Dowco 3-Piece Value Luggage Kit

By Sean from St. Louis, MO on 09/18/2007

Pros: This entire set costs just a few dollars more than an individual bag that more features. This set includes quite a few rubber-coated straps which allow the bags to mounted easily. The saddle bags come with protective flaps with the typical felt-rubber on one side and a heat-resistant fabric on the other. This allows the bags to be used with bikes that have side exhaust or under-seat exhaust. The tank bag and tail bag include integral raincovers. All bags are constructed of waterproof nylon.

Cons: Bags are smaller then I expected and offer no expandability. None of the bags have exterior pockets. The velco closure on each bag is difficult (or impossible) to close when the bags are packed full. The saddle bags do not come with rain covers. The tank bag is strap mounted, not magnetic. This means you can't just rip the bag off the tank when you're at your destination. Additionally, the strap that wraps around the handlebars is not conducive to quick installation. This is fine for long trips; but on frequent, short trips it is bothersome.

The model name says it all, these are a low cost item, but not completely without frills. I purchased them for a weekend trip and they served me quite well for the trip, though I had to leave a few extra items at home because they would not fit. I normally use the tank bag and tail bag on my daily commute, but have consolidated this down to the tail bag because the strap-mounted tank bag is annoying to re-install once it is removed. Overall, I would say this a good set of bags for someone who plans on only using the entire set for weekends or shorter trips where the bags will rarely be removed from the bike. For those riders looking for a good set to satisfy daily use or commuting, I would look for another set of bags with more options and expandability.

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