Touring - Adventure Cycling (Madden) panniers

Anybody using Adventure Cycling panniers or Madden panniers? If so what kind of experience have you had with them?

Anybody using Adventure Cycling panniers or Madden panniers? If so what kind of experience have you had with them?

I received a set of Madden panniers but it was incompatible with my rack (an Old Man Mountain Cold Spring front rack). These were the smaller Madden Cyclelite Fronts.. The reason I returned them was because the hook system uses one hook n the center and two smaller ones on the sides for stability. Well, the cold springs has a top shelf that prohibits the center hook from attaching to the rack and there isn't enough length to shift it, so it's not compatible. I complained to Adv-Cycling and they took it back. I was told by AC that Madden has changed the hook system but I have no way of verifying this as I bought another set of Carradice bags for the front. Check that before you buy the panniers. Personally, I perfer two latches that securly lock on the bar rather than one, but then I do some off road touring too. If you stick to the road, the Maddens that I looked at looked good, they were bright yellow and had options to stick small stuff in the outer pockets. Have not actually tested it's waterproofness though, as I said, I had to return mine..

Jay

I received a set of Madden panniers but it was incompatible with my rack (an Old Man Mountain Cold Spring front rack). These were the smaller Madden Cyclelite Fronts.. The reason I returned them was because the hook system uses one hook n the center and two smaller ones on the sides for stability. Well, the cold springs has a top shelf that prohibits the center hook from attaching to the rack and there isn't enough length to shift it, so it's not compatible. I complained to Adv-Cycling and they took it back. I was told by AC that Madden has changed the hook system but I have no way of verifying this as I bought another set of Carradice bags for the front. Check that before you buy the panniers. Personally, I perfer two latches that securly lock on the bar rather than one, but then I do some off road touring too. If you stick to the road, the Maddens that I looked at looked good, they were bright yellow and had options to stick small stuff in the outer pockets. Have not actually tested it's waterproofness though, as I said, I had to return mine..

Jay

Thanks Jay!

I have a Jandd Expedition rear rack. The folks at Russi (Madden) assured me that they would work. I'm just having a hard time choosing which panniers to buy when I have to make my choice based on pictures from the web. Nobody within reasonable driving distance has any Arkel, Madden, Ortlieb, or Vaude that I can actually look at. I was just trying to get other people's input who have actually used some of the products I'm considering.

Anybody using Adventure Cycling panniers or Madden panniers? If so what kind of experience have you had with them?

I have a pair of Maddens. I forget which model. Pretty basic, heavy duty (MTB model), single compartment, and pretty small (~1500cu.in. each). I use them mostly for commuting but I have also used them for a number of 2-week tours.

I've been a lurker here long enough and thought I'd put in my .02 on this. In Sep I did a credit card tour with a buddy in the PNW. He had Madden Cyclelites and the only problem I noticed was with full panniers the outside pockets were useless as they didn't bellow. After much research (Madden, Ortlileb, Vaude) I bought/used the Arkels (T42) and recently purchased the matching T22. Very pleased with my decision as they seem to be bombproof. I also have the Jandd rack.

I've been a lurker here long enough and thought I'd put in my .02 on this. In Sep I did a credit card tour with a buddy in the PNW. He had Madden Cyclelites and the only problem I noticed was with full panniers the outside pockets were useless as they didn't bellow. After much research (Madden, Ortlileb, Vaude) I bought/used the Arkels (T42) and recently purchased the matching T22. Very pleased with my decision as they seem to be bombproof. I also have the Jandd rack.

After getting feedback this forum, another listserv I'm subscribed to and private emails I've now pretty much decided on buying the Arkel's. I just have to decide if I need the t42 or the t54.

Thanks for your input!