Commuting - New Panniers

I just got my new set of panniers for my commuter bike. :D

Just wondering if there is any issues I should be aware of? The fit on my rack perfectly. It will be so nice to get away from having to use a back pack. (personal preferance)

What kind did you get? Why did you pick them? I have one set of cordura Madden with pockets, and one pair of giant rubberized single pocket Ortlieb that can be left open with stuff sticking out, or closed up to be waterproof. I realy like them each, depending on what I'm using them for.

Hi iceratt,
I got them off of ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3644074152&category=7295). They are Nashbar panniers. They are the quick on/off ones. They even snap together when you remove them. They have a large main pocket and 2 other smaller pockets. I chose them because they were within my price range. :D
They appear to be well made.

I just got my new set of panniers for my commuter bike. :D

Just wondering if there is any issues I should be aware of?

Depending on the bike you have them on, there could be heel clearance problems. The panniers on my MTB for commuting are ok unless they're full, then I have to slide them back a bit on the rack or my heels hit them when I pedal. Touring bikes tend to have a little longer wheelbase than MTB's, so it's not usually an issue with a touring bike.
Also, especially for winter riding, always wrap your stuff in plastic bags - keeps the salt off and really waterproof pannier bags are scarce. If there are any metal parts on the bags winter salt will corrode them in no time, make sure you rinse daily if you're riding on salty roads!

Depending on the bike you have them on, there could be heel clearance problems. The panniers on my MTB for commuting are ok unless they're full, then I have to slide them back a bit on the rack or my heels hit them when I pedal. Touring bikes tend to have a little longer wheelbase than MTB's, so it's not usually an issue with a touring bike.
Also, especially for winter riding, always wrap your stuff in plastic bags - keeps the salt off and really waterproof pannier bags are scarce. If there are any metal parts on the bags winter salt will corrode them in no time, make sure you rinse daily if you're riding on salty roads!

Hi pinerider,

Thanks for the tips. I have plenty of plastic bags. We don't use road salt here in Montana. (thank goodness)

I took the bike out for a short spin to check the pannier clearance. I am happy to say the clearance is fine. (I had not thought of that before.) I am using a '96 Specialized Hardrock GX Sport MTB for commuting in the winter. In the spring & summer, I think I may get an old Sears 10 speed running that my wife picked up for me on a rummage sale last summer. It just needs some new peddles and brake pads.

They look like nice ones! The picture shows them hanging off a seat post rack. If you have a regular rack they may sit pretty low on the wheel.

> always wrap your stuff in plastic bags
i made rain covers for mine that are waterproof with an elastic that goes around them. They stay on the bike rain or shine. No worries about holes in the plastic!

They look like nice ones! The picture shows them hanging off a seat post rack. If you have a regular rack they may sit pretty low on the wheel.

I have a standard rack on the back of the bike and they are fine. The bottom of the panniers are just at the axle.

> always wrap your stuff in plastic bags
i made rain covers for mine that are waterproof with an elastic that goes around them. They stay on the bike rain or shine. No worries about holes in the plastic!

We don't have much rain here. But I'd be interested in seeing what you made.

FWIW, arkel-od.com offers rain covers in various sizes.

Be careful when you pack things with sharp corners, these can wear down the material very quickly.
You can use the panniers as a pair or singly. Most riders can carry a heavily loaded single pannier without any problems.

N7CZinMT,
i just bought the same panniers from nashbar.com for $20. how are they working for?

Hi iceratt,
I got them off of ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3644074152&category=7295). They are Nashbar panniers. They are the quick on/off ones. They even snap together when you remove them. They have a large main pocket and 2 other smaller pockets. I chose them because they were within my price range. :D
They appear to be well made.

You'll be happy with them, I've been using them for years, they are very durable and stand up to the worse conditions. But yes, use plastic bags.

N7CZinMT,
i just bought the same panniers from nashbar.com for $20 (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=6796&storetype=&estoreid=). how are they working for?

Hi there,

The new panniers are working great! There is a learning curve to using them, however. ;) It is intersting how much "stuff" you think you need to carry from point "A" to point "B"....well, that is until you actually ride with all that "stuff." I have now reduced the "stuff" and really have it down to a science. :D


You'll be happy with them, I've been using them for years, they are very durable and stand up to the worse conditions. But yes, use plastic bags.

Yep, I have the panniers lined with plastic garbage bags. (3 layers).

Oh.. by-the-way..

I am now using a Raleigh Mustang SIS for my commuter bike which has a longer rear triangle than the Hardrock did.