Well the bike has been fitted with the panniers and rack top bag. It is amazing just how much additional weight these add before they are loaded with cloths, tools, pumps etc. I am surprised just how little they affect the bike once your on the move though if you try to lift the back end up in a moment of madness you suddenly realise it is pretty heavy!

General maintenance has been completed and a planned 100 mile shakedown ride is planned next week. Should be interesting to see just how much difference the additional weight makes over the longer distances. To date the panniers have been used on rides up to 50 miles only.

We shall see.