Pannier bags

[Cuchilo]

Ive got fed up with getting a soaking wet back from a ruck sack so have added a pannier rack to the rear of my Defy road bike for my short trips during the week . The N+1 ( I still have no idea what that stands for ) Is far far away so for now I will be removing the rack for fun rides .
Any how I don't really like the offerings of pannier bags at my local giant shop . They are all like floppy rucksacks or sachels for files . I have thought about looking at army surplus stores for something a little more ridged but thought I would ask here first .
The main spec is it can hold a box of eggs as I use the bike to collect these from my girls . Beercanability is also a major factor but only for the evening ride

 

[vickster]

My avail wears a Topeak super tourist rack and an mtx trunk bag. Fab bit of kit as the pannier bags fold in and out as needed. Plenty good enough for eggs . As long as you don't drop the bike or bang it against something hard! Slides on and off with ease

http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/.Topeak-MTX-Trunk-Bag-EXP_2551.htm

I think you can use on the seat post racks too if you don't want a fixed one

 

[Sara_H]

Hmmmmm. I have a variety of differnt pannier bags so feel qualified to offer advice.

Do you want a pannier bag that lloks like an ordinary bag off the bike, or one that looks like a pannier, but doesn't look too stuoid when carried off the bike, or a pannier that remains on the bike and you just take your stuff out of it leaving pannier with bike?

 

[Cuchilo]

N+1 is the ideal number of bikes a person should own where N is the number currently owned.

N isn't a number ..... unless you are talking about that posh maths stuff , they use letters as numbers
Thanks for the link Vickster .

 

[Cuchilo]

Hmmmmm. I have a variety of differnt pannier bags so feel qualified to offer advice.

Do you want a pannier bag that lloks like an ordinary bag off the bike, or one that looks like a pannier, but doesn't look too stuoid when carried off the bike, or a pannier that remains on the bike and you just take your stuff out of it leaving pannier with bike?

Fixed to the bike would be ok as during the week I am normally carrying stuff . I would take the whole set up off for my fun rides . I did think today that making the bike heavy for my short trips will make me stronger for the fun rides .

 

[Sara_H]

Fixed to the bike would be ok as during the week I am normally carrying stuff . I would take the whole set up off for my fun rides . I did think today that making the bike heavy for my short trips will make me stronger for the fun rides .

Do you leave the bike in public places? In this case you might be as well just to get something cheap from ebay or Lidl.

 

[Cuchilo]

Do you leave the bike in public places? In this case you might be as well just to get something cheap from ebay or Lidl.

I live in Hanworth , it doesn't leave my sight

 

[Kies]

I bought rack and single 40L pannier from Decathlon. Zipp tied it to the rack. My rucksack fits inside. At destination, lock the bike, pull the rucksack out and away I go.

 

[vickster]

The Topeak one just slides off, carry as a bag, simples

 

[evo456]

My avail wears a Topeak super tourist rack and an mtx trunk bag. Fab bit of kit as the pannier bags fold in and out as needed. Plenty good enough for eggs . As long as you don't drop the bike or bang it against something hard! Slides on and off with ease

http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/.Topeak-MTX-Trunk-Bag-EXP_2551.htm

I think you can use on the seat post racks too if you don't want a fixed one

I have the larger sized DXP with a fixed super tourist DX rack, adds a bit of weight but it can carry a decent amount of gear- easily carry pair of shoes, laptop, towel and trousers. I didn't think ahead when I bought a 5L carton of screen wash yesterday , but the fold out side bag swallowed this and held up for a short trip home. If you're not looking to carry a lot of things I think the small topeak bags with the removable clip on rear rack would suit your needs, the fixed rack can be a pain to take on and off.

 

[Cuchilo]

I went into Halfords today and had a look at the topeak one , very tidy but I have already fitted a rack so I couldn't see a way of fitting it to the bike . After much umming and arrring I ended up with the Halfords rack pack and pannier set . Mainly because the rack pack looked like it would fit 8 cans of beer in it . I was right

 

[Stonechat]

I have two Outer Edge panniers. tough as old boots. If I need to take 2 then there is a lot of storage room

 

[fossala]

I'm using some 52ltr altura panniers at the moment. Bit big for commuting so I'm either going to buy a rack pack or a pair of smaller pair of dryline 40ltr ones.

 

[Cush]

Normally use one of my Altura but they are rather big, so I bought a single from Lidl two weeks ago to carry my gym stuff, it's not big or very secure on the bike (compared to the Altura), it looks like a brief case but it carry's easy and will probably do for what you want. Other than this why not see if there is any thing second hand going on E Bay.

 

[Mr Foldy]

I tried a few. I wish I'd gone straight to Ortlieb. The right kit saves you money. They fit onto a standard rack and are quick release. They are waterproof and bomb proof. They are the best kit IF you need detachable paniers.
Interestingly, and it was mentioned elsewhere, cars do seem to give you more room if you are carrying a pannier. Weird.