Panniers -- Some advice please

[Andy in Sig]

I went with Arkel panniers as they do Recumbent specific ones. Went for the RT40, ( http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/rt40/overview.asp?fl=1&site=uk ) for the mid-ships rack, and will get the RT60, ( http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/rt60/overview.asp?fl=1&site=uk ) for the main rack. Also getting the rain covers for them as NOTHING is waterproof when out for long enough. Black Bin Liners will also be used inside.

Nothing against Ortlieb. Their range looks good, but designed for up-wrong cycles. See http://www.ortlieb.com/_browse.php?lang=en&tfile=radtasche for their full range.

I hope you've not spent unnecessarily much as my four Ortliebs (two big and two small) fit my Street Machine as if designed for it and I have a top rack bag between the two big ones at the back and they do seem to stay waterproof forever.

 

[strofiwimple]

Nice to see irony isn't lost on Bonj :-)

 

[davidwalton]

I hope you've not spent unnecessarily much as my four Ortliebs (two big and two small) fit my Street Machine as if designed for it and I have a top rack bag between the two big ones at the back and they do seem to stay waterproof forever.

I did check the panniers before I decided on the Arkel ones. Not really any price difference on the 40ltr ones, compared to the Ortlieb Motorcycle Bag I was also looking at.

 

[User482]

I'd say sturdy fixings are more important than waterproofness, which as has been said can be solved with a bin liner.

Unfortunately my Halfords panniers fail in this regard to, and so require extra securing with bungee cords.

 

[Kirstie]

...well I'm happy with my altura waterproof ones so far...so they come highly recommended, and they have been in some torrential downpours without letting in a drop... not really heard of the ones you found on wiggle jack but my general recommendations are:
- go for what you can afford.
- put everything in plastic bags anyway
- don't buy too much capacity because you'll be tempted to carry more and not pare down your load to the bare minimum (always do this, nb)
- it's nice to have an external pocket but if not just put what you need in the back pockets of your top or have a bar bag.

 

[jay clock]

I can add my 2p worth for the Ortliebs - backroller classics in my case which replaced some Karrimors (newish) that I found too saggy and wide when loaded. The waterproofness is a plus, but you can always use bags inside non waterproof ones, but where they win is in the quality, design, and ease of use of the fixings.. I am toruing at present and they are great. I also have a 15 quid Ortlieb drybag which is great (not essential, but useful when did a boat trip, knowing my passport and wallet were safe!). The only non-Ortlieb bit is the bar bag - theirs are too big and I have this one http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebw...6&f_SortOrderID=1&f_bct=c003154c003119c003125 (although mine is actually a Vaude, it is identical) and at only 3 litres is nice and small. Most others are far too big in my views, and tend to sag down when overloaded (as they will be if you have a huge one!)

Happy touring!

 

[sadjack]

Decisions, decisions. Wheres that pin when you need one!

Some great advice and comments. Seems I wont go far wrong with either Ortlieb or Carradice. Shame no-one seems to have tried the dhp ones in the wiggle link, just for an alternate view!

I'm actually leaning towards Carradice, for not much else than they are a UK company!!

 

[davidwalton]

BTW- did a little research on plastic bags and found http://www.polybags.co.uk/index.htm?main=p990_2.htm

Much stronger than standard plastic bags, and cost from just 12p ea. Something I would use as an inner for panniers, as well as for ensuring sleeping bags and bed mats etc stay dry.

 

[sadjack]

Thanks again to everyone who has replied. Before I go and make a final decision, what does the forum think of these?

www.bikebins.com