FAQ: Can you attach panniers (bicycle bags) to the Mundo?
With the extensibility of the Mundo carrier racks (provided in large part by the triangular tubing array), you can attach a multitude of bags to the Mundo racks via a variety of methods. This being said, traditional panniers that utilize a hard plastic clip as the primary mounting device may not work ‘out-of-the-box’ with the Mundo carriers. This is because most pannier brackets are designed to fit bars up to 16mm in diameter. The Mundo carrier’s tubing is 20mm.
Unlike a traditional bicycle with a standard cycling-grade pannier rack, the Mundo was designed primarily as a utility hauler with high load capacity, accommodating the widest possible array of load types. 16mm tubing did not provide the necessary strength to meet the specifications that Yuba set for the bike (440 pound capacity). Subsequently, they needed to utilize a more robust tube. Yuba could have used 16mm tubing, but panniers were not the primary target for the company’s load type specification. Above all else, the Mundo had to function primarily as a heavy-duty hauler. As a side benefit, the 20mm tubing contributes to the Mundo’s overall supple ride.
This being said, Ortlieb is soon to release a 20mm option that will enable their QL System brackets to work with larger diameter tubing. Of course, if you don’t want to use the QL System, you can always utilize Ortlieb’s superb motorcycle saddle bags, which attach via Velcro and tension straps. Additionally, Yuba is getting ready to release a universal bag conversion kit, which will enable a variety of bags to attach easily to the Mundo frame with little modification. Lastly, one of our customers simply strapped a single 14mm carbon rod to the left top bar of the Mundo top carrier; this bar then became the attachment point for their panniers (Ortlieb offers a oversized lower hook for the QL1 System that helps accommodate this setup). The Mundo loves DIY ingenuity!
As you can see, there are several options available now and more on there way. At the end of the day, the Mundo carriers provide huge carrying potential for a wide array of containers (bags, tubs, coolers, jugs, etc.). If you can dream it up, chances are it will likely work as a cargo container on the Mundo.
Please feel free to schedule a test ride, or an up-close-and-personal inspection of the Mundo to see if your bags will attach to the carrier.
Tags: bags, FAQs, Ortlieb, panniers