear base with the suction cup one for 200 bucks extra (though a gearstore salesman also said the suction is not very effective)

I recently saw a Nelson Rigg tankbag at PRS and the quality was as good at the Rynox at best. Oh and it cost 8k!


Sent from my iPhone

I bought the Rynox Optimus S about a week ago. So far I'm extremely happy with it. I haven't got to testing it by riding with it fully loaded, mainly because I don't want it getting dirty in the monsoons here. But the storage capacity is the best in the price range. Fits my full face sparx helmet in easily. I've used my phone in the top transparent cover and the best part is the touch screen works through the transparent pocket cover too, which will make using google maps easy on long rides. The bag fits on the FZ tank pretty well and seems quite firm so far, using just the suction cups. Yes, you can convert it to a backpack, but to do that, you have to remove the base completely by unzipping it, which is a sort of inconvenience, but a work around is unzipping it just a little bit and 'one-strapping' it. I know this isn't really a detailed review of the bag, but I'm at work and don't have much time :-p Feel free to ask any specific questions though. Answers to price and stuff is easily available only and in this thread as well.

[DeVille]

Re: [UT]: Biking backpacks and Luggage Accessories.

[MENTION=18565]brad_desouza[/MENTION] thanks buddy! 1 query- with the bag expanded and full-face lid in, is there space to fit in anything else? I had tried it out at a store and IIRC there was no space leftover


Sent from my iPhone

[brad_desouza]

Re: [UT]: Biking backpacks and Luggage Accessories.

[MENTION=18565]brad_desouza[/MENTION] thanks buddy! 1 query- with the bag expanded and full-face lid in, is there space to fit in anything else? I had tried it out at a store and IIRC there was no space leftover


Sent from my iPhone

Unfortunately not much can fit after the helmet is in. Just small stuff like rags, charger, small water bottle, etc. Basically small items that can fit inside or around the helmet after its in. And also whatever you can get into the three small pockets outside thr main one.

Sent from my GT-I9082 using Tapatalk 2

[splus]

Re: [UT]: Biking backpacks and Luggage Accessories.

[MENTION=18565]brad_desouza[/MENTION] thanks buddy! 1 query- with the bag expanded and full-face lid in, is there space to fit in anything else? I had tried it out at a store and IIRC there was no space leftover

Sent from my iPhone

I've used my Optimus S few days ago on my Duke in 280 km trip, partially in incredibly heavy rain and am about to use it now in half an hour to trip to Bangalore.

The front suction parts can't really stick on Duke's tank because the front part of the tank splits, and the suction parts can't "grab" properly. It's almost but not fully. BUT, it's not a problem because I can use a provided strap, which I put around the cone, very easy to put, and the bag sits perfectly in that case. For any other bike suction thing should be ok.
Rear suction parts stick perfectly, and they stick and stick, they won't go off by themselves no matter what!
I used the bag fully loaded and expanded in Armaggedon kind of rain and it was good, not a bit wet in any part except just slightly (few drops) at the bottom part that lies on the tank. Which I'm not surprised at all, it would be the case with any other bag, rain was long and incredibly strong with strong wind, and the cover can't protect the bottom part from rain going under the bag. But I had a bed sheet at the bottom wrapped in plastic bag (good practice I've learned through experience, plastic bags rock!) so it wasn't an issue.

The only issue I have is zippers are weak, so you have to watch when you zip because sometimes they won't actually zip. Zippers aren't bad quality, but the bag flap, cover and the walls of the bag are of very sturdy material, which is just too strong for that zipper.
IMO, Rynox would have been better off if they fitted stronger but not water proof zippers. There's a perfect water proof cover with transparent top for rain, do no need for zippers to be water proof...
But this is a minor niggle considering all.

Overall - a fantastic bag! A fantastic value for money as well, despite its higher Rs 3k price.
Oh, and btw, it's super easy and convenient to unzip the bottom suction part and put it in the bag, and voila - you have a regular proper backpack!

About the helmet - yes, can't fit much around the helmet because the bag is rounded at its rear (or top) part. But there is some space. However, you'd have to be careful not to damage the visor when you pack.
But, I think you would be able to put surprisingly more than you think inside the helmet, if you pack it nicely.

[brad_desouza]

Re: [UT]: Biking backpacks and Luggage Accessories.

Ok, so here is my somewhat 'review' of the Rynox Optimus S.

I took it for a 60km ride today in the non-stop rain. I had the rain cover on of course (which comes with the bag). The rain cover kept 99% of the bag totally dry. The only 1% that got wet was the base of the bag which isn't covered by the cover. But according to me this is totally acceptable as there is the base that got wet which is water proof, so water doesn't get into the bag, plus this base (on which the suction cups are fixed) is removable so even if water DOES get through this base, there is another water proof base (the actual base of the bag). Btw, everything inside the bag, bag included remained 100% dry. One thing I didn't like about the rain cover was that though the top is transparent, the sides are black, which of course looks good, but it blocks the sides of the actual bag which has reflective material on it - kind of important in the rains when visibility is low - small negative point, personal opinion.

The removable base is made so for two reasons - 1) You can swap the suction cup base and replace it with a magnetic base for some 200 - 350 rupees. 2) To use this bag as a back pack, the suction cup base has to be completely removed so that the two straps can be removed from the pouch they are in and clipped on to the D Rings to form a back pack.

While riding I used the transparent top cover to hold my phone. Even through the top cover AND the rain cover, I was still able to use the touch screen. This would be extremely helpful for those of us who use Google maps. Also, I had my headphones connected to the phone and was listening to music while it was left in the bag. I see no reason why I won't also be able to charge my phone simultaneously once I get my charger fitted back on to the bike after the monsoons.

Now about how I loaded the bag - That wasn't very good, but it was also a test of how well it held on even though the load wasn't evenly balanced. I put my big, bulky company laptop in diagonally, because of its dimensions, it couldn't fit in straight. I think its 15.6". So yea, it fit in the bag, but diagonally. Along that I had a few chargers, cables, mouse, book, pen, few plastic packets to store my wet rain coat and just as a precaution in case water got into the bag, keys, wallet, small tiffin. I guess alot more would have gone in if the laptop would have gone in properly. Yeah, so point I was trying to make, was even though it wasn't loaded very well (the bag was sort of slanting because of the diagonally placed laptop, even if kept on the table or floor, not just when mounted to the bike), the suction cups held it firmly in place and didn't even slip once. It would be important to mention that the laptop is quite heavy, and add to that even the weight of all other stuff, the bag still held on firmly.

Summary:

Pros - Good storage space; good quality of material; reflective material for added safety (larger reflective strip is visible when used as tail bag); waterproof; base can be swapped for a magnetic base if required in the future for only about 200- 350 rupees; can be used as a backpack, suction cups hold onto the tank firmly; does not come in the way of the switches even in tight turns (some bags cause the horn button to be pressed when handle is completely turned in), this didn't happen even with the bag fully expanded; the bag can be easily removed at a petrol pump and placed on the seat while filling fuel

Cons - I guess it could be considered expensive if compared to other bags, but I would say its worth it; doesn't hold my laptop - of course this is a personal opinion and anyway I didn't buy this bag to hold my laptop, it just would have been an added advantage;

PS: You also get straps with the bag to secure it even more firmly if you're not comfortable with using just the suction cups. These straps are also for securing it to the rear seat if you want to use it as a tail bag. You also get 3 rynox stickers and a rynox key chain with the bag which i thought was pretty cool.

[splus]

Re: [UT]: Biking backpacks and Luggage Accessories.

Ok, so here is my somewhat 'review' of the Rynox Optimus S.

I took it for a 60km ride today in the non-stop rain. I had the rain cover on of course (which comes with the bag). The rain cover kept 99% of the bag totally dry. The only 1% that got wet was the base of the bag which isn't covered by the cover. But according to me this is totally acceptable as there is the base that got wet which is water proof, so water doesn't get into the bag, plus this base (on which the suction cups are fixed) is removable so even if water DOES get through this base, there is another water proof base (the actual base of the bag). Btw, everything inside the bag, bag included remained 100% dry. One thing I didn't like about the rain cover was that though the top is transparent, the sides are black, which of course looks good, but it blocks the sides of the actual bag which has reflective material on it - kind of important in the rains when visibility is low - small negative point, personal opinion.

While riding I used the transparent top cover to hold my phone. Even through the top cover AND the rain cover, I was still able to use the touch screen. This would be extremely helpful for those of us who use Google maps. Also, I had my headphones connected to the phone and was listening to music while it was left in the bag. I see no reason why I won't also be able to charge my phone simultaneously once I get my charger fitted back on to the bike after the monsoons.

Summary:

Pros - Good storage space; good quality of material; reflective material for added safety (larger reflective strip is visible when used as tail bag); waterproof; base can be swapped for a magnetic base if required in the future for only about 200- 350 rupees; can be used as a backpack, suction cups hold onto the tank firmly; does not come in the way of the switches even in tight turns (some bags cause the horn button to be pressed when handle is completely turned in), this didn't happen even with the bag fully expanded; the bag can be easily removed at a petrol pump and placed on the seat while filling fuel

Cons - I guess it could be considered expensive if compared to other bags, but I would say its worth it; doesn't hold my laptop - of course this is a personal opinion and anyway I didn't buy this bag to hold my laptop, it just would have been an added advantage;

PS: You also get straps with the bag to secure it even more firmly if you're not comfortable with using just the suction cups. These straps are also for securing it to the rear seat if you want to use it as a tail bag. You also get 3 rynox stickers and a rynox key chain with the bag which i thought was pretty cool.

Nice review.
I'll add little more about Optimus S since I rode my bike for 250 km today with it. Everything was perfect. 50 km was in rain WITHOUT rain cover and with my phone and Google Maps as navigation in the transparent pocket.
Yes, touch screen works perfectly and it's really convenient to have a tank bag where you can easily use your phone with.

It rained for 50 km but those water proof zippers are pretty good! No zippers are 100% water proof but there was just tiny bit of rain that got in along the zipper line, literally few drops.
So, even if you're stuck in rain without the bag rain cover you'll be pretty much ok.

Overall - very happy with the bag!
I'd say it's much better VFM than some other tank bags that cost 1000 rupees less.

[albyjose]

Re: [UT]: Biking backpacks and Luggage Accessories.

Are cramster colt saddlebags pillion friendly?
Do the flaps go under or above the seat?

[siddharthmalik]

Re: [UT]: Biking backpacks and Luggage Accessories.

Yes please do inform if there are any pilion friendly saddlebags. Or if there are any such options available .

[xtremevicky]

Re: [UT]: Biking backpacks and Luggage Accessories.

I am looking for a saddlebag.

I will be using it with my 200NS.

Budget is 2.5-3K.

[anilp]

Re: [UT]: Biking backpacks and Luggage Accessories.

Try the Viaterra Claw. There are quite a few threads with its reviews.