panniers or tail pack

I've got the Oxford Humpback tail pack and highly rate it, however it makes getting on and off the bike a bit of a pain and takes up the back seat. I plan to buy the magnetic base and put it on the tank. So I'd go panniers on the rear, good tank bag on the front, cargo net for rear seat and/or rucksack...

I have a Oxford tail pack.
Not sure what model, but velcro's under the seat.
I find it very useable, use it to store my bottoms and helmet(tight squeeze) when i am at college.
Can fit a small padlock through the zips, no someone cant open it.
But anyone with a knive could easily tear it open, but the padlocks just to deter the oppertunist theive.

Find it a bit of a pain getting on and off the bike when fully expanded, but better than not having anything to put my gear in.
Rate it quite highly for £30.

Well it's comming up on the year since doing the trip.

Panniers were useful, but a total pain in the fitting department.

Plus, the oxford rain cover seam ripped on one, half way down the A1, so a total of about 3 hours riding in fine weather. NOT IMPRESSED.

The Mini magnetic tank bag with map pocket was excellent. For £19 an absolute bargain.

After leaving London, halfway down to Limoges, I found my back was starting to get really sore. The trip back was a one day shot from Chalus to London. Just in time for a pint at my brothers local in Dulwich. Best pint ever!

We went the north road across out of Calais along the coast towards Dieppe, then to Fecamp and on to Le Havre. Cracking route, great roads. Brother was on his R6, the SV was so easy in the twisties by comparison to the Jap-4.

Would I do it again...... absolutely. I reckon I might just split the journey up some more and take my time. All in it was about 1100 miles each way.

Brilliant!!

[timwilky]

Originally Posted by Cam_73

Well it's comming up on the year since doing the trip.

Panniers were useful, but a total pain in the fitting department.

Plus, the oxford rain cover seam ripped on one, half way down the A1, so a total of about 3 hours riding in fine weather. NOT IMPRESSED.

Par for the course I am afraid. Most who own Oxford panniers have experienced a loud flapping noise behind them and discover a shredded cover when they stop

[markryker]

Originally Posted by saoralba

Rate it quite highly for £30.

+1 cant moan at the price, and does store quite a bit

My oxford panniers are great, but the rain covers were useless. Water got in thrown up from the back wheel, and soaked all my stuff-not ideal on a 3 day camping trip.

Am doing the same trip again this year and have invested in a topbox.

Shona

Highly recommend a Paisley Briefcase liberally accessorised with sticky tape!