Touring - Warning about Vaude Roadmaster 40L rear panniers

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Prodigy4299
07-06-06, 06:56 PM
I bought these panniers last week for short-term touring, and since I could not find many review of the product (other than the excellent review on Bicycle Touring 101), I thought I'd share my comments:

DO NOT BUY THESE PANNIERS!

James is totally right, they are just not built to withstand the (ab)use of bike touring. (That really begs the question: What were they designer for, then?) Anyway, back on track... I bought these panniers and thought I'd take them out for a quick 2-day bike tour to see how they stand up. I heard mixed reviews, so I wanted to see for myself.

On my ride back home, I noticed two flaws:

1. The bag ripped off from the hard plastic back at one edge. While this alone is not such a big deal (if I was doing a cross-country ride, this would not be a reason to quit), I simply cannot believe that this could ahhpen after just 1.5 days of below-average use!

2. One of the attachments for the clips (which accomodates a 8mm bike rack tube) fell out, causing one half of the pannier to rattle as I rode. Again, not earth-shattering, but come on, after 2 days?!

Here are quick pros and cons:

Pros:
- looks killer (I had the silver version...)
- has a built-in raincover
- many pockets (I am a not a fan of just having one compartment

Cons:
- does not hold up to even average use

Conclusion: Don't waste your money on these panniers.

stokell
07-08-06, 09:10 AM
I wasn't familiar with Vaude, so I went to the MEC website. I think I see what you mean. A single tie-down is always a problem if like most people you try to wedge 42L into a 40L space. At least MEC are up-front about them being made in China. Obviously a big profit margin there.

I've owned 3 sets of panniers over the years. Each set was good at the time and I still have all three, but I only use one for touring. Bite the bullet and buy the best. My Arkel's are made in Canada, and as they say, over-engineered. They are roomy, have lots of pockets and seem to be really made by someone who tours. The model (http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/gt54/overview.asp?fl=1&site=) I have even has a separate long attachment for tent poles and thermarest.