Anyone used these panniers?

[Debian]

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Deuter_Rack_Pack_Uni_Panniers/5360013310/

(Deuter Rack Uni)

I currently use a rucksack on my commute but I think some paniers would be a better bet. These seem cheap and generally get good reviews on Wiggle.

I'd be interested in the comments of any CC'er who's used them. Any good? Easy to take off and put on? Durable, etc...

I know there'll be arguments in favour of Ortleib etc but these are 1/3rd the price and I only have a 7 mile commute to use them on so I don't need something suitable for a round the world tour. Value for money is more the name of my game.

Thanks.

 

[irc]

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Deuter_Rack_Pack_Uni_Panniers/5360013310/

(Deuter Rack Uni)

I currently use a rucksack on my commute but I think some paniers would be a better bet. These seem cheap and generally get good reviews on Wiggle.

I'd be interested in the comments of any CC'er who's used them. Any good? Easy to take off and put on? Durable, etc...

I know there'll be arguments in favour of Ortleib etc but these are 1/3rd the price and I only have a 7 mile commute to use them on so I don't need something suitable for a round the world tour. Value for money is more the name of my game.

Thanks.

Haven't used them but used other cheap panniers for commuting and a few short tours. They will do the job. For 7 miles it's unlikely even the waterproofing will be a problem. When I upgraded to Ortliebs the advantages I gained were they were waterproof in all day rain and were much more easily put on and removed from the bike. Neither really matters for a commuter. I tended to leave my pannier on the commuter bike and carry any kit in a plastic bag to avoid taking it on and off the bike.

On the other hand if two small panniers would be enough capacity for you then Spa Cycles do CARRADICE CarraDry Front Panniers for £50, not much more cash but a step up in quality.

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s74p763

 

[Debian]

Thanks irc.

Space is what I do need. I have to carry a laptop, large wallet full of software CDs,an A4 file or two, change of clothes, rain jacket and sundry bits and pieces. Bulky stuff.

 

[HJ]

My experience is that you can have cheap or durable but you don't get both. For every day use you need durable and cheap, therefore is not good value. Buy cheap buy twice (or more).

 

[Debian]

My experience is that you can have cheap or durable but you don't get both. For every day use you need durable and cheap, therefore is not good value. Buy cheap buy twice (or more).

I agree in general. But there's durable and there's durable. A challenger tank is durable but commuting in one would be overkill, a mini is more than adequate. In the same way it's surely possible that a lower cost item can be adequately hard wearing and that's what I'm trying to ascertain. If I bought these and had to replace in five years time then for me that is OK.

As an illustration, about three years ago I bought a dirt cheap canvas pannier set from Lidl, it cost £10 and is an all in one design of two panniers + a rack top bag. I thought that, for a tenner it's worth a try and it was. I still have it, it's been used regularly for the past three years including for rough cross country use. It now looks filthy and battered but it's still perfectly usable. So, I'm thinking that if Lidl can do this then surely something costing four times as much must be reasonably good?

I think I've sort of answered my own question now

 

[HelenD123]

These seem to be the type which have hooks at the bottom so just make sure your rack has something to hook it onto. It would be a false economy otherwise as you'll have to buy a new rack! I'm sure they'll be fine for what you need.

 

[skrx]

I have some cheap (£12) panniers, and they've been fine for weekly use. Some costing £34 will surely be OK for what you want.

Mine attach with awkward velcro straps, so I leave them attached to the bike. I recently saw a "bike lock" for £1 in Poundland which I bought to lock the panniers to the bike for a little extra deterrent.

I carry a heavy bike lock in them much of the time, plus way too much shopping once a week.

 

[Cascad]

I've got them - was impressed by the price, but you get what you pay for.

They're in no way waterproof, and the fabric is thin and easily worn through.

That said, i normally use only one, and cover it with a Hump hi-viz waterproof thingy, and it works fine. Have carried a laptop in them, no probs. You do need a frame to attach the lower hook, most cheap racks work.

Hope this helps

 

[MacB]

I weighed it all up and went for the Ortlieb, one year on, commuting and shopping, and they're in great nick. but my Ortliebs didn't cost 3 times as much, closer to double the price you're looking at.