hat and beard
Maximum Pace
- Apr 3, 2012
- 437
- 516
1. eyelets: yes on my old artcycle commuter
http://item.rakuten.co.jp/artcycle/c/0000000249/
. I'm really not sure if the eyelets are for fenders or for racks. (it has 2 on each side on the rear, then 1 on each side on the front)
2. touring: just going out and exploring. minshuku or couch surfing would be nice, but i'd expect to be self sufficient with some gear shared between 2-3 friends..
I'm imagining to tour for a week or two at a time so.... I suppose I:m gonna need to carry tools, a tent(this can be shared with some mates), some food, and a change of clothes.
I just really have no idea how racks and panniers work together with each other in terms of compatibility.
I've always traveled with a backpack for 2-3 day trips (without tents).
The eyelets on the front are for fenders. The upper ones on the rear are presumably for a rack, but unless I'm missing something your bike doesn't have the normal braze-ons on the seat stays. Maybe it's supposed to be used with a rack that connects to the seatpost?
Anyhow, braze-ons aren't absolutely necessary. Clips like these can support heavy loads just fine.
Have a look at Nitto's racks. They're a bit pricey, but they will last you forever and work great with or without braze-ons. http://nitto-tokyo.sakura.ne.jp/carrier-E.html
I don't have any experience with panniers, but I use Nitto racks to carry quite a lot of weight in baskets and they work great.
Here's my braze-on-less touring solution... Baskets and water proof stuff bags work great for quick tours. I can carry a small tent, sleeping bag, inflatable mat, a change of clothes and basic cooking supplies on this.