where to buy montbell panniers
 

hi, I am in search of panniers for my MTB, several month ago I read a big travel log somewhere, and the biker was using montell panniers and it looked great in the picture. But I just can't find anything on Monbell panniers, the brand montbell seems to be from Japan, but from their website, I just can't find any panniers.

- does any one use this pannier and would recommend it? Where do you buy it anyway?

Montbell used to sell cagoules too, but they've become a 'boutique' outdoor gear manufacturer in their several reincarnations since the company was founded back in the late 70s -early 80's.

I believe one of the reasons Montbell is available again in the US was a hidden distribution deal thru REI that fell apart....

Jim Nelson at promountainsports is a Montbell dealer, you might want to send him an email, but I seriously doubt Montbell is going to reenter the pannier market. www.promountainsports.com

Jim's site is a great resource for ultralight gear, and the shelter and sleeping bag info translates very well into the cycling world.

anyone remember Cyclesmith gear from the bike division of Mountainsmith? That was some bomber gear, but it just didn't meet the sales goals of the company so the division was scrapped.

I think I read the same travel log. I looked up MontBell then and found nothing about panniers. One of the yuppie ski shops here in VT sell Montbell clothing, thier stuff isn't anything to get excited over.Here is their website

Here you go (translated version of the Japanese site): https://www2.montbell.com/english/as...at=4402&page=3
I live in Japan and I'm pretty familiar with Montbell stuff. It's interesting that they're marketing themselves as boutique stuff overseas--it's just a regular, pretty good outdoor gear brand here in Japan. Anyway, as far as panniers go, I've seen them up close a number of times and they're just Ortlieb copies, but more expensive. I'd say go with Ortliebs.
Cheers,
Tom in Osaka

Thanks for all the replies guys, and thanks Tom for the link. I converted the prices on the website, as expected they are quite expensive, more than what I can afford anyway. But they sure look nice, they have a square shape which is what I like. But I guess due to the price and availablity I will most likely go for Ortliebs. I have yet to see them in person, but I am sure they are of good quality as so many recommend it. Maybe it is just me, butI don't exactly like the shape of Ortliebs, I don't understand when it is wider at the top and narrows down to the bottom. For me, it would just be nature to have a square shaped design as seen on the montbells.

Hi erli,
The tapered shape of many panniers is to avoid your heel kicking the bottom while you pedal. If you've got a bike with a long wheel base you may not need this, but if you're planning to use a mt bike, it's a good idea. Ortliebs get good reviews. I have a set of Arkel panniers I like very much. They're pretty pricey though. You may want to check out the Arkel website and look at the Utility Bucket (/basket?) among others. It's cheap, solid and although it's designed to be a city pannier, I've used mine on tours and it's good. good luck,
tom

I got lucky on Ebay for my Arkels and frequently see Ortliebs, Jandd, Arkel on there, lightly used from one trip.