Can you recommend some rear panniers?

[warp9]

Hi. I need some replacement rear panniers for my 8 mile each way commute. Nothing fancy, but they need to be easy to clip on and off. Can anyone comment on these, or recommend another?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Altura-Arran-Cycling-Panni...

Thanks.

[zebedee]

you need to be more specific about what you need. I sometimes need to carry lever arch files, and that really limits your options. I went with a Vaude Freiburg which has travelled thousands of miles and comes off with the easiest of actions and has worn the miles very well indeed. Not cheap, but recommended. 4 compartments, a tool organiser and a waterproof cover stashed away, plus a belted zip so you can expand them if you need to. Have carried frankly ridiculous amounts in there at times. But these are relatively heavy due to size and construction and would be total overkill for a lot of people.

Edited by zebedee on Monday 11th April 13:02

[warp9]

I carry some toiletries, backup tapes from work, shirt and trousers rolled up and my breakfast and lunch in 2 tupperware tubs. There is a chance that me and the mrs will do a couple of short weekend tours for a night or 2, but basically it's odds and sods for the work commute.

[zebedee]

a bigger bag tends to mean less chance of scrunching your clothes too. Also depends if you will feel the extra weight - my bag weighs in at nearly 1.3kg but I am fit enough not to notice it unduly (and have shaved weight off elsewhere on the bike). Still feels a lot nicer when I don't need it! I would say get something just big enough to not crease your clothes, then if you go touring, get something bigger and put it on the other side (or your wife's bike if you are feeling brave!)

[itsnotarace]

http://www.theoldbicycleshowroom.co.uk/gunn--co-d-...

[warp9]

itsnotarace said:

http://www.theoldbicycleshowroom.co.uk/gunn--co-d-...

I'll cut quite the dash in my tweed jacket and plus fours!

[aizvara]

I've got one of those Altura Arran panniers on my commuting bike; its big enough for all the hardly-ever-used stuff I carry around (mostly clothes, tools, lights etc...). I've fitted a shoulder strap to it, and its fairly easy to lug about away from the bike.

Positives: it feels fairly tough, simple and not too heavy.

Negatives: They'd be nice with some internal compartments, (there's a little easy-access one on top, though); not convinced on the water-repellent-ness - I carry a separate waterproof cover with mine.

Hope that helps.

Edit to add due to forgetful tiredness: its simple & easy to clip on to the topeak pannier rack I've fitted, (I think the bag is fairly universal and adjustable), and is certainly securely fastened when on.

Edited by aizvara on Monday 11th April 13:53

[itsnotarace]

warp9 said:

I'll cut quite the dash in my tweed jacket and plus fours!

http://www.rapha.cc/tailored-jacket

[warp9]

itsnotarace said:

warp9 said:

I'll cut quite the dash in my tweed jacket and plus fours!

http://www.rapha.cc/tailored-jacket

Spiffing suggestion old chap!

[shouldbworking]

I use the ortlieb roll-top ones.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ortlieb-back-roller-classi...

Reasons I chose these were
bright (I got the yellow ones)
easy to clip on and off
totally waterproof
good reputation

Havent had cause to complain about anything so far. There is a good area to keep papers flat and a small compartment at the top I use for puncture kit + multitool, then the main area.

[neilski]

If sir needs to ask the price....

Brooks Devon Rear Panniers

[zebedee]

shouldbworking said:

I use the ortlieb roll-top ones.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ortlieb-back-roller-classi...

Reasons I chose these were
bright (I got the yellow ones)
easy to clip on and off
totally waterproof
good reputation

Havent had cause to complain about anything so far. There is a good area to keep papers flat and a small compartment at the top I use for puncture kit + multitool, then the main area.

indeed, if ortlieb had done one that fitted a lever arch file and a laptop then I might even have paid the eye-watering prices. Excellent kit but it wasn't quite right for me.