I searched the forum but couldn't find any answers to this question

Lots of people post pictures of their cross country set ups but I can't tell if they're using supports or not. I know on other bikes I've seen DIY rigs and ebay has factory made sets for $30. I'll just make some if they're necessary. I'm really looking forward to some cross country time I ordered these $60 shipped.

 

do you have a fender eliminator? you def shouldn't need support if you do. if you've got a FE then it could go either way - you can probably get by, it may not be 'optimum' but i don't think it should be 'necessary'.

 

How do they attach to the bike?


Just curious, uncage, why would the fender eliminator make a difference?

 

Mount them, load them and see how they hang.
Often the soft-side tend to sag into the wheel.
Sucks to get to your destination and find you've
friction-burned a hole in your bags.
(better chance w/o fender, hence uncage's comment, I assume).

Ern

 

Yep, I've got an undertail kit. I'll see how they hang I guess. I was afraid maybe they would damage the fairings or something without the supports.

 

the f4i has a decent enough amount of plastic on the tail that you may be able to shorten up the straps under the seat so they don't hang down/out as far and use the tail fairing to help hold them up. but yeah, basically as Ern pointed out.