F.A.Q. BAKKIE CYCLES
Here we've answered some of the questions you've already asked us about our bags.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you can't find the answer you're looking for!
- How do the Bakkie & Bakkie light panniers attach to the luggage rack?
- Can the Bakkies be attached to the luggage rack?
- How do I carry a guitar on my bike?
- Are straps included with the panniers?
- Is my luggage rack compatible with the Bakkies?
- My bike has small wheels. Can I still use the Bakkies?
- What are the differences between Bakkie and Bakkie Light?
- Why Evo?
HOW DO BAKKIE & BAKKIE LIGHT ATTACH TO THE LUGGAGE RACK?
Both the Bakkie pannier and the Bakkie light rack are fastened by two straps passed around the top of the rack.
The two straps are adjustable to suit the diameter of the carrier tube, even on the very large tubes of some bikes that make hook fastening impossible.
On electric bikes with the battery in the rack, it's sometimes impossible to use the mounting hooks found on many touring panniers. No problem with Bakkies: you can remove the battery to install the pannier, then put it back on. The Bakkie is then secured to the luggage rack.
This simple system can also be used to attach the pannier to the body of a cargo bike, to the handlebars of a folding bike, or anywhere else where it's needed!
CAN THE BAKKIES BE ATTACHED TO THE LUGGAGE RACK?
By default, there is no system for holding the pannier against the luggage rack, for two reasons:
- The pannier support consists of two layers of fabric enclosing a foam panel. This padding protects your fragile cargo from the aggressive parts of the luggage rack (a guitar case, for example) and avoids the noise it might generate when banging against the rack. It's no big deal if the pannier swings away from the bike on a little bump, so it's all done in silence!
- The additional straps supplied allow this to be done if necessary, in the case of a very high object that could topple over the luggage rack, for example.
However, a chain of straps on the bike-side rack allows you to add a Velcro-type fastener, colson collar or similar, to be passed through the uprights of the luggage rack.
How do I transport a guitar by bike?
Carrying your guitar on your bike in its bag or case is easy with Bakkies panniers. The guitar is placed vertically in the rack, with a strap holding the body against the bike at the bottom and another holding the neck at the top.
The padding of the rack prevents any bolts or protruding parts of the carrier from punching into the body of the instrument.
The support's adjustment straps both adjust the height of the guitar against the luggage rack and absorb much of the shock and vibration transmitted by the bike.
ARE THE STRAPS INCLUDED WITH THE BAGS?
Yes, you'll receive your Bakkie or Bakkie light with 3 straps (40, 60 and 90 cm) stored in their own pocket (under the reflective logo).
To differentiate them, the seams are in different colors.
IS MY LUGGAGE RACK COMPATIBLE WITH BAKKIES?
Bakkies can be fitted to any type of luggage rack, but as with any pannier, you don't want it to get in the way of your pedaling.
As this depends on the bike, the rack, your shoe size and your pedaling style, it's difficult to give an answer for everyone ;-)
MY BIKE HAS SMALL WHEELS, CAN I STILL USE THE BAKKIES?
From 20 inches upwards, no problem. Below that, as on a Brompton, they're likely to rub the ground at the slightest bend.
In this case, however, it's possible to install them on the handlebars, as they are very high in relation to the wheel. Be careful with the load in this case: when the front of the bike is weighed down and the load turns with the handlebars (as with a handlebar-mounted bicycle basket), this changes the bike's behavior, so test beforehand and be careful!
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BAKKIE AND BAKKIE LIGHT?
Both feature the same adjustable padded support and three additional straps.
The Bakkie also includes a roll-up bag and carrying handle.
WHY EVO ?
Bakkies and Bakkies light “Evo” are the second generation, replacing the previous one in March 2023.
What's changed?
- The large eyelet with its flap on the back of the pannier for passing through the anti-theft device has been replaced by a small eyelet at the top, easier to access, with an internal diameter of 13mm.
- The new buckles, which look almost identical to the previous ones, are not the same. This is why there are two strap kit references, both of which are unfortunately not compatible.
- A slat gusset has been added to the lower part of the bracket: if required, it can be used to integrate a slat to stiffen the lower part of the bracket in certain very specific cases.
- A chain of straps has been added to the rear of the bracket, enabling it to be secured to the luggage rack with a plastic collar or similar.