lone peak panniers
 

looking to buy a new set of panniers, i've been checking the lone peaks, deuters and the ortliebs, any experience with these would be helpful!

I've used the Ortliebs and have been very happy with them.

I use Vaudes which are like the Ortliebs but a few bucks cheaper, These are the only two pannier systems that I know don't need raincovers to stay dry. I have heard Nashbar has a roll top pannier like the ortlieb that works very well but I have never seen it.Some folks don't like Ortliebs and Vaudes because they have no pockets Pockets on panniers are nice but zippers leak (even the waterproof ones). I've seen the lone peaks advertised on Ebay a lot but I don't know anyone that owns them. Arkel is a popular pannier made in Canada, lots of pockets but again be sure to get the rain covers I'm told thier waterproof zippers leak also.

http://www.panniers.com/index.asp ( for arkel)

I'm partial to *standard* panel loading cordura bags with rain covers...Robert Beckman World Tour...similar to the Lone Peak offerings. Loading and sorting thru gear just seems simpler and more efficient, and I've never complained about sliding on the rain covers when needed. To be fair, I haven't toured with the roll-top bags but the design appears a bit clumsy.

...for the Ortlieb users...

Waterproofing is a two way street, correct? How does one keep the inside of the bags "fresh" on a long tour? Is mildew a problem?

Scott

Check out LanceRushing.com. They have a nice comparison of all panniers with specs., and reviews. I've had my Arkel panniers for about a year and use them all the time for commuting.

It would make sense that mildew could be a problem during wet humid weather in a waterproof bag. My tent and sleeping bag I keep in the front two panniers but they come out everyday when I tour. Wet or damp clothing I keep sealed in a plastic bag so it doesn't stink up the contents of the panniers. I think mildew becomes a problem when your *housekeeping* is poor.

diffintly take a look at the arkels very very well made, worth the money

My friend used Lone Peaks for two cross country tours and touring around Europe. I have been looking at them as well. From what I have seen they are good mid-grade panniers.

I like Arkel's mounting system, but you can't beat the Lone Peaks from what baysell.com offers them for. They are on my Xmas list if anyone wants to drop me a present. :) If you are into a waterproof bag they have good prices on Ortliebs too, but I want multiple pockets.

I have 3 sets of Lone Peaks. A large for the rear and small for the front. I move the front bags to the rear rack on my commuter bike when not touring. I also have grocery panniers that I use for my local shopping.

The grade of the pannier is middle of the road. They do have an excellent mounting system though with locking hooks around the racks. A previous set of panniers occasionally came off when hitting an unexpected bump.

I would get the Lone Peaks again.

We are in the market for some new panniers. In starting to check things out, I have discovered that all the "improvement" in pannier technology since we last bought bags (20 years ago, or so) have made the bags heavier.

The 2200 cu. in. panniers we are seeking to replace weight 2# 10 oz per pair. Comparable Arkel bags weight 5.7# (!!) Some other panniers in this size range weighted 4.5# another pair weighted 4#.

So, all the weight I saved by buying new bikes a couple years ago will get negated by heavier panniers?

I am not sure I need ballistic cloth and whatever else makes modern panniers so heavy. At least Lone Peak bags appear to be in the weight range of our old bags.

I was humored to note that their (Lone Peak's) web site talks about checking out their 2001-02 catalog. Had me wondering if they were still in business.

Mike
Juneau Alaska

You might want to check out the Deuter 2500cu.in. panniers on ebay: $75 for the pair, 3lb 5oz, Ortlieb Quicklock 1 mounting system, includes rain covers. I especially like the styling of these bags!

I don't have any experience with this brand. Can anyone comment?

I use Lone Peak front types on the rear for commuting. Very satisfied.