Panniers- Left or Right
12-01-13, 05:10 AM
#26
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A shopping bag style (open top) pannier works better for me ergonomically on the right side. Conventional panniers with a flap that opens to the outside work better for me on the left side, which is the side I mount/dismount on. Other than these ergonomics, there are no significant considerations for me.
12-01-13, 06:23 AM
#27
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Left side, only because that was where I first tried it and adjusted the bag accordingly. But now that I think about it, I wouldn't want it on the chain side because of the likelihood of brushing up against the chain with my pants.
12-01-13, 08:18 AM
#28
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Another Left Side/Traffic Side user.
I've gotten away from using my pannier(s) on the rear wheel rack since I went with the Xootr Crossrack (which conveniently places one pannier behind the seat, mounted off the seat post, in the centerline of the bike), but when I did run one conventional rack pannier, it was left side for reasons of visibility, parking (always chain wall side) and because I'm a left-foot "landing gear" guy, so it balanced better at stops.
I've gotten away from using my pannier(s) on the rear wheel rack since I went with the Xootr Crossrack (which conveniently places one pannier behind the seat, mounted off the seat post, in the centerline of the bike), but when I did run one conventional rack pannier, it was left side for reasons of visibility, parking (always chain wall side) and because I'm a left-foot "landing gear" guy, so it balanced better at stops.
12-01-13, 08:46 AM
#30
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Really surprised at how many people ride with panniers on the right!
I always use the left side so the pannier's reflective materials and additional blinker are clearly seen in traffic, and also because IMO drivers seem to leave some extra room with the pannier sticking out.
I always use the left side so the pannier's reflective materials and additional blinker are clearly seen in traffic, and also because IMO drivers seem to leave some extra room with the pannier sticking out.
12-01-13, 08:49 AM
#31
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Left FTW
12-01-13, 09:46 AM
#32
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Left, to make my cycle look visually larger on the side that traffic will pass me on. And it also keeps it away from the chain.
Although a recumbent trike doesn't exactly need help in that regard. I don't really get treated any differently with or without panniers.
Although a recumbent trike doesn't exactly need help in that regard. I don't really get treated any differently with or without panniers.
12-01-13, 08:03 PM
#33
Full Member
Left side. Three reasons:
1. May decrease the tendency to see me as at the position of the tires.
2. Less gunk on my pannier from the chain, cogs, etc.
3. I can squeeze between a guard rail and a rumble-strip easier at a couple key locations on my commute.
PS. I rubbed the rail with my right pannier once (carrying two) and it's amazing how little contact was needed to wear a hole in the pannier.
1. May decrease the tendency to see me as at the position of the tires.
2. Less gunk on my pannier from the chain, cogs, etc.
3. I can squeeze between a guard rail and a rumble-strip easier at a couple key locations on my commute.
PS. I rubbed the rail with my right pannier once (carrying two) and it's amazing how little contact was needed to wear a hole in the pannier.
12-02-13, 03:47 PM
#34
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Same side as your "landing gear". Most cyclists prefer to put down one foot over the other at a stop. This is what I call the "landing gear" side.
When carrying heavier loads, this keeps the bike leaning towards you at a stop, rather than trying to fall away from you. This also meansthat when starting again, your first pedal stroke is opposite the weight of the pannier--easier balance. When running two panniers, keep the heavier of the two on the "landing gear" side.
When carrying heavier loads, this keeps the bike leaning towards you at a stop, rather than trying to fall away from you. This also meansthat when starting again, your first pedal stroke is opposite the weight of the pannier--easier balance. When running two panniers, keep the heavier of the two on the "landing gear" side.
12-02-13, 06:09 PM
#35
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Interesting - I haven't tried 1 pannier yet, but I always assumed I would put it on my left so it was on the road side (for reflective material, something for cars to see, etc). Now I wonder if right would make more sense as I always put my right foot down when stopping. Will have to try it out once I get my new panniers and rack.
I just think people are making too big of deal out of this!!
12-02-13, 06:28 PM
#36
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I've used both and one on either side. I found that running one bag on the left did nothing for getting buzzed on narrow/shoulder-less roads with an equal non-effect for running a right side bag. I never worried about getting gunk on the right bag because wiping it off is a non-issue. Generally, the most significant aspect I encountered was having to counter balance heavier loads when taking off from a stop (someone mentioned above that this is nearly never an issue for most riders, but he must have forgotten those who carry groceries on their bicycles...especially when you throw a six pack in there).
I stopped running panniers at all because as I decreased weight to only one bag, I realized that I could just strap a backpack on. My bike handles better (especially when dodging potholes or tire-swallowing cracks that I didn't notice early enough to cruise around) and when I dismount my gear comes with me, sans the suitcase-carry.
I stopped running panniers at all because as I decreased weight to only one bag, I realized that I could just strap a backpack on. My bike handles better (especially when dodging potholes or tire-swallowing cracks that I didn't notice early enough to cruise around) and when I dismount my gear comes with me, sans the suitcase-carry.
Last edited by jfowler85; 12-02-13 at 06:42 PM.
12-03-13, 08:57 AM
#38
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12-03-13, 10:07 AM
#39
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Left side. I keep a fairly tall kickstand on my bike, so it is just barely off of straight. If I put something heavy in the pannier, it doesn't topple over. I use double panniers while touring (and when my name is drawn for our department's Friday breakfast). One time, while camping, I unloaded the left side first and the load on the right side pulled my bike to the ground.
(edit) For most commutes, I don't have much in the pannier, so it probably wouldn't matter. The biggest load I occasionally need to accommodate is a gallon of milk on my way home.
(edit) For most commutes, I don't have much in the pannier, so it probably wouldn't matter. The biggest load I occasionally need to accommodate is a gallon of milk on my way home.
12-03-13, 03:19 PM
#40
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Left side. Mostly because it just felt right, but also because I wanted the additional reflective material on the traffic side and I park my bike with the right side up against the wall at home. As I read through the comments I realized I also 'land' on that side of the bike, which is perhaps why it felt natural.
12-03-13, 05:20 PM
#42
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Left side because it just feels better to me. I put lightweight stuff in a trunk bag.
12-03-13, 05:42 PM
#43
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Depends on the time of year.
In winter, bringing boots/sweaters/jeans to work, plus food = need two panniers oftentimes, especially if going to the store after work.
If using one I usually use the left one because I don't want to move my repair kit, wallet, extra keys, pump, other miscellany from one bag to the other.
But I try to use the right one every so often so the wear is more even on both the bags and my rack. It's amazing what rain and grit will wear into after 1.5 years.
In winter, bringing boots/sweaters/jeans to work, plus food = need two panniers oftentimes, especially if going to the store after work.
If using one I usually use the left one because I don't want to move my repair kit, wallet, extra keys, pump, other miscellany from one bag to the other.
But I try to use the right one every so often so the wear is more even on both the bags and my rack. It's amazing what rain and grit will wear into after 1.5 years.
12-04-13, 04:08 PM
#44
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This is exactly my reasoning as well. I'm using kittier I made myself, so I could have put reflective material all around for mounting either side, but I decided since I always keep it on the left, I only need to put reflection on one side (reflective strips cut off a road-found hwy/construction vest and duct-taped on)
I have eBayed a 5' roll of 3M Conspicuity adhesive tape, and I plan on slicing it into an attention-getting design, which I will stick onto only the face which is rearward when left-mounted.
I have eBayed a 5' roll of 3M Conspicuity adhesive tape, and I plan on slicing it into an attention-getting design, which I will stick onto only the face which is rearward when left-mounted.
12-05-13, 05:50 PM
#45
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when I ran one I ran it in the left. not really sure why, no reason I guess. I ended up running two most of the time Amway just in case I unexpectedly needed to carry extra, and when you already have a rack, an extra, empty pannier doesn't really weigh anything.
um, I realize this probably doesn't matter unless you are carrying really heavy loads, but a properly set up kick stand will always be more stable with the heavy load on the same side as it leans, the left side.
not sure how both of you came to the opposite conclusion.
Right side. Sometime I feel like I ought to have it on the left for reasons mentioned above (buffer from traffic?, reflective accents on the pannier...) but I keep it on the right anyways. My reasons for keeping it on the right are that I mount my bike from the left side, so I don't kick my pannier when I swing my leg over. Also, from experience, I have learned that when the bike goes down in a crash, the pannier on the right side is more likely to protect the drive train from damage. Lastly, I have a kickstand, so loading/unloading the pannier on the right side of the bike is easier and keeps the bike more balanced when parked on the kickstand.
um, I realize this probably doesn't matter unless you are carrying really heavy loads, but a properly set up kick stand will always be more stable with the heavy load on the same side as it leans, the left side.
not sure how both of you came to the opposite conclusion.
12-05-13, 05:57 PM
#46
Banned
Full of groceries and liquor a pannier is not light. + my parking spot in my house it leans to the left to the wall.
so hanging the 2 panniers in one goes on the right.
\do WTF you want./
so hanging the 2 panniers in one goes on the right.
not sure how both of you came to the opposite conclusion.
Last edited by fietsbob; 12-05-13 at 06:36 PM.
12-05-13, 06:32 PM
#47
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when I ran one I ran it in the left. not really sure why, no reason I guess. I ended up running two most of the time Amway just in case I unexpectedly needed to carry extra, and when you already have a rack, an extra, empty pannier doesn't really weigh anything.
um, I realize this probably doesn't matter unless you are carrying really heavy loads, but a properly set up kick stand will always be more stable with the heavy load on the same side as it leans, the left side.
not sure how both of you came to the opposite conclusion.
um, I realize this probably doesn't matter unless you are carrying really heavy loads, but a properly set up kick stand will always be more stable with the heavy load on the same side as it leans, the left side.
not sure how both of you came to the opposite conclusion.
12-06-13, 11:08 AM
#48
Full Member
I lean my bike on the left side at work and home, so when only one pannier is employed, it goes on the right.
12-06-13, 12:41 PM
#49
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I put a single pannier on the L side away from the chain, derailleurs, gears.
More recently I've switched to using an XL trunk bag with zip-out panniers. That lets me center the load better so there is less sway on my quick-release beam rack. Most of the time I can fit all my stuff in the trunk bag don't need to open out the panniers. It's enough cargo space for light commutes to work.
More recently I've switched to using an XL trunk bag with zip-out panniers. That lets me center the load better so there is less sway on my quick-release beam rack. Most of the time I can fit all my stuff in the trunk bag don't need to open out the panniers. It's enough cargo space for light commutes to work.
12-06-13, 01:36 PM
#50
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Right. If I put it on the left, the bike would tip over on the kick stand. On the right it's sitting partly over the wheel contact patch.
The "buffer" thing is silly - it doesn't stick out any farther than your leg and pedal do.
The "buffer" thing is silly - it doesn't stick out any farther than your leg and pedal do.
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