Classic & Vintage - 80s Kirtland Panniers--desirable/collectible?

Picked up some mid-80s or earlier unused Kirtland panniers--complete set in yellow--front panniers, rear panniers, big handlebar bag with mount and rear rack bag. A new set of Kelly Green Kirtland front panniers and handlebar bag was also included, as well as a used set of front & rear purple Madden pannier bags. Are the Kirtlands desirable for those collectors/tourer who ride 80s touring bikes, or are they too 'old-school' to be considered for today's tourist? Almost hate to use them because they look so pretty!

I really like the old stuff. I still have a set of old Cannondale rear panniers. I did end up buying a small set of Arkel front panniers but I always carry my Cannondales. Kirtland made some nice bags back then. Good find!

I'm nostalgically nuts for these. My first set of panniers was a set of blue Kirtland Tour Paks. I still have the handle-bar bag from that set, but it has seen many a mile as I used it for commuting for years. I've picked up some blue, red, yellow and green ones in the last few years, but sold them off (except the blue) as I couldn't figure out why I needed to have them. Found and sold some vintage Cannondales and others and they seem to do OK so I think there is a bit of a market out there.

So you have a nice set of yellow? ... hmmm ...

Bob

I have Kirtland panniers and handlebar bags and I still use them. In all the years, I've never found anything I like as much. They were beautifully made and highly functional. Don't consider them museum pieces. Use these for a while and you'll find the "modern" products to be highly annoying.

Picked up some mid-80s or earlier unused Kirtland panniers--complete set in yellow--front panniers, rear panniers, big handlebar bag with mount and rear rack bag. A new set of Kelly Green Kirtland front panniers and handlebar bag was also included, as well as a used set of front & rear purple Madden pannier bags. Are the Kirtlands desirable for those collectors/tourer who ride 80s touring bikes, or are they too 'old-school' to be considered for today's tourist? Almost hate to use them because they look so pretty!

I think you did real well. Maddens are still great panniers, and I have a set of Kirtland large wedges (his n hers) that are uniquely functional, IMHO. Maybe I'd like a Carradice wedge better, but I dunno!

I don't really tour or collect bags, so I won't comment on actual collectibility. But all those bags should be durable, functional, and useful, and hence desirable. As far as Ebay ads that suitably highlight those attributes, you take it from here!

Have you also inquired on the Touring forum?

Road Fan

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Have you also inquired on the Touring forum?

Road Fan[/QUOTE]
No I haven't put this on the touring forum, but I'm tempted to keep the Kirtlands & maybe sell the Maddens--that yellow set of Kirtlands on my burgundy '85 Trek 720 ought to look pretty, & period correct as well!

picked these up yesterday on CraigList for $ 10 or both, still haven't figured how to put them on m,y mtb/commuter, any help would be appreciated

picked these up yesterday on CraigList for $ 10 or both, still haven't figured how to put them on m,y mtb/commuter, any help would be appreciated

I am in the same boat. I have one exactly the same as the red one in your photo, and for the life of me I still haven't figured out how to mount it onto the handlebars on ANY of my bikes. From what I can deduct, the length and rise of stem used seems to be the determining factor. Anyone else got any ideas?

yes, I got it to fit on my road bike, but will not fit properly on my mtb which does have some rise to it

[4 years later...] I ::think:: the mount for handlebar bags worked on old style bikes-but would have to be modified/bent for newer.
I bought a pair of drk blue Kirtland rear panniers back in the early 80's and NEVER used them. Finally christened them on a US Canada trip. The water proofing layer instantly flaked off...which I expected...BUT when i got home, the inside edges of the fabric where two pieces had come together and been sewn had unraveled beyond the joining seam...leaving open splits in tops of panniers. Sad. Thinking of ways to salvage .....

picked these up yesterday on CraigList for $ 10 or both, still haven't figured how to put them on m,y mtb/commuter, any help would be appreciated
I have that exact same bag! (+ a pair of kirtland panniers) that came with my garage sale Trek 620. I love the hbar bag, and its alway attached to the 620.
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I know how it attaches - and it wont fit on most mtb stems. I can show you a pic...
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I am in the same boat. I have one exactly the same as the red one in your photo, and for the life of me I still haven't figured out how to mount it onto the handlebars on ANY of my bikes. From what I can deduct, the length and rise of stem used seems to be the determining factor. Anyone else got any ideas?

When we sold Kirtland decades ago there was a fastenerless adaptor that allowed attachment and support of the bag while holing it proud of the bars, Velo Orange I think had a run made up. Very useful for a non permanent solution.

I forgot about the Kirtland mount system for the later bags, that was pretty well thought out. for its time, the bungee wore out though, and would wear the paint.

I know how it attaches - and it wont fit on most mtb stems. I can show you a pic...
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OK, here it is.
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I like Kirtland bags to use. The material colors, especially the green and yellow, scream late 70's & early 80's. My yellow set have been beaten unto a near pulp. I'd love to replace them. OR, find bags to match the lovely green handlebar bag that I recently brought out to use.

They aren't really heavy duty, but I simply love the appeal (to me) of them.

Congrats!

picked these up yesterday on CraigList for $ 10 or both, still haven't figured how to put them on m,y mtb/commuter, any help would be appreciated

Those have a following. If you can't figure out how get them on you bike, toss 'em up on eBay - they'll go for $30-$45 each.