Your new bike is superb – just what you wanted. But anything mass-produced will be a compromise – why put up with that? Instead, make your bike yours. Whether it’s brand new, or used but new to you, there will be room for improvement and personalisation.
Commuters and adventurers may want panniers. Our aim here is not to replace the instructions, or indeed your common sense, but to offer some supplementary advice based on years of experience – and countless mistakes. For now, here are some choice parts that will help you bring your bike closer to perfection in pursuit of your best ever summer on two wheels.
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| Even if you’re a man, check the instructions. All pannier racks are slightly different: some use the original bolts, some new ones and some have to be put together in a certain order. Check everything’s there - don’t wait to get half way through to find something’s missing. |
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| It’s essential to use the right bolt for the job. M8 x 35 means a bolt has an 8mm diameter and a 35mm long shaft. An M6 x 20 is 6mm wide, with a 20mm shaft. |
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| Put all the pieces on loosely before you start torquing up all the bolts. This allows all the elements to get in the right position and you can get everything square. |
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| Once you’re happy use a torque wrench to tighten all the bolts up. The instructions will give you the right settings for the different bolts. |
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| Threadlock is essential on jobs like this. It gives the bolt a little more security and yet is not as strong as superglue, so you can undo them if you ever need. Doesn’t require a lot, just a small bead around half to two-thirds down will be enough. |
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| With the rack fitted the boxes can go on. The fittings have to be tight to prevent them rattling on the rack but this makes it really hard to fit. A little WD-40 allows it all to go together more easily without any problems. While you’re at it give the backs of the cases a smear, too. |