How possible is it to attach saddle bags to a full suspension mountain bike?

Question

I have seen it done with an owner modified rack. How possible is this in general though?

Answer 1

There are suspension-specific front low-rider racks available through a number of sources. The rear gets a little trickier and even more so if you have disc brakes.



There are also additional difficulties if you have a Y-frame or similar.



One work-around is to use a seatpost rack. There are ones made to work with saddlebags. Keep in mind that this is "sprung" weight and will affect your suspension. Most of these racks also have a weight limit of 20-25 lbs. This is fine for carrying snacks, clothing, jackets, etc., but not ideal for carrying camping gear or other heavy items. You can probably get away with this if you put some of the smaller, heavier items in the low-rider front panniers and the lighter, bulkier items in the rear.