Pannier - web or shop

[Markymark]

I have a Sirrus Sport and want a pannier. Can I just find suitable ones online or am I best taking my bike into a shop to ensure what I get fits properly?

Basically, I'm a bit worried due to the variations in bike frames that I could buy soomething online that fits really badly or is this unfounded?

Thanks in advance.

 

[PpPete]

what size pannier do you need? have you got a rack to put it on?

 

[Markymark]

Sorry, should have been clearer. I currently have nothing so need a rack and bags to clip onto it

 

[avsd]

Try Spa Cycles. They are very helpful over the phone, good web site and great customer service. I have no connection - only a very happy customer.



www.spacycles.co.uk/

 

[PpPete]

If you don't have much weight to carry I'd look at a Tortec Ultralite or for bigger loads a Tortec Expedition. Tubus do some nice ones too, but much more expensive.

For the bags themselves, Ortlieb if you can afford it, or something like this if you can't.

If you buy online you can always send it back if it doesnt fit.

 

[Markymark]

Thanks

 

[sabian92]

I'd go to a shop just in case. I had to buy one of these to fit my rack as my brake assembly got in the way and it took a week to sort out.

 

[Moodyman]

Pannier racks are easily adjustable to fit various size bikes.

With regards to pannier bags, most bags fit most racks. You're only concern is heel clearance - i.e catching the bag with your heel as you pedal. This is a particular problem if you buy big panniers (40+litres), have big feet and have a short chainstay - 42mm or less.

If you're buying medium or small panniers and have small feet and a longer chainstay (42+mm) you should be fine buying off t'internet.

 

[vickster]

Let us know what you end up with as I am thinking Panniers for my Sirrus Sport (2010) too, to go with the recently added mudguards. I'll probably get the rack in store as will need it fitting (being inept at such stuff)

 

[growingvegetables]

I'd go to a shop just in case. I had to buy one of these to fit my rack as my brake assembly got in the way and it took a week to sort out.

Now that's neat. And to think two of my kids have got without carrying their own b****y tents and sleeping bags for years past. Wahey - they can carry mine next year

 

[funnymummy]

I have these on my Sirrus Elite...
Rack (in black) Panniers
I chose that rack as it had the good weight bearing load, was also one of the lightest, so wouldn't have to take it off for Sportives etc & has a mount for to fix a rear light to, the panniers were on offer at the time

 

[sabian92]

Now that's neat. And to think two of my kids have got without carrying their own b****y tents and sleeping bags for years past. Wahey - they can carry mine next year

There you go, they can carry their own tents now! They look plastic but I can say with certainty that they're solid steel (I think) and actually pretty weighty.

 

[DrSquirrel]

If you don't need much - consider a beamrack with a top rack bag - this keeps the bag out of the air stream too. You can still use side panniers with beam racks as some come with wheel guards (usually extra).


You could buy a rack/bag system combo - ie. Topeak has a clip system so you know their panniers will fit etc.


I use this on the MTB/Tandem - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-super-tourist-dx-fdisc-rear-rack/

This on the Road/Fixed - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-qr-beam-rack-ex-mtx/
There are different revisions, including a lightweight carbon one

I fitted one of these on the beam rack as I got it for next to nothing - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-defender-rear-mudguard-for-mtxex-beam-rack/

And this bag - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-rx-trunk-bag-exp-with-side-panniers/
This is the small version, you can get them larger too - both with and without side panniers. I hardly need the roll down panniers - but are handy to have on odd occasions, and I can get away with using them on the beam rack without side rails!