Panniers, to match or not to match

[a.twiddler]

Better to have a saddlebag or rack bag than One Pannier. It just seems so...unsymmetrical to me. As for non matching panniers, as a practical thing, panniers work as a pair no matter what they look like, but in my case it would just drive me nuts. Due to the cost many manufacturers will sell them separately, and maybe for daily use one pannier is all you need but it just looks so...wrong.

Also, even if you have a matching pair and only use one regularly, when you come to use them as a pair one will be more worn and weathered while the other will be pristine.

So my post is not much help to the OP. I suppose there are those who just like to use one pannier as a some sort of statement. Each to their own.

 

[Mike Ayling]

Better to have a saddlebag or rack bag than One Pannier. It just seems so...unsymmetrical to me. As for non matching panniers, as a practical thing, panniers work as a pair no matter what they look like, but in my case it would just drive me nuts. Due to the cost many manufacturers will sell them separately, and maybe for daily use one pannier is all you need but it just looks so...wrong.

Also, even if you have a matching pair and only use one regularly, when you come to use them as a pair one will be more worn and weathered while the other will be pristine.

So my post is not much help to the OP. I suppose there are those who just like to use one pannier as a some sort of statement. Each to their own.

All my Ortlieb panniers were purchased as pairs. I prefer bright colours to increase my visibility on the road.
I use one of the smaller front panniers on the back for my day rides. It has faded slightly but it will not be a concern to me if we ever load up the tandem again.
Most Ortlieb panniers are able to be moved from side to side and are not shaped to fit on a particular side. Therefore if you buy a pair and only use one for your daily ride you can alternate them in use so both fade equally.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

Ortlieb last forever and have spares for anything that breaks too.

Look for matching single seconds hand on eBay and if you can't find one but a second hand pair and sell the single.

 

[steveindenmark]

I think, on some level, everyone does.

When it comes to panniers on a bike. Not only people do not care because they so not notice. Having multi coloured panniers makes it easier to keep track of what is in what bag. Red pannier for cooking kit and food, etc.

 

[ianrauk]

Ladies and gents, we have a single pannierist in the house.

At least with two different coloured Ortlieb one could say it was a lifestyle statement. But a single pannier? Abomination.

Single pannerist and proud 😀

 

[spen666]

Its a real dilemma.

Why not avoid the issue and get your chauffeur / butler to follow you in the car carrying your luggage? its what all us working class oiks do in Islington

 

[I like Skol]

1 pannier always. Second pannier only if needed. Not sure I could cope with odd panniers, but in theory can see no reason why.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Mismatched panniers don't bother me, as long as they are Ortliebs
I haven commuted with mismatched panniers, I have even toured with mismatched panniers, can't remember the reason, probably different panniers different storage functions.
I might go for a leisure ride with only one pannier, never on the commute though because I know I'll stop at some shop.
Obviously you care about your pannier look, so I would say splash out for a matching pair.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I hope your bike is painted same colour as panniers. Nothing worse if bike and pannier mismatched.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I hope your bike is painted same colour as panniers. Nothing worse if bike and pannier mismatched.

I know you mean it as as a joke, but for the OP it's obviously an important matter.
@CentralCommuter you do whatever makes you feel good on the commute, Christmas is coming soon, ask the family to pool for a set of matching Ortliebs!

 

[Dadam]

Bicycles MUST be symmetrical. This is why I always fit a dummy chainset on the non-drive side. It would look stupid otherwise. It's also quite useful for storing a whole spare drivetrain. Problem is sourcing a double sided hub though.

 

[matticus]

I know you mean it as as a joke, but for the OP it's obviously an important matter.

Yeah, come on @Ming , where's your empathy for a fellow cyclist?

 

[Oldhippy]

Two or four matching and never one on its own. It's personal of course but would irritate the hell out of me.

 

[Psamathe]

Does OP actually use two panniers at the same time? On my upright I only use 1 pannier or 4 panniers (2x2) and only the 2x2 when on tour with full camping gear. Local rides on upright only 1 pannier just to carry a lock, warmer top, few tools/pump, odds & ends.

 

[presta]

I didn't know anyone sold panniers individually, all mine have been bought as pairs.

Also, even if you have a matching pair and only use one regularly, when you come to use them as a pair one will be more worn and weathered while the other will be pristine.

That's me. One black one, and one faded grey.