Panniers

[ScotiaLass]

I have a set of Altura panniers for my hybrid.
I was intending to use them for going to town and to Tesco for some shopping etc, but I haven't yet.

For those of you that use panniers occasionally, do you leave them on all the time, or fit them as and when you need them? As I haven't even fitted mine yet, what's easiest?
Do they interfere with you riding if you're not using them?

 

[Markymark]

I have one on my commuter and it's permenantly on as it has spare tube, pump, co2, light batteries etc

Also means if I decide to shop on way home I can.

 

[subaqua]

permanently on. well except when i lock it in public then i use a strap from hand luggage and it becomes a great bag. so great mrs sub has nicked one for a GP bag .

mine are the altura urban. I have a morph rucksack one for laptop but having had it about 12 months it is close to dying so wouldnt recommend,

 

[simon.r]

Leave them on the shopping bike, but with cable ties attaching them to the rack.

I once had someone try to steal a pannier and the cable ties prevented the theft. Obviously it wouldn't stop someone who was determined, but I strongly suspect this was someone who just tried to grab the pannier as they were walking past.

 

[totallyfixed]

We have Ortliebs and take them off when not needed, quick and simple. In fact we have them over our shoulders in the store so we can pack straight into them.

 

[Cuchilo]

I have a set of Altura panniers for my hybrid.
I was intending to use them for going to town and to Tesco for some shopping etc, but I haven't yet.

For those of you that use panniers occasionally, do you leave them on all the time, or fit them as and when you need them? As I haven't even fitted mine yet, what's easiest?
Do they interfere with you riding if you're not using them?

If i have the same ones they just click on and off so i take them off . I also take the rack off but i like tinkering with my bits

 

[rebelpeter]

Bikers used to have panniers and carriers years ago now they all wear ghem stupid camel packs, im sure gears better on a carrier than on ur back all the time, they go in and out shops looking like they are in the airbourne i was now i prefer gear on the bike when i had a parachute on it was at least for a purpose...
I call the pack carrying ones the camel corps...

 

[cosmicbike]

I use a Topeak MTX DXP so it slides on and off as required, and can be a bag or panniers both sides if needed. Works for me

 

[vickster]

I use a Topeak MTX DXP so it slides on and off as required, and can be a bag or panniers both sides if needed. Works for me

+1 on one bike

On another bike I use one of these and a tortec ultralight rack when shopping, needing to carry a big lock and other stuff.

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/BACOTRV/cordo-transvaal-single-bag An absolute bargain for commuting or general use

I don't know why you'd leave panniers on if not using them

I've never taken a fixed rack off a bike

 

[contadino]

I only fit them when I'm off on a ride where I need them. But then I tend to use a rucksack for shopping (easier to faff about with in the shops.)

 

[Sandra6]

Mine are permanently attached, but they have a buckle fastening so it'd be a pita to take them off.
Makes it easier to buy things on a whim too.
They don't bother me at all when they're not in use.

 

[steveindenmark]

Mine are on most of the time if you fit them correctly you wont even know they are on.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Mine are on all the time, I am notorious for carrying the kitchen sink and for impulse shopping.
They are rarely empty, minimum they contain the usual tools for a puncture repair.
Aldi's panniers, when you can get them, are perfectly adequate at £14.99.
The ones linked by @vickster are fine, but personally I prefer rigid case ones.
At the moment, I'm pondering these as an early Christmas present to myself

 

[vickster]

I can get heel strike so I prefer softer. That bag takes a surprising load of stuff and it expands! I doubt it's more than water resistant but I don't ride in the rain if I can help it!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I can get heel strike so I prefer softer. That bag takes a surprising load of stuff and it expands! I doubt it's more than water resistant but I don't ride in the rain if I can help it!

Ah, but I do, regularly, don't have a choice or would never ride
I like the hard case panniers because I find packing the shopping easier in them, specially breakable items.