Pannier bag update, the ultimate hack!

[ramrezz425]

My 9.5 litre top bag is nearly 8" wide, the space between the panniers is 5". I had to smash the top case between the panniers, the backing plates on the panniers were bending from the strain. Rather than getting a wider rear rack or a narrower topcase I fashioned a riser out of unused bike pedals. Works great!
Now the topcase is 1" above the panniers clear of the pannier backing plates. This cost me $0.00.
I'm going to get some hose clamps from the auto parts store so they're anodized black to replace the heavy duty tie wraps holding the pedels to the rack. I guess I can call this "Mickey Mouse Engineering" but I'm happy...

 

[Aushiker]

Here in Australia, we would call that a MacGyver after MacGyver of the TV series.

 

[il Munduato]

Sorry... not the kinda thing I'd be proud of.
The uneven surface of the pedals will eventually wear a hole into the bottom of the bag. I would put a layer of protection over it...
But even better I would just start with something more appropriate like a block of wood or a layer of dense foam.
Or you could double up on something like this to get the correct height.

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-anti-fatigue-foam-mat-set-94635.html

 

[ramrezz425]

Yeah, I felt that way too, kind of a "ghetto fix". But my thinking too is with these red nylon pedals I just switched out if they ever snap off on the road I have spare petals underneath the bag. The bag has a hard surface underneath it to protect it from deformation, plus it's one of those Chinese bags which can be replaced cheap.