In choosing a set of rear panniers, I think I've settled on Lone Peaks because of their lighter weight and adequate durability. I'm still torn between the panel-loading (P-400) and top-loading (P-340, P-500) types, more so after reading
this thread on the matter.
It occurred to me that it might make a lot of sense to split the difference and put, for instance, a P-400 on one side and a P-340 on the other. These have pretty much the same "footprint" against the side of the bike. Then you would have a bunch of pockets for organization, but also an expandable top-loader for large/bulky items, baguettes, whatever...
I'm wondering if anyone else has tried this? There is the huge practical issue that nobody wants to sell single panniers or mismatched pannier sets, but is that the only reason this isn't more common?
Anyone want to split an order with me
(I should add that I'm setting up a Sirrus for light touring with rear panniers only, so I am losing some of the flexibility that a front rack and panniers would have afforded.)