Hi all,
forgot to add, shortly after the last post, i choose to give the QL-2
versions a try, and exchanged the ql-1's. it's been quite
a few months and they have been just fine.
i am happy with the choice. thank those of you that gave me
answers, independent of the bulletin board, like Robin, and
others, on the decision. Many people thought the QL-2, were
a tiny bit more complex, but the consensus was to go with whatever
version i felt comfortable with. I think the only main complaint
was, that if one used the shims to adjust for added space resulting
in different rack component diameters, they could come loose.
one person had simply super-glued the shims in permanently.
i simply haven't used the shims.
on a long cross country tour i might find the shims would minimalize noise,
but that i don't even notice in my noisey across-los angeles commuting.
possibly those perferring the QL1 system on the classic panniers, as
opposed to the newer "plus" versions, are used to a simpler easier
functioning, that is, the once one becomes accustomed to the QL1's, the QL-2 system on the more recent "plus" models, BY COMPARISON, seems
more complex, more things to catch, or get hung up.
since i never became used to the classics, perhaps that
is why the QL2's, at this point, seem to function without problem.
my own conclusion, at this point, novice as i am, is that they both
are good options. on the "plus" model, i enjoy the very light
weight material. although there is something odd and endearing
and very substantial looking about the classic "rubbery" material,
i actually needed my panniers, (i bought the black back-roller plus models),
to get dirty and blend in, as they do, to avoid being conspicuous.
looking too shiney and new can result in theft in the more difficult areas of downtown los angeles. the more "fabric" like feel of the plus material,
gets "nice and dusty looking", and does not stand out.
i think i mentioned on a different post, that due to the unfamiliarity of
Americans with the Thorn, a bicycle on either side of mine was stolen
in a planned hit at my building, and my Thorn Nomad was left untouched.
I must admit I let it get dirty and do not at all mind the nicks and scratches,
and how beat up it looks, compared to the pictures i posted here, under,
member's gallery, when new.
the deterrent to theft might also be the huge expensive chain lock,
i bought, ... On Guard brand, i think. (expensive, and weighs as much as the bike, or feels like it does.),
and that deters theft and, ironically, nicks up the bike, causing the
perfect anti-theft combo.
(when i know i am going to be riding with no need to lock my bike in
a vulnerable place, then i leave the big chain locked to the rack, and
carry a light weight lock. the bike suddenly feels VERY light, minus
the huge lock, and it's a fun change.
i bet you all think, besides being a novice, that i'm totally crazy.
procyon.
