Utility Cycling - REI Novara Round Town Panniers

Has anyone used these much? I just picked up a pair yesterday and am impressed so far. Easy adjustment for installation, nice fold up feature and large capacity. I like the design of the quick release mounting system too. IMO they also look a lot better when either folded up or open than the wire folding pannier baskets I have seen.

I have a set that I really like, too. My only complaint has been that I cannot use my standard trunk bag along with them because the panniers sit up too high, and the trunk bag spills over the sides of the rack. But, to address that issue, I got a skinnier trunk bag that sits between the two bags, for times when I want both the panniers and a trunk bag. But that doesn't happen all that often anyway.
On my previous bike, the higher profile of the panniers (because they're so boxy) meant that I had heel strike issues when I used them, but I still found them handy enough to use. On my new bike (LHT) I've used them a few times and have noticed no heel strike issues.
They are certainly good for groceries, and I've used them for picnics and other general hauling, especially when my top rack is being used for something other than my trunk bag.
And the other day I found that just having the panniers in place creates a large, flat-ish area on the back of my bike for certain awkward loads. I used the panniers to get a 25lb bag of dog food home, not by putting it in the panniers, but by laying it across the tops. The panniers themselves had only a few odds and ends, but they helped steady the load considerably.

I have one that I keep on my commuting bike all the time in case I need to stop and pick something up. the rest of the time it just hangs on folded up, I keep my cable, lock and reusable grocery bag in it. I mounted on one of the two rail Topeak rear racks so my MTX trunk (for lunch, book, sun glasses and wallet) can just slide on and off and I put my Arkel commuter pannier on the other side (for clothing and laptop). It's a pretty nice setup, I use my Xtracycle when I know I am going to carry something large or really heavy. but it is definitely nice to be able to stop any time and pick up some groceries or carry something unexpected home from work, and it stays out of the way when you don't need it.

I mounted on one of the two rail Topeak rear racks so my MTX trunk (for lunch, book, sun glasses and wallet) can just slide on and off and I put my Arkel commuter pannier on the other side (for clothing and laptop).

There's a two rail MTX rack? That could solve my clearance issues with the 'Round-town panniers. Thanks for the heads up.

There's a two rail MTX rack? That could solve my clearance issues with the 'Round-town panniers. Thanks for the heads up.

Yeah it's called the Tourist Pro I think. It's available outside the US as a regular mount, and the only on in available in the US is the disc brake version. I bought it and used a hack saw to cut of the extenders, and then realized it came with longer screws that will allow you to mount the disc brake rack on a non-disc bike.

it's a pretty nice rack all things (like price) considered, I think I got it for $40 shipped.

Looks like it may now be called the "Super Tourist DX"
http://www.topeak.com/products/Racks

This is good to know. I'm going to go searching for this rack. And add it to the long list of things I want to buy for my bike...