Mec pannier
 

Mec has some great prices on panniers, even considering the state of the US dollar. $95 for the 52 Litre bags and $69 for the 40L. Has anyone had any experience or recommendation with these panniers?
http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Pr...9830595690.jpg

One thing that I wonder about is the hook system that they come with. It kind of looks like the hooks may be some sort of plastic. Do they last?

http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Pr...9830473591.jpg

Finally, anyone have any idea what the duty is on bringing these into the US?

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_l...=1194737664877

From my experience with MEC Panniers I would recommend them. They are nearly industructable and even if something does go wrong they are good about repairs and returns. My only problem is that the hooks which came with them aren't long enough so I had to buy extra long ones. MEC products would have been an amazing deal with the exchange rate years back.

bump... anyone else?

I've had my MEC panniers for twelve years, and they still work great. Last year, when I bought my recumbent, I had to exchange the original hooks for the ones in the picture you provided, because the original hooks wouldn't fit on the larger tube of the new rack. I've used them on two tours so far without problem.

MEC panniers are very good for the price. I've been using a pair handed down to me from my sister which are now in their teens, and just bought another set for the front of the bike lately, the new ones look to be even better.

As for the hooks, they're a lot more robust than they look in the picture and hold up very well. You may need a replacement hook kit if your rack is thicker than average, or you may need new bottom hooks if your rack is too tall for those ones. MEC has both types available, so there's no fuss over finding a fix if you do encounter a problem.

They're not as fancy as some other offerings, but they serve quite well.

Anyone else have problems with the SNAP at the bottom (to hold the two together when off bike)? It's in a ridiculous spot, flicks in the spokes constantly. Need a solution or a return.

I know what you mean about it being close to the spokes. I just tuck mine back behind the compression strap. Seems to do the trick. I have also considered just cutting off. To each their own I guess, but I don't use mine nearly often enough to consider it being an issue I would return them over.

I've been using their paniers over the years. Good stuff. Was in the store today and they had some new not-MEC paniers that were a lot like Otlieb.

I'm using MEC panniers. I've got the waterproof panniers and they have been well worth the money spent. The hook system is solid. Even on rough trails the panniers don't come loose.

I use MEC for a lot of cycling and camping gear. So far I haven't had any problems with the quality of their products.

http://www.vaude.de/hps/upload/cmi24...33_DEFAULT.jpg

MEC is selling Vaude panniers in Calgary - perhaps that's what you saw?

What kind of price is on the Vaude you have showing 50L ?

Not sure I can check what they are selling and at what price next time I'm in MEC. It won't be cheap and I'd buy Ortlieb over Vaude every time given they are in the same price bracket.

MEC paniers are great... besides being very well made their return policy is as good as it gets.

100% satisfaction or they will replace the item or refund your money.