The Jake looks like it's got the pannier lugs... I'm not sure. You can buy an inexpensive clamp if the frame doesn't have them. I used the clamp thing to hold the pannier rack on an old ten speed for my first trip out east and had few problems. Just one more thing to keep tightened.

But these days I'd only buy a frame with lugs (unless I was buying an additional, dedicated racing bike.) I find panniers very useful even around the city. I hate backpacks now. There's a sweet yuppie-pannier/carrying case thing that I've been meaning to get for downtown use.

I decided I wanted a steel (chromoly) frame, but I think my aversion to aluminum was probably a little unwarranted. Aluminum gives you a lot more to choose from and it's practically replaced steel, which can cost more than aluminum nowadays.

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