For the best experience with your Cannier, the distance should neither be too big or too small. This distance is measured between the Cannier body, and any rack tube that wasn't used for the clamp. This is relevant around the height of the clamp, away from the hooks. Adjusting the distance (compensating the distance, to be correct) is not always necessary.

Watch this video to see when is adjustment recommended, and how to do it:

Why is there a distance between the Cannier body and the rack?

The third point of suspension provides a firm grip on the rack tube, and it also comes with a locking mechanism. The hardware for these simply takes up space.

Why do you need to adjust the distance?

When you load your Cannier, it might get pushed in around the quick release under the pressure of the load. If the distance between the Cannier body and the other rack tubes is ideal, then the Cannier can rest against the other tubes after being pushed in slightly around the quick release, and get extra support. If the distance is too big, then it could either get pushed in too much around the quick release before touching, or it might not touch at all and become a bit wobbly.

When do you NOT need to adjust the distance?

Whether you need to compensate for the distance or not, mainly depends on two things. One is the shape of the rack, the other is the size of the plastic can you used, or the load you plan to use it with.

Some racks come with a pannier support tube welded on the outside of the other tubes. For these panniers, the outer tube compensates for the distance, and you are all set, as long as you mount the clamp on one of the tubes on the inside. Check the photos below to identify this feature:

← no need to adjust

might need adjustment→

Pannier support tube welded on the outside of the other tubes.

Pannier support tube cut and welded in between the other tubes.

Only two tubes.

All tubes in one plane.

You also might not need to compensate for the distance if:

you chose plastic cans smaller than 20 liter
if you chose plastic cans bigger than 20 liter and planning to carry light loads (<5kg)
if you are using heavy duty plastic cans with thick walls

In these cases, the rigidity of the plastic can will not be challenged as much, and might not need another contact point. If this is your case, then try placing the quick release below the middle of the Cannier, to improve its stability.

Use the original handle of the plastic can

Cut the handle of the plastic can the way it is marked on the photo below. You can screw that piece of handle on the side of the plastic can to compensate for the excess space.

Mount the Cannier on the rack, and slide the piece of handle up and down on the side of it, in front of the rack tube you would like it to rest against. Ideally, the piece of handle should be mounted where there is a 5 mm distance between the rack tube and the piece of handle. If the piece of handle is not tall enough to fill the space sufficiently, you can try adding washers, or any kind of lightweight spacers.

Please avoid mounting the piece of handle where it touches the rack constantly. The idea is that the Cannier body (or the added piece of handle) only touches the rack tube when it is loaded, and is lifted off while it is empty.

If you are not in a hurry to finish the process, you could use your Cannier a few times to let it sit in before mounting the piece of handle.

Exception: If you make this for bicycle touring, where you will ride with your Cannier always loaded, then there is no need to leave that 5mm space, and the Cannier body may touch the rack tube all the time, and you can mount the piece of handle right away.

This one is used for tests, hence the extra holes.

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Step 6: Setting the distance between the Cannier body and the rack

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For the best experience with your Cannier, the distance should neither be too big or too small. This distance is measured between the Cannier body, and any rack tube that wasn't used for the clamp. This is relevant around the height of the clamp, away from the hooks. Adjusting the distance (compensating the distance, to be correct) is not always necessary.

Watch this video to see when is adjustment recommended, and how to do it:

Why is there a distance between the Cannier body and the rack?

The third point of suspension provides a firm grip on the rack tube, and it also comes with a locking mechanism. The hardware for these simply takes up space.

Why do you need to adjust the distance?

When do you NOT need to adjust the distance?

↓ Pannier support tube welded on the outside of the other tubes. No need to adjust.

↓ Pannier support tube cut and welded in between the other tubes. Might need adjustment.

↓ Only two tubes. Might need adjustment.

↓ All tubes in one plane. Might need adjustment.

You also might not need to compensate for the distance if:

you chose plastic cans smaller than 20 liter
if you chose plastic cans bigger than 20 liter and planning to carry light loads (<5kg)
if you are using heavy duty plastic cans with thick walls

Use the original handle of the plastic can

Cut the handle of the plastic can the way it is marked on the photo below. You can screw that piece of handle on the side of the plastic can to compensate for the excess space.

If you are not in a hurry to finish the process, you could use your Cannier a few times to let it sit in before mounting the piece of handle.

This one is used for tests, hence the extra holes.

previous step | back to overview | next step