Which Pannier bags?

[Zepplin73]

Hi all, i'm looking at getting rear pannier bags for my bike and was thinking of getting either the Altura Arran 36 or Deuter rack pack bag. My questions are:-

1. Does anyone use these bags on a regular basis, if so whats the quality like?

2. Will they withstand a brief shower of rain?

3. Are the attachments good quality?

My budget is around 60 pounds so if anyone can recommend another bag i'll have a look Thanks!

 

[Twanger]

I use the Arran ...I would guess 36, though it just says Arran on it. It looks like the one in the pictures on gear websites! I just bought the one, and I have been commuting with it for three months. So far it has been fine. It is reasonably strongly made, with a doubled bottom and good fixings (reversible - you can use it on either side). It has kept my stuff dry and my trousers and shirt uncrumpled. I recall paying about 35-40 quid for it.

(edit) I misremembered. I paid 29 quid for it.

 

[numbnuts]

I have the Altura Arran 46 had them for 3 years now and still going strong, but they are not waterproof as in heavy rain so a plastic bag or dry bag is the order of the day

 

[Glow worm]

Hi all, i'm looking at getting rear pannier bags for my bike and was thinking of getting either the Altura Arran 36 or Deuter rack pack bag. My questions are:-

Hi Zepplin.
My rule of thumb woth panniers over the years is, like with many things, it's worth spending a bit extra to get much longer life out of them. I've bought really cheap ones in the past that have fallen apart within months.

About 6 years ago I forked out about £75 for some Altura ones and I still have them now almost as good as new. They are not properly waterproof but come with high vis. rain covers that just slip over'em (which I'm incredibly fussy about keeping clean after rain!) I've had a quick look and can't find my grey ones now, but these look pretty close to mine .. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Altura_Arran_46_Rear_Panniers/5360029307/

They hold an amazing amount of stuff and I can pretty much get a weekly shop into two. Including ale of course. They've also got lost of useful hidey holes and pockets for lights, wet wipes and all the other stuff one has on board. I've had to replace only one clip in 6 years (to hold onto the rack) and I just rang Altura and they sent it over next day.

One tip- I'd be tempted to buy panniers from your local LBS rather than over the interweb, as that way you can test them on your bike to see how well they'll fit before purchase. (Most Altura panniers come with clips that you can slide to fit most racks).

(Finally, thanks for giving this depressed Norwich City fan something else to think about on this dreadful afternoon! Sigh, mutter, grumble....)

Regards,
Giles.

 

[Coco]

I've got the Vaude Road Master Back panniers. Really well made with a great attention to detail (e.g. the waterproof covers come in their own little bags which are clipped to the inside of the top pockets - I'd have lost them otherwise)

Loads of room. One huge main pocket, a large top pocket with individual compartments for tools etc and a side pocket. Great Quick release mech, and spare parts are available for them. Think I paid about £60 for them.

Should have answered your questions

1/ Use them every day. One for clothes, one for laptop. Could probably get both lots into one bag, but handy for shopping.
2/ Yes, but it literally takes seconds to put the waterproof covers on.
3/ As above, good attachment and spares available should you have an accident.

 

[beanzontoast]

I've got the smaller Altura Arran 16. I prefer this for everyday use because it stops me carrying more than I really need to. I've had it about 4 years and it came with a detatchable yellow rain cover that also held a fixing for a light - neat. The bag isn't waterproof and the raincover itself also seems to soak up water nowadays, but I find by proofing the raincover it suffices in all but the worst downpour. The fixings are excellent and show little wear. I've never had to adjust them after initally setting up the sizing to fit my rack. I lost a top clip in an accident 2 years ago, but the LBS sorted me a new one on the spot. The bottom corners of the bag started to fray this year, but I think this is more to do with off-bike wear rather than on-bike rubbing. I've stitched them and fully expect another 2-3 years use out of the bag.

 

[Tynan]

if you need them to be proper no nonsense waterproof then it has to be Ortleibs, they expensive but worth it if you can afford it

I've had one for 18 months that I use every single day, never a single drop let in and it's a no brain joy to use

 

[Plax]

I have these cheap and cheerful ones:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-SJSC-SJSC-Black-hook-on-Rear-Pannier-Bags-11550.htm

I've used them for about 8 miles in heavy rain and they didn't leak. I've had them about 18 months and the other day the draw cord broke on one of them. Somewhat annoying but you can still carry stuff in it okay if you use the buckles up tight.

If you're going to be using yours an awful lot i.e. daily (I don't use mine an awful lot anymore as I tend to use my Carradice Barley) then it's worth investing in something decent - Ortileb rollers or Carradice CarraDry/Super C rear panniers would be my next purchase if I need a decent set.

 

[gavin]

Sporting Altura here for over a year with no quality issues. Thumbs up.

 

[potsy]

Altura Arran for me too 16L version have just ordered a 2nd from Wiggle good bag for reasonable price fairly weather-proof too have ridden in some decent downpours and stuff inside has stayed dry,easy to fix to a rack and very solid once on.

 

[danphoto]

Got a pair of Arran 36's only last week from Simpson's (with their usual first class service, I might add) and can vouch for the fact that the adjustable attachments are first class. No problem at all fitting them to my Thorn carrier, despite it being 10mm diameter tubing.

They strike me as remarkably good value for money, and are actually more capacious than I somehow expected them to be.

 

[galaxy1]

Ortlieb,simple to use,waterproof but pricey

 

[Twanger]

I got soaked coming home tonight (and isn't cycling in warm rain beautiful?). Medium rain for an hour. The top of the pannier allowed some damp through...not a lot, but enough to make the top pocket a bit clammy. The rest of the bag was bone dry.

 

[Trevrev]

I use the Altura Arran 36, Good quality, easy to put on, and take off. Not water proof, so i put all my stuff in a carrier bag... I'd recommend them any time.......Cost £45 if i remember.

 

[cannondale boy]

I also have the altura arran 46l. Brilliant panniers, keeps out the rain with those bright yellow covers, so much space and so many pockets. I attach two cateye LD 130's on the back of the panniers which fit perfectly.

The only flaw i seem to find is no strap for carrying the panniers around, but if your not going to far it won't bother you. This would be a great extra, but the 46l does the business and i was about to get the 36 version but glad i didn't now as i carry to much stuff. Great for touring.