Utility Cycling - DIY gear...Panniers?

Well I got my rack situation all sorted for little money, now I am looking into a set of panniers so I can haul more things than just whats in the messenger bag. Mostly groceries extra clothes. One thing I enjoyed with a vehicle was camping. I can't haul everything I want to with only a rack and a bag. I am in the process of building a trailer, but it has stalled. Anyone ever make their own panniers? Or know someone who sells them for cheap?

Maybe this link will help. Ken Kifer's site is a great resource. Ken was killed by a drunk driver several years ago, but a friend of his has kept his site on the web. http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/touring/bags.htm#Making%20Your%20Own%20Bags

Cruise ebay for panniers as they are often sold CHEAP.

here is a good one

http://www.backpacking.net/makegear.html


These are my favorites.

http://web.archive.org/web/20050208161130/http://members.rogers.com/bphuntley/BikeBucket.html

I highly recommend Ortlieb panniers. They are not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but they are worth every penny. I've used Ortliebs through a worse-than-usual Northwest winter, and they held up beautifully. They're rugged and totally waterproof, and they go on and off the bike in literally less than two seconds. I very rarely pay more than the bare minimum for stuff -my bike cost me US$75- but in this case, I'd gladly pay through the nose again. I suggest you suck it up and pay a lot up front for something that will do the job, at least in the case of panniers. (And maybe for rain gear, too...)

I made these. They work very well and are cheap, strong and light-ish. Check the pics out, and if you need more info, let me know. http://www.flickr.com/photos/fireman483/

Clayton

I made these. They work very well and are cheap, strong and light-ish. Check the pics out, and if you need more info, let me know. http://www.flickr.com/photos/fireman483/

Clayton

I'm impressed. How long did it take, including planing time? Did you hand stitch?