Hello

After completing our first longer distance (credit card) cycle tour, we're committed to annual trips  from New Zealand to Europe for as long as we can do so. Our bikes, with panniers, are wintering over in Lausanne, from where we will pick them up next July. And we intend to finish next year's tour in London. 

My question is, does anyone have a good idea for transporting clothing to/from the bikes, ie one-way, light but strong, disposable or foldable bags? Other than cramming everything into a backpack as cabin allowance? I'd rather not even transport even a backpack on my bike when touring, if possible.

In the past, we have used Zurich as a base, using a friend's cellar for bag storage while cycling. But from now on, we intend to do more point-to-point trips.

Cheers

Robyn

I'm going to give you a couple of examples of strong, zippered, lightweight, and inexpensive bags we have used to transport panniers and other luggage in while flying. The bottom example comes in many sizes.

Do you have an Ikea near you, or is it possible to order from Ikea where you live? https://www.amazon.com/Ikea-Frakta-Storage-Extra-Large/dp/B00OS47EDK/ref=sr_1_6?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhd_NlZek5QIVishkCh3RUwuOEAAYASAAEgKZ3fD_BwE&hvadid=241644129274&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9033153&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=1445636065137651905&hvtargid=kwd-1556070868&hydadcr=26614_9892224&keywords=ikea+bags&qid=1571345781&sr=8-6  Also, bags of this type (sometimes striped, sometimes plaid) are found all over the world in varying sizes. https://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Checkered-Laundry-Handles-between/dp/B00ZJHU4L4 

But be aware of the permitted dimensions for carry on luggage.

Mike

Agreed, Mike. The second bags I show come in several sizes, some small enough for carryon. The Ikea bag is too large (but great for carrying panniers and tents and such in checked baggage).

Hi Robyn,
You might check out this 40-litre duffel from Sea to Summit:

https://seatosummitusa.com/col...

I've used Sea to Summit drybags, as well as some of their other ultralight silicon/nylon products, and have found them to be of very high quality.  I haven't used this particular duffel, but a fellow cycle-tourer on another site highly recommends it.  I'm considering purchasing one for a tour next year.

Not sure if these products are available in NZ. You might have to order it from a retailer in the U.S., or directly from Sea to Summit.

Hope that's useful.

Cheers,  John

I altered a set of Ortlieb City Panniers. Basically  replaced the rolldown system for a drawstring cinch opening and fashioned a H2O proof cap to seal the top. This expanded the volume to just under the international carry-on limits. We bought the Ortlieb backpack conversion units for walking to and from.  One for me and one for MJ. They worked fine for the World Cup matches in Paris and Lyon, a four day ride in the Ardèche and 5 days in the Loire Valley. Plus after MJ flew home to Portland,

I rode across northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela del Norte. That and small H2O proof shoulder bag, which I added some hardware to function as a handlebar bag was the sum total of my luggage. 

Both of these look like really good options, thanks Andrea. I particularly like the IKEA ones. Many thanks. 

Good point. Ideally would like bag to be strong enough to be checked in and light enough to be squashed into bottom of pannier bag for duration of ride. 

Hi John.  I'm in China right now which is maybe why my phone is reluctant to load that US website )-:

But will do so when I can...sounds an interesting option.

Cheers 

Robyn

Wow, that is a nifty conversion!

We have panniers left behind in Switzerland so more looking for an intermediary way of transporting stuff.

But also impressed at how light you travel. And I didn't know about the backpack conversion option. Might be something for the future. 

Cheers

Robyn