Lidl panniers 2014 - fixing concerns

[Ian Watson]

Hi,

I'm a newbie to this site. We bought 2 lots of the £14.99 Lidl panniers a couple of weeks ago. These are the ones which have two (inseperable) side panniers and a removable top part which goes across the top of both panniers and the rack.

Trying to fix them on, I notice that they only have Velcro where normally there'd be hooks, and then several Velcro loops down the middle.

• Firstly, since my rack has two diagonal rods going down from the rack to the rear axle (you can tell I don't know much about cycles, I'm sure I've not got terminology right!), only the bottom Velcro loop of the ones down the middle will go round anything.
• Second, since the top loops are very loose for my rack (made of ~4mm steel rods), I don't know what if anything will make the panniers 'grip' and not slide about.
• Thirdly, since there's nothing rigid on the wheel side of the panniers, might it get sucked into the wheel?

If any of these concerns are valid, should I return the panniers for new ones, buy a new rack, or both?

Thanks,
Ian

 

[fossyant]

I'd personally buy something better. Won't be cheap mind. If you want 'waterproof' then you may need to spend more. The cheapest I've been able to get Ortlieb City Roller Fronts (can be used on rear) was £65 a pair, which I appreciate is vastly more expensive. Do you have a Decathlon nearby, their panniers are OK.

 

[Ian Watson]

Thanks for your quick response. We do have a Decathlon nearby (Reading is only 20mins by train). However, was hoping not to have to spend too much as we're only going to use them for one two-day bike ride, Sandhurst-Bath, then probably not at all till next year. So even if the panniers and rack are not perfect, but are sufficiently OK, I'd want to go with them...but only if they can be mounted safely (even with any workarounds anyone might suggest). If they're going to be a danger, or a total pain in the neck even on one trip a year, I'm open to advice on what to get instead!

 

[HelenD123]

How much stuff are you taking on your trip? If you're not taking camping gear you'd be fine just strapping any bag or rucksack onto the top of the rack.

 

[Ian Watson]

Can't be all that much for two days, I suppose, even allowing for changes of clothing for weather and for the evening. But panniers at least look like they're meant for the job, and isn't it easier cycling with stuff nearer the ground than stacked on top of the rack?

 

[Davidc]

I have one of those Lidl panniers. Bought it for doing shopping. it's great for that, was good value for the job, and has lasted well with no problems with it coming off. It's even been shopping at Lidl.

That said I wouldn't dream of using it for touring. Fine for the 3 or 4 miles heavily laden that it does but that's it!

I can't add much to what's been posted above about better products.

 

[HelenD123]

Can't be all that much for two days, I suppose, even allowing for changes of clothing for weather and for the evening. But panniers at least look like they're meant for the job, and isn't it easier cycling with stuff nearer the ground than stacked on top of the rack?

One of my friends commuted a fair distance like this for years without a problem. He had a change of clothes with him so probably not much less than you'd need to take.

 

[Yellow7]

Hi Ian.
I used one like this on my first 2 week tour, it proved fine for 'testing the water' before later replacing with Ortliebs, i'm sure it would suit your needs just fine and securing in place should prove okay.

mark

 

[toekneep]

Can you do some test rides close to home? I have seen those types of panniers leaning precariously to oneside or the other so you'll soon find out if it's going to be a problem or not. Also, keep your eye on ebay etc. Cheap second hand quality panniers will almost certainly be a better option.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Also, check stores and websites for returned items, this happens more often than you might think. I was at a discount supplier last winter, and they had a returned set of panniers marked half price, but they immediately went to 3/4 off when I asked about them.

 

[furball]

Have you seen this thread? http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/fastening-lidl-panniers.108769/

 

[bigjim]

I bought a set of those panniers but when I got home I found that they weighed 1300grams. They are very well made but too heavy for me. I have the previous version that weighs 780grams and I used this on my French Tour last year. Very good and robust so I'm sticking to them. See pics.

The black SJS ones on e-bay are also pretty good and can be picked up for about a tenner a pair. I've used tham a lot. see pic

 

[Pjays666]

Hi I have just done way of the roses using the lidl panniers . I had the same problem with fastening so used 2 bungee cords (one side to side and one back to front and return). Since using the bungees I had no issues with them moving

 

[Crankarm]

IME buy cheap crap, buy twice.

 

[bigjim]

IME buy cheap crap, buy twice.

Oohhh... Snobs have turned up.