Touring - Pannier reviews?

where can I find some?

Basically, because I'm looking for some sub $100 gear (preferable around $70) and wanted to find some reviews before I buy.

Specifically, about the waterproof-ness of this:
http://www.amazon.com/Avenir-Excursion-Large-Panniers-Inches/product-reviews/B00165Q4QM/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?ie=UTF8&coliid=&showViewpoints=1&colid=&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
(it doesn't say if a rain cover is included, can I buy those somewhere else?)


Any recommendations for cheap bags (I don't mind using rain covers, you have to cut corners somewhere)

Am I going to find anything better than this?
http://www.amazon.com/Axiom-40-Litre-Lasalle-Front-Pannier/dp/B001C47B8W/ref=pd_ybh_5?pf_rd_p=280800601&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1501&pf_rd_i=ybh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1ZX3SN94B5AV07EHT5JP

While you're looking, check out this one. I used Sunlite panniers for 4 years with zero problems, but not this model. The one in the link is somewhere in size between the Avenir and the Axiom. http://www.rei.com/product/796868 (http://www.rei.com/product/796868).
No rain cover.

I just received a pair of Axiom Lasalles and am disappointed in their weight, though they do seem tough and well made. Notice the shipping weight difference between them and the Avenirs. They overbuilt the stiffening back plates IMO, thus the extra weight. They do come with rain covers.

BTW, if you aren't too particular about looks, trash compactor bags make perfectly adequate rain covers for panniers. For most tours, they are rarely needed.

I don't know about reviews, but check out the Detours panniers for nice models that cost less than $100. I haven't used or even seen them, but photos look nice on their web site and the prices are very reasonable.

those sunlite ones look great, I was just at REI last week and was surprised that they didn't have any. any other opinions?

This guy has seen them all.http://LanceRushing.com

Most people who review lower cost panniers have never used premium grade models. Ive used both and buying a set of Carradice Super-C panniers 15 years ago was an investment well worth it.
Woven nylon has very poor waterproofness over the long term. The Polyurathane menbranes membranes wear away after a few months of use. You can respray the surface beading but treatments only last a few weeks. Some high grades of Cordura can last. Ortleib style welded polyester and Carradice style cotton canvas are both proven durable materials.
Points to look for in any pannier are.
Tough fabric that does not flap around.
Tough but lightweight stiffening board on back AND base. Cardboard, hardboard or metal are unsuitable. Corrugated plastic (correx) is ideal.
Shaped for a heel cutout so you can mount it further forward than a square-cut shape.
A modern locking, quick-release mounting system, NOT hook and elastic or velcro.

Zips are the first point of failure. I prefer flap top which can be overloaded. The roll-top models are all expensive and totally waterproof.
Too many pockets add stitching and zips which are points of weakness. I like a single external pocket and a large main compartment.

first make sure you need BIG panniers, if you don't, don't get them. I'd rather have basic Jandd economy panniers with leakable cordura than something that weighs twice as much and can carry more than I need. I'm familiar with Ortliebs and the Jandd basic hooks. Not familiar with the Axioms or other high features/low cost panniers. While not as convenient the Jandd have held on in a big endover crash. If you don't need big panniers the 25liter Ortlieb Classic rollers are $118 from the touring store, the 30liter Classic Packers are $143.

I have the Axiom Monsoon front panniers and they are pretty darn nice for the price. The typhoon Axiom is a rear pannier and can be found on Amazon as well. It's under $100 for the pair and are also very waterproof. Decent value for a pretty rugged set. As rugged as my Ortlieb set.. just not as fancy.

linky... http://www.amazon.com/Axiom-Typhoon-Pannier-Yellow-Black/dp/B0028YAKZG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1263751676&sr=1-2

If you want cheap and not the biggest around, there's the Sunlite Traveler 1 that I have on one bicycle. They're just large enough for a grocery bag and each side. Haha, that's nice.

I have some dhb panniers from wiggle, the little clip to hold the bag against the rack got lost (on both bags!) but a bungee cord sorts that out. The top clips are pretty good and the bag is 100% waterproof. Overall for the price I paid (about £35) I am happy with them.

Don't forget to consider buying some Ortliebs used. I got a pair of the front roller plus panniers for a steal on craigslist a couple of years ago.

I've looked at the portland, OR craigslist and they don't even have anything I want

I used the typhoon/monsoon by axiom.... they are well built and have convenient pockets. They draw back is the attachment, which is a primitive bungee. The upside to this is that it is easily field repaired. The down side is that they are not as secure as the ortlieb like designs. They work well for road, but I would be more hesitant for off road travel. For the price well worth it.

Another happy Typhoon user here. I used to have a set of "Trans-It" panniers from Performance that fell apart after a few months - terrible stuff. I bought the Axiom Typhoons to replace them and paid about $90 for the pair.

I've been really impressed with their quality and waterproofness (I live in Portland). They also won't stink up your clothes with plastic smell like the cheaper panniers - they are virtually odorless. They are well-designed, well-made, and have withstood about six months of abuse from me and my commute so far. I wouldn't hesitate to take a set on a cross-country tour.

I like the bungee on the back actually, because it makes the panniers easy to take on and off the bike. I haven't had any problems with them coming loose, despite my bumpy and partially off-road commute.

There is a section for pannier reviews on crazyguyonabike:

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/reviews/board/?board_id=3571

Neil

Whoa, Neil posts on BF!

And I might just buy Nashbar waterproof panniers at the recommendation of the CGoaB review....... all four bags for under $90, holy cow

ok, so these Nashbar panniers are too good to be true, I'm buying a front rack and front panniers for $50. I'm testing them out before buying the rear. Are there any current updates on the Nashbar credit card fraud issues? is it safe to buy from nashbar?

Regarding the credit card issue, most companies will issue you a temporary credit card number if you call them or log in to your account on the web. This will give you a 'one time use' number that either expires after a period (say 24 hours) or can literally only be charged one time. The details of this functionality depend on the credit card company, but it may be worth checking in to if you're concerned. I'm not sure about the fraud issue to which you refer, however.

hmmm, seems like all that fraud was happening last summer. I remember people talking about it here on BF a while ago too. I guess its safe now, all the reports are from people that bought stuff in the first half of last year