salsa el Mariachi III set-up tinkering thoughts

[pedalad]

hello everyone, long time visitor, good to start contributing etc etc.

here she is. 2013 el mar III with jones 710 loop bar and revelate designs frame bag and gas tank bag. i had borrowed a seat post rack (4 bolt clamp style, no QR) with the intention of loading a 20l dry bag give or take for my sleeping bag and clothes. ignore the small light blue bag closest to the seat post, i was experimenting.

the problem is my center of gravity is undesirably high in the back. i need to get the bag down lower and closer to the seat post so. i was thinking i had two options.

1.) find another clamp style seat post rack that dips down a few inches, allowing my dry bag to snugly fit better under the seat and slightly above the back wheel. pros: save some money. also easier if doing work on back tire or drivetrain. cons: less weight capacity

b.) pop for the salsa rack (alternator standard i think oh, and the rack-lock seat post attachment) designed for panniers but rock the dry bag instead. try and take advantage of storing my longer rigid items on the rack as well, say tent poles for my BA Lynx Pass 1 or my pump.

has anyone used a salsa rack on their el mar or other 29r? i just hadn't budgeted that $100+ and was hoping to hear some thoughts. i think i'm leaning towards the salsa rack but...

thanks, and good to be here. officially.

[sherpaxc]

Screw the rack. Get a seat pack.

[bmike-vt]

Screw the rack. Get a seat pack.

Second that.

[pedalad]

hehe. fair enough. here's why I had ruled out the seatbag option, despite it being the general winner for long distance lightweight touring on moderate terrain.

the biggest issue was capacity. i've got buddies with the viscacha and it's sweet, i've done everything with em' but take em out for days, it's just not very big (6-14L).

also, i'm not entirely sold on the way the seat packs are positioned. when loading them, obviously you put the heaviest items in first, lowering the center of gravity... IMO the weight doesn't situate in an ideal spot. i think the rack sits lower and would handle cross winds a bit better.

that and i can use the rear rack as a fender. it should work as is, if needed i can line underneath the rack with some scrap plastic to limit wear and wetness on my dry bag.

so after a bit more research, (still can't nothing on the salsa racks, i'd love to hear from folks if they have any experience with 'em) I think it's either the revelate designs terrapin or stick to my guns and go salsa alternator rack. I do really like the looks of the terrapin harness system. there's not a whole lot about those out there either.

thanks for the help. cheers.

[ridebikeme]

I  agree with everyone else... get rid of the rack. A seat bag will also act like a fender as well, although I can't say that is one of the reasons I ride with one.  I generally can carry my stove, sleeping bag and floor for the tent in the bag... and have not had any issues.

Good luck with your decision....