One pannier or two?

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All uphill

Still rolling along
I'm new to touring and have a dilemma.

I can get everything (just) in one pannier, but would it be better to have two, each half full?

Advice gratefully received.
 

Slick

Guru
Everyone will have their own take but for me 1 is okay for commuting but 2 half full would be better for touring.
 

uphillstruggler

Legendary Member
I'm new to touring and have a dilemma.

I can get everything (just) in one pannier, but would it be better to have two, each half full?

Advice gratefully received.

Two, I like balance

There’s also space for food,water, bad weather kit etc

I suppose it depends on how long you go for and how little kit you carry.

Are you camping/b & b?
 

mudsticks

Obviously an Aubergine
Two for sure..

Makes for better balance evens out effect of sidewinds etc.

I usually use four smallish ones, and tent on the back rack.

Load is better balanced.

I rarely take more than 14 kg total

(including food and water and camping kit)
But I like to have it all. evenly distributed.. Plus it makes it easier to find things..

IMG_20161016_152735.jpg


I guess if you've not got camping kit you can take a lot less again.
 
Doesn't make much difference, but having the load evenly puts less strain on the frame. A saddlebag might be a good option if you're traveling light.
 

SkipdiverJohn

Deplorable Brexiteer
Two panniers evenly loaded makes a bike easier to walk along with holding the saddle or stem when necessary. One heavy pannier means the bike always wants to fall away from or towards you and you have to actively hold it upright, which is tedious. Share the weight left/right and the bike is much more pleasant to use.
 

raleighnut

Legendary Member
I'd always go for a pair.
 

MontyVeda

a short-tempered ill-controlled small-minded troll
Always makes me laugh when people worry about balancing with one pannier... unless you can't ride a bicycle without stabilisers, you'll be fine with one heavy pannier.

However, if touring, I'd take two, then there's room for the 4pack of tinnies, some wine and all those irresistible souvenirs.
 
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